Sleeving of the barrels is one possible explanation for the problems that you have encountered.Recommend that You check to see if the origional damascus barrels have have been sleeved? If they have been sleeved,it is highly likely that the origional damascus ribs were removed and reused.Net result will be damascus pattern on the breech end of the barrels[for approx 3-4 inches] and the ribs with a uniform brown on the tubes.

Last edited by Roy Hebbes; 02/15/10 09:37 PM.
Roy Hebbes