I have a set of damascus barrels that have a very nice deep etch. The barrels are in very good shape and the bores are a bit dark but don't appear to have any deep pitting. They do however, have straight rifleing in both barrels. I plane to breech these barrels for use on a sxs flintlock but am concerned about the deep etch. When I fit breech plugs I usualy file the plugs down to the barrel size and often go a bit more to reduce the chamber flair. If I do this, how can I reinstate the deep etch to the pattern to match the balance of the barrels?? I don't really want to remove the entire pattern. I could fit the breeches without touching the barrels I suppose but a good transition would be difficult to achieve (but possible). Also, is there any reason, other than novelty, to leave the straight rifleing in the barrels?. If i ream the rifleing out I can clean up the bores to like new (but the straight rifleing is kinda funky and you don't see it everyday). Thoughts.
