Buying Damascus Barreled guns

[King Cobb]

So obviously if I know the person I am dealing with from the forum or by reputation it is a lot easier to put stock in them saying barrels are good/safe.

That is what happened when I bought my DH from a fellow PGCA member, however, I know some of you shop online a lot and not always from more verifiable sources-Julia, connecticut shotgun, etc.

My question for those of you who buy regularly online on say gunbroker, is how can ya'll feel confident that the gun you are buying is actually a decent/shootable gun?

This isn't a question of the safety of damascus, my love of shooting my DH has taken all that concern away, but it is more in regards to difficulty of determining condition of barrels on gunbroker or other sources. While I know there can be equal concerns with non damascus barrels, I just seem to be more concerned when looking at Damascus barreled guns then most steel. Plus, I typically only buy colt revolvers on GB anyway.

I am certain part of it is just knowledge and experience, and I am fully in favor of buying from PGCA members, but sometimes what you are looking for might or might not be available....plus PGCA members don't typically offer layaway

Anyway just curious, trying to further extend my meager education, thank ya for your time!

[OH Osthaus]

ask questions

set an inspection period

have the measuring tools


that's about it

[todd allen]

I feel safer with good Damascus, than I do with good steel from the same era.
Keep a trusted gunsmith on speed dial.

[King Cobb]

Again, it isn't a lack of safety with damascus. It is probably more a lack of familiarity and knowledge of the barrels. I have been shooting and taking care of steel barrels for 25+ years, since I got my first BB gun when I was 6 more or less. It is easy for me to spot flaws with a steel barrel. I don't have the same familiarity with damascus.

I am perfectly comfortable shooting a damascus shotgun, my issue is still in determining what is a good barrel vs. one I should walk away from.

[Mills]

What Rick said

[wayne goerres]

If the ad says as is or no warranty or all sales are final run don't walk in the opposite direction. If the seller isn't willing to offer a three day inspection period look else where.

[Bob Hardison]

You or your smith should be able to determine chamber length, bore diameter and barrel wall thickness along with a visual inspection. Choke restriction is a plus. JMHO Bob

[Kensal Rise]

Originally Posted by Bill Holcombe

... my issue is still in determining what is a good barrel vs. one I should walk away from.

To paraphrase a recent US President, that all depends on what your definition of "good" is.

Frankly, you are the only one who can answer that. And most of the time, your answer will be related to pitting, wall thickness, or structural integrity.

If light "shootable" pitting is OK, then that's good. If heavier pitting is OK as long as it can be safely honed out, then that's good. If marginally thin walls are OK then that's good. If barrels that don't ring like the Bells of St. Mary's are OK, then that's good. If lengthened chambers are OK, then that's good. If removable dents or bulges are OK, then that's good.

In short, it all depends on how fussy you are. And how much experience you gain. Unfortunately, a lot of experience costs money.

[Tom]

I am perfectly comfortable shooting a damascus shotgun, my issue is still in determining what is a good barrel vs. one I should walk away from.[/QUOTE]

My thoughts would be get a wall thickness gauge, take your time and learn how to use it properly. A lot of auctions offer a 3 day inspection period, that's plenty of time to feel comfortable or not with your purchase .
There is a ton of info out there on the net about wall thickness and determining the safety of the barrels.
Good luck, Tom

[Brush Buster]

Hello Bill , when buying a Damascus barreled gun on line ,I always contact the seller and explain that I am interested in bidding on his gun and that I own a Hosford Barrel Wall thickness gauge and that if I bid and win the gun ,I would need to have a five day inspection on the gun to take my time and measure the barrels and if the Barrel walls checked out good then I would keep the gun ,so far no one has ever turned me down ,remember these fellows are interested in selling their firearm ! With that said of course everyone wants perfect bores but I prefer pitting to honing and with this gauge if you really take your time you you are able to measure most pits as the tip will drop into the pit ! I am adding a link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jQZn4kohH4 ,to the Hosford Gauge ,they seem expensive but ,the cost is well worth it if you purchase a pricey gun with bad barrels and find out about it later ! Hope this is of interest to you , I am not associated with " Hosford and Co. ,just a consumer that is well pleased with this product ! Best ; Russ