Ed, in tests done by the Birmingham Proof House (or maybe London), back when fluid steel was in the midst of taking over the barrel market, it was demonstrated pretty conclusively that damascus barrels were at least as strong, and most likely stronger, than fluid steel. The fluid steel barrels tended to fail before the Damascus. Today there are 1000s and 1000s of Damascus barreled gun being use, fired and no one is losing eyes or fingers. It's about educating oneself. Try it sometime.

The decline of Damascus likely has more to do with the 100 year long PR/misinformation campaign by the industry in order to get people to buy new guns. Even today, you for example, are propagating unfounded speculation as fact. Go to any shotgun forum that isn't comprised of members as well informed as the members here and it is a non stop barrage of how dangerous Damascus is.

Perhaps, the simple and best solution for you is to just remove yourself from the equation. Stop buying and selling Damascus.

We used to have to read your misinformed blather about colour case hardening. Only took about 10 years of metaphorically beating you about the head to get you off that subject. Please don't subject us to another 10 years of idiocy on Damascus barrels.