Thinking about going Damascus

[Dean Romig]

I suspect if those Damascus barrels were faulty they would certainly have known it at 1,200 BAR.
This just reinforces my belief in the inherent strength of pattern-welded barrels.
Thanks Drew!





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[Dean Romig]

I agree 100% Steve.





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[Drew Hause]

Craig: I have the American Rifleman Author and Subject Index 1951-1960 and it does not list an article by Ackley regarding Damascus barrels.
A Google search for 'P.O. Ackley on Damascus Barrels' found nothing.
There is a long opinion piece by E.H. Harrison in the January 1956 "Dope Bag" which repeats the (now disproven) idea of hidden internal corrosion, flaws and inclusions making Damascus barrels intrinsically unsafe.

[Stepmac]

I shoot a Parker GH with damascus barrels. Also an LC Smith O grade. I shoot them like a shoot any shotgun. Things have been working fine so far.

[Mills]

As hard to believe as it is, the Damascus mythology was a well orchestrated hoax.

[Craig Larter]

But for the collector/shooter of Damascus Parker's they still bring a discount to steel barreled examples which is a added bonus for those of us that prefer Damascus.

[Harry Collins]

After Sherman Bell blew up Dr Gaddy"s and my Parkers I shoot twist, Damascus, and Fluid Steel Parkers without trepidation. All 12 gauge guns are shot with 1oz or less @ 1200 fps or below. These are off the shelf Winchester and other brands. One of my favorite Parkers is an 1881 (144 years old) 12 gauge Lifter with Twist barrels. I beat Will Curlin left handed with it shooting WW 1oz @ 1180 fps. As far as #1 Frame Parkers, I have three. If I'm shooting a round of Spoeting Clays I like 7/8 os loads as there is less muzzle rise. Fiocchi Exacta Target Line Low Recoil 12 Gauge 2-3/4 #8 Shot 7/8oz Lead 1200fps