Damascus Barrels-Shooting Sportsman

[Bruce Day]

The Sept-Oct 2015 issue of Shooting Sportsman magazine has an interesting article about the barrelman who is doing the Damascus work for Greener in those few shot guns that become available. The guns are made with old, raw tubes that were retained in stock. The article describes the process of barrel filing, boring, chambering and fitting, and the time consuming process of working with Damascus. Of interest is the price of these Greener guns, which are the price of a new Lamborghini, which I take is costly indeed.

We are fortunate in that Parker and other top American makers used top quality Damascus barrels, and prices for mid level ( D grade) or even high level Parkers with Damascus barrels are cheap by comparison. Some are even small bores, and small bore Damascus British game guns would be very difficult to find.

I and many friends are particularly attracted to Damascus barrel Parkers for their attractiveness, and we use them for shooting targets and game without hesitation.

So here are a few photos of Damascus guns. You will see the common 2 and 3 Croille, and the less common Bernard, Chain and Stars and Bars.

[Dean Romig]

For raw pure class nothing even comes close to composite barrels on a fine shotgun.
They lend a 'personality' to a gun that everything else can only complement.

[Mills]

Yes, I was going to post about that article but Bruce beat me to it. One of the more interesting articles I have read lately.

[Parker Bachelder (Brad's Profile)]

Bruce
I agree, great article with the exception of the Brown finish color. I find it interesting that the barrels are proofed the same way they proof fluid steel barrels.

[Bruce Day]

Originally Posted by Brad Bachelder

Bruce
......... I find it interesting that the barrels are proofed the same way they proof fluid steel barrels.

Which was the same way Parker did their proof testing. The last known Damascus barreled Parker was made in 1927 and was proofed using procedures that became the SAAMI standard.

Damascus barreled Parkers and other high end guns are real treasures in my opinion. And real bargains with the price of a new Greener at over $200,000, that looks wonderful but not that much more wonderfuller, if any, than a nice high grade Damascus Parker.

Notice that the Greener barrels are fairly open twist, not the more complex and costly extra fine Damascus or Bernard used by Parker.

I'm going to go hug my Damascus Parkers and Lefever.

[Eric Estes]

Speaking of Greener, I recently read his book "The Gun and It's Development". In my volume it was about page 239 where he spoke at length about the pattern welded barrel types. He made reference to strength/bursting trials the Birmingham proof house conducted of 39 different varieties. English 3 stripe laminated came in first. Some of the fancier patterns were further down the list in this trial. For example he characterized Belgian 6 stripe as "overtwisted" and weakened.

Although I did not know what to make of it all it was very interesting reading and it was clear to me at least that Mr. Greener seemed partial to English barrels and less fancy patterns. There are a couple places in the book where he seems to turn his nose up at some of the fancier patterns Belgium producers would make. He seemed to think it was more about marketing and glitz than functionality. At least that was my take away.

Not that this has any bearing on what the Greener company might be doing today, but I found his assertion that some fancier grade Damascus from Liege and elsewhere might be weaker than other simpler patterns very surprising.

IMO they are all beautiful and I will pick any of them over fluid steel every time.

[GH-16]

I found it to be a very interesting article all around. Damascus barreled guns have become my main focus in collecting over the last few years. I totally agree with Bruce's comments about what nice grades of Damascus Parker used throughout all their grades of guns.

Bruce: Thank you for posting the pictures you post of these Damascus beauties !!!

[Eldon Goddard]

Bruce can you tell me more about the parker with the American flag bunting pattern? Have you ever seen a Parker with chain Damascus? Pattern Welded barrels are true examples of art and craftsmanship.

[Bruce Day]

Early hammer guns particularly lifter action models often had usual Damascus barrels. Stars and bars, American flag bunting , etc.

I have never seen nor have I ever heard reports of chain Damascus on a Parker.

[ch]

Agreed!