They saved countless beautiful damascus barrels which otherwise would have been scrap or sleeved. If a few failed I am sorry but many other are still doing well. Another option is gone for saving the esthetics of a fine set of damascus barrels.
The problem people have with duplicating weight in a set of barrels should be addressed. If the barrels are so thin that they need to be sleeved or lined that weight is not what should be the restored weight goal. They certainly did not start out at .015-.020. They started out at .030-.035 most likely. So they should weigh what a set of factory original set weighted when new not what a set of worn thin barrels ended up weighing. Hence they should be restored to a set of .035 barrel thickness. Let them add a few extra ounces of metal to make them stronger and make them last for another hundred years. Would you rather have a set of paper thin barrels again or a set that will endure a few honings and a restrickings over the next two lifetimes?
