I am curious as to how your gun dealer measures "strength" in shotgun barrels. I can only cite this scenario for your consideration. When steel shot loads became the "law of the land" for us die-hard waterfowlers, many gun writers wrote articles about the hazards of shooting steel shot loads in full choked shotguns- muzzle bulging. BS- I have 4 older (pre-1950 mfg.) 12 gauge Model 12 Winchesters, all with 30" (or one has 32") WPS full choke barrels. Factory choked, unaltered. Two are the 3" Magnum series (Heavy Duck) and the other two are std. 2& 3/4" chambered field guns. I do a fair amount of waterfowling, from early season geese in Sept, through the 60 regular season ending in Dec, and again, in the late Winter 30 day season here in Central MI-- I can tell you with a tool maker's eyeball, and also with verniers and mics-- NO bulge or distortion or out of round on any of those 4 "Perfect Repeaters". I have 5 older L.C. Smiths as well, the only one with Damascus barrels is a 00 grade 12 made in 1896-- I shoot only 1145 fps. loads in it, mainly those made by RST. Would I shoot a Kent Fasteel duck load in that old Elsie? Hell no. My guess is- your dealer has a boatload of good grade doubles with Damascus barrels he wants to sell to the "Vintage Lads" so he touts Damascus barrels openly--Just my guess..
