Shotshell pressures circa 1906

[Bob Hardison]

Thanks Dr. Hause. A great example of how we were bombarded with nonsense about twist and Damascus barrels. I have a late model 1911 with Damascus frame and slide from a reputable manufacturer. Obviously they do not believe the hogwash that has been associated with composite iron and steel. Bob

[Bruce Day]

That statement from Lou Smith was repeated as gospel by the uncritical outdoor writers. Its one that I am aware that researchers today have tried to find the test data without success. Smith's statement is inconsistent with modern tests and with his own company's statements to the public not many years before.

I don't know, and it would be interesting to know, when Mr Smith became an executive of Ithaca. It would be interesting to find that he was there when the company was representing to the public that its Damascus guns were "guaranteed not to shoot loose with any nitro powder" and that Ithaca barrels "insur(ed) absolute safety to the shooter".

Bob, can you post photos of the 1911? I'd love to see it. I have posted photos of a Win. Mod 1897 here before with Damascus barrel.

[Dean Romig]

As it always has been and ever shall be - "Money Talks" and the truth walks.

Everyone has their price. I wonder what (amount) made him tell such a bald-faced lie?

[Drew Hause]

Bob: Is the 1911 Damasteel?
http://www.damasteel.com/

Damasteel Purdey



Bruce: this may be your 1897

[Bruce Day]

Well it is, yes. It was owned then by Buck Hamlin , then sold at Tulsa and now owned by a PGCA member here. It is a great and highly interesting gun, one which quite a few Winchester collectors were not aware existed. Another PGCA member here has an even better one, that one being the black diamond grade with extra fancy wood, checkering and a take down model. That gun cost three times the price of a standard fluid steel barreled Mod 1897.

[Drew Hause]

1902 H.H. Kiffe catalog courtesy of Gary Cripps
"The barrel of this gun has been proved with 9 1/2 drams of powder, and 2 1/2 ounces of shot."
I believe that would include the booby trap Damascus barrel

[Bob Hardison]

Bruce and Dr Hause. Yes, the frame and slide of this 1911 is Damasteel from Sweden I believe and made by Caspian. I will get photos this weekend and post. Wow, never seen a Purdey but that photo shows one of the most unusual and beautiful shotguns I've seen (excluding Parkers of course). They probably furnish non-nitro shells because of the Damascus. Bob

[Drew Hause]

Bob: Rapid Solidified Powder (RSP) Martensitic Stainless Steel can be treated to a tensile strength of about 5000 MPa = >700,000 psi so your 1911 will likely survive the apocalypse

[Drew Hause]

Interesting timing Just ran into this propaganda

“The Winchester Model 97” by Pete Dickey in the Feb. 1985 American Rifleman
Damascus barrels were regularly offered up until 1914 [but] cannot be considered “Smokeless Powder” guns.

I guess 9 1/2 drams of powder, and 2 1/2 ounces of shot was not adequate proof

[Bob Hardison]

Bruce: Damascus photos attached. Damascus slide, hammer & mainspring housing only. I built 3 of these several years ago, test fired & disassembled for finish application. Interest now returned & will probably proceed. Other photos are a 40 cal double stack I built for USPSA, an early aluminum frame Kimber & an Ed Brown Kobra.

Look forward to your Pheasant Fest update. Bob