When Did The Fear Factor Start?

[Bruce Day]

Black powder had a steep pressure curve than modern smokeless, so yes, the pressure rise was more abrupt than drawn-out.

Could it be that Ithaca offered a solution while stating that the fellow's old gun was unsafe? And that solution was buying a new Ithaca?

[Autumn Daze]

The first thing to remember is that black powder is an explosive and smokeless is a propellant. Black powder invites a much more robust pressure curve as Mike state's.

[todd allen]

My theory has always been that the gun manufacturers wanted to discontinue the use of Damascus for bbl steel, because of the tremendous amount of labor required to manufacture a quality set of bbls.
(I've made some of my better deals on guns, because of having Damascus, or twist steel bbls, btw)
Using fluid steel probably cuts the labor costs of building a gun in half. From a strictly marketing standpoint, it would have made total sense to the gun makers to promote the "Damascus is dangerous" bogeyman, because it would automatically make a whole generation of existing guns obsolete.
I wouldn't put it past gun makers of the day, to capitalize on the Damascus scare to sell more guns. I'm glad they did, as there are a lot more guns out there for our consumption.

[Dean Romig]

Originally Posted by Bruce Day

Could it be that Ithaca offered a solution while stating that the fellow's old gun was unsafe? And that solution was buying a new Ithaca?

I'll bet a dollar that the envelpoe containing that letter also contained Ithaca Gun sales brochures or catalogs

[Jerry Andrews]

When I jumped in to the double gun market in 1975, the scare was the lines between the welds would have microscopic " rusting " areas that would lead to catastrophic failure if shot. I guess that's a possible scenario, but so is a bird flying down the barrel at the exact moment of pulling the trigger. I must admit that when I heard the banter on this board and the L.C. Smith board I thought everyone on here had lost their minds. Once reading the different articles however on gun testing, it's made me think completely the opposite way. These new shells available with contained pressures sure have breathed some new life into some of the most beautiful guns ever made. This 10 gauge hammer gun I just acquired with all the case colors and barrell pattern have made me appreciate a gun type I've never really noticed. No doubt, these damascus/twist barrelled guns were the most gorgeous guns America ever produced. The EH 10 gauge hammerless is also a simply beautiful gun, but it can't hold a candle to the hammer gun. The hammer gun has the crooked top lever, and a lock up as tight as a drum. What quality! I'd like to thank those on this board kind enough to put up with my neophyte questioning about these old firesticks. Thanks much, Jerry

[Dean Romig]

Jerry, it's been a real pleasure reading your posts and being witness to your eager education. I find your willingness to jump right in and join discussions as an eager student refreshing. I hope you enjoy shooting those two beauties.

Dean

[Paul Harm]

Mike, I could be wrong, but I don't believe the heavier recoil from a stiffer BP load will hurt the gun. It's the high pressure, not recoil that loosens the action and cracks stocks. Even a 3 3/4dram BP load is under or around 7000psi- which is not high. I've shoot many 3 1/2 dram 1oz loads - my buddy always claims " now that sounds and looks like a real gun going off ". And I say, " yea, and it feels like it ". Of course I'm useing a Parker Hammer Gun that weighs aroung 8lbs. Paul

[Jerry Andrews]

Dean, I doubt if I ever fire the guns, they are not my cup of tea for shooting, and I'd be sick at my stomach if the stock cracked on the hammer gun. Being a stockmaker of these old babies, I'm fully aware, more so than most, of how fragile these old stocks really are. Then again, some are shot for years and never crack. I have a Fox I've shot heavy loads for crows through forever and it's still as new. I know they are meant to shoot but when they are this clean I would not want to crack the stock on this one. But then again, they were made for shooting weren't they! Jerry
Thanks for the kind words and ecouragement about using the forum, much appreciated.

[Bruce Day]

Jerry, you've come a long way for a worm fisherman.

Shoot 'em and have fun , just like you do those old fashioned wood stick rods.

Here's one those things from Parker, but its probably not usuable with modern trout.

[Jerry Andrews]

Wouldn't happen to be a Hawes rod would it ? I would love to find one! Jerry
It's odd being a rod maker and stock maker, you'd think I"d fish only my rods and shoot stuff I restocked but I LOVE old bamboo rods! I do shoot an Iver Johnson .410 Skeeter, Miller trigger and ejectors I stocked but otherwise, I love the old stuff. I fish a Leonard 8fter when appropriate. Jerry
The Parker 10 gauges I've decided to sell or trade. As much as I appreciate what they are they aren't my bit. But they sure are gorgeous. Jerry