Very Interesting Damascus Topic Thread.

[Ray Masciarella]

For example, the FAQ page doesn't mention barrel thickness

[Bill Murphy]

PGCA really can't get involved in telling members what wall thickness of composite barrel is safe to shoot with what load. I recommend, have recommended, that we measure wall thicknesses of original Parkers with composite barrels so that our members may compare guns they are interested in buying with known original guns. Members would have to own or borrow their own bore micrometers and wall thickness gauges to make such comparisons. Let's face it, most gunsmiths don't own bore micrometers or wall thickness gauges. Most gunsmiths are not really gunsmiths. Most gunsmiths don't own guns worth more than $400. It is our job to own the measuring tools needed to keep us from making purchasing errors or damaging our guns. If we are buying guns worth thousands of dollars, we should not rely on a gunsmith who doesn't know what he is looking at.

[Parker Bachelder (Brad's Profile)]

Bill, I concure with your position. Wall thickness guages only work with extensive modification and fixturing. Most people do not understand the variables involved. As for composite barrels, it is my belief that hammer forging increases the strenght of the steel. I.E. hammer forged tool steel. Over the years I have witnessed thousands of barrel failures. The bottom line is that fluid steel, or Damascus, failures occur only in obstructed bores. I have no problem with reloading, however I can trace most barrel failures to a cocked wad, no or insuffecient powder, or other obstruction. Almost never the thickness of the steel. I believe in over kill with a controlled explosion that close to your body. Most composite barrels exhibit wall thickness far greater than their fluid steel counterparts. I believe that Sherman Bell proved that misnomer. The only loss of flesh or digits that I have witnessed is with fluid steel, due to stupid loading problems. I have testified in many cases surrounding breach and barrel failures, it is allways the ammo. Logic would dictate that pressure will escape to the point of least resistance, so a clear bore will allow the charge to escape. Buldges and gooseeggs are due to minor obstructions that cleared. I believe that any bore of an antique shotgun should be inspected prior to use, fluid or composite. Rely on the opinion of someone that is specifically trained in the field. In closing, I would agree that ther are many barrels out there that are unsafe to fire, but don't pre judge the Damascus tubes, they are some of the finest ever built. In guns with Damascus barrels, the barrels were the single most expensive component in
the total gun.

Just my opinion,

Brad