John, I don't think they were any heavier than other guns of the time with croille damascus barrels. For example, the straight gripped 12/30 I showed is 7lbs 10. The 16ga is 6/6, so it is lighter than many other 1 frame 16/28's and lighter than a similar 16 I have with fluid steel barrels. The 1891 12/30 is an 8lb 6 gun, a heavy waterfowler. Many gunners wanted heavy guns for max fowling loads, so that's what they ordered. You can find lightweight Bernard game guns, but they are less common than the heavy ones. There is nothing inherent in a Bernard that says it has to be heavy.
Comparing damascus of any form with fluid steel, yes, I think the damascus barrel is a little heavier, but not much. Its anecdotal only, and perhaps an interesting study for someone, a typical damascus/Bernard 12 ga 2 frame barrel will be .034 and fluid steel .030. If we had numbers from a lot of guns, a better conclusion might be drawn. On the fowlers, you'll commonly see .040.
Bruce Day, but don't confuse me with an expert
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