WOW!! Sure doesn’t look like Damascus to me ??

[Greg Miller CTGunLaw]

?Handloads that don't and fire only the primer can leave the wad about that position. Seems like I see it more in winter league shoots. If gun goes poof rather than bang need to check those barrels. A shame. I am very fond of 16s. Will bring a PH16 with 30" twist on a 1 frame to waldron. Wonderful little gun.

[Austin W Hogan]

I would expect that barrel failed due to mud or snow in the muzzle. However, we should not bury our heads in the sand; the straight longitudinal tear may be the result of a couple of extra strokes in shaping the barrel plus years of use. It is a good idea to measure thickness at many points, and to frequently inspect for waviness or deformation of barrels.

Happy New Year

Austin