12 bore DH damascus

[Craig Larter]

At 9" from the breech I want .040, .030 at 9" is thin IMHO.

[Bill Murphy]

You didn't mention the bore diameters, very important. It is unusual for the outside to be honed, more common to see the bores enlarged. The serial number range also indicates the original bore diameters, early guns often larger bore diameter. The seller could have measured the wall thickness incorrectly and everything could be factory original. You are the final judge of wall thickness. Why would he mention the wall thickness without telling you the bore diameter? Don't give up yet.

[Drew Hause]

A sample of 12g barrels I have measured

1903 Parker Grade 3 2 frame with D4 damascus
9" from breech L & R .045

1913 Sterlingworth
9” from breech L .040 / R .045

1903 Smith 00
9” from breech L .048 / R .049

1906 Smith 00
9” from breech L .044 / R .053

1929 Smith Field
9” from breech L .043 / R .045

1905 Remington 1894 A Damascus
9” from breech L .060 / R .058

The end of the chamber wall thickness is even more critical. Lots of numbers here
http://www.doublegunshop.com/forums/...=379803&page=3

.025 MWT refers to the distal 1/3 of the barrel; usually reported both 9" from the muzzle and MWT location. Factory small bores may have MWT of .020".

[Double Lab]

Murph has hit the nail on the head. Bore diameter is where I always start and to me the most important.

[neill mcinnis]

The measurement for this DH is as follows for the right barrel. Mid of barrel is .038,.038 and .030. For left barrel mid is .037, .038 and .032. The bore measurement is .735. Any further thoughts?

[Drew Hause]

1. What is the chamber length?
2. What is the end of chamber wall thickness?
3. What is the length of the forcing cone ie. have the cones been lengthening?
4. What is the bore at 9"?

The barrels have been inexpertly honed, and the 9" wall thickness is inadequate, esp. for pattern welded barrels.
If you wish to use the gun, it should be with sub-gauge tubes.

[neill mcinnis]

Thanks for the info/thoughts. It is a pretty DH and I wanted to give it every chance I could but I can’t put iron back on. Kind of partial of my hand as well! Keep me in mind if you have a DH with Damascus barrels. See everyone at the Southern.