Buying Damascus Barreled guns

[King Cobb]

Again, it isn't a lack of safety with damascus. It is probably more a lack of familiarity and knowledge of the barrels. I have been shooting and taking care of steel barrels for 25+ years, since I got my first BB gun when I was 6 more or less. It is easy for me to spot flaws with a steel barrel. I don't have the same familiarity with damascus.

I am perfectly comfortable shooting a damascus shotgun, my issue is still in determining what is a good barrel vs. one I should walk away from.

[Kensal Rise]

Originally Posted by Bill Holcombe

... my issue is still in determining what is a good barrel vs. one I should walk away from.

To paraphrase a recent US President, that all depends on what your definition of "good" is.

Frankly, you are the only one who can answer that. And most of the time, your answer will be related to pitting, wall thickness, or structural integrity.

If light "shootable" pitting is OK, then that's good. If heavier pitting is OK as long as it can be safely honed out, then that's good. If marginally thin walls are OK then that's good. If barrels that don't ring like the Bells of St. Mary's are OK, then that's good. If lengthened chambers are OK, then that's good. If removable dents or bulges are OK, then that's good.

In short, it all depends on how fussy you are. And how much experience you gain. Unfortunately, a lot of experience costs money.

[Tom]

I am perfectly comfortable shooting a damascus shotgun, my issue is still in determining what is a good barrel vs. one I should walk away from.[/QUOTE]

My thoughts would be get a wall thickness gauge, take your time and learn how to use it properly. A lot of auctions offer a 3 day inspection period, that's plenty of time to feel comfortable or not with your purchase .
There is a ton of info out there on the net about wall thickness and determining the safety of the barrels.
Good luck, Tom