The Myth is strong

[David Noble]

Barrel thickness and condition being equal, are the Parker Twist, Plain Twist, Stub Twist and Laminated barrels "generally" as strong as the Damascus barrels or should greater care be used in selecting pressure and velocity for those, ?

[Parker Bachelder (Brad's Profile)]

David

We have not performed destructive testing to chart specific hardness or steel composition. The gauges that we use are machinability, dent raising, striking, polishing, and contrast at initial etching. Higher grade steel is more difficult to machine and shows less contrast at etch. Softer steel is easily machined and shows bold contrast at etch.
Based on these observations I would rate in descending order: Laminated, Damascus, stub twist, plain twist, Parker twist.

Brad