Crack in VH barrel?

[Double Trouble]

How common are these radial cracks in damascus barrels ? I have twist barrels, and there is something in the left tube that looks like a radial crack. Are these cracks common, do they tend to be superficial, are they a death knell to a set of barrels ?

...or, can they be welded, as has been suggested here ?

It's a shame, 'cause I love the gun.

[edgarspencer]

Depending on it's orientation, a dent can turn into a crack when raised in twist barrels

[Drew Hause]

1903 H Grade Lefever "Best London Damascus Twist" with fractured barrel



Crack where a dent was (inexpertly) raised



The only fracture that I would weld and then shoot would need to be very close to the muzzle (where the pressure is much lower) and with an adequate wall thickness.
NO WAY would I shoot a gun with a crack in a dent welded. The wall thickness would likely be quite thin.

Or you could try this