Tim: that's what I did with my 1906 L.C. Smith 16g No. 0E with “Good Two Rod” Damascus, which measured .016”, 14” from the breech.
BUT prior to being gifted to me and measured, it had survived 250 2 1/2” 7/8 oz. Polywad Spred-R shells, 100 2 1/2” 7/8 oz. at 1145 fps. (about 8000 psi) loads, and 2 cases (500 shells) of 2 1/2” RST 3/4 oz. at 1100 fps (4,600 psi per RST).

[Linked Image from photos.smugmug.com]

The spring steel and leather handguard fit right over the thin spot. I put cases of 3/4 oz. handloads through the gun.

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