Barrel composition of pre 1900 Parkers

[Mills]

Santa is bringing me a back action lifter in the 1,000 serial number range. It has decarbonized steel barrels. Earlier this Fall, I bought what appears to be an early Grade 2 front action lifter in the 1,100 serial number range. It has Damascus barrels. Right now, I don't plan on shooting the back action at all, but keeping it as a collector piece. The front action, I want to get checked out and shoot if ok. I am not far enough along in my knowledge to define "low pressure" other than using RST shells.

Thanks Bruce and Drew for the info.

[Drew Hause]

Mills: I share your apprehension regarding pre-c. 1870 Decarbonized Steel barrels





"Bessemer process homogenous wrought iron" was sourced from Remington Arms. Pages 503 & 504 of The Parker Story state that Parker changed the name to "Plain Steel" as Remington was using the name "Decarbonized" on their newly introduced Model 1873 & 1875/1876 Hammer Lifter doubles.

I am of the opinion that pattern welded barrel quality is assessed based on the over-all quality of the gun; with no intrinsic difference in strength between Twist, Damascus or Laminated Steel based on the 1891 Birmingham Proof House Trial
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1...WMIMkdKr0/edit