doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com examining damascus barrels

I've heard that argument on a different forum (Sportsman maybe?) saying that Sherman Bell can only apply his results to those guns he tested and no others.

Don't know.

Go out to the garage.
now examine that big bright shiny lump sitting there.
It is a deadly dangerous killer.
More chance being maimed or killed by it than anything else.
Are you folk who are too scared to shoot Damascus guns still brave enough to drive ?
Even slowly or sensibly & safely ?
O.M

My Tundra shuts off at 112 mph....it will tow my Airstream at 90 mph with ease....and I feel like a super herO every time I shoot my 130+ year old damascus barreled Scott with heavy Nitro loads....

How's shooting a 100+ year old damascus gun make you feel Moses ?

Do you shoot light wimpy loads through yours or heavy manly nitro loads ?

Truth is I don't think anyone here is scared....

OM,
Some folks are so cautious they miss out on life. Back in Oct my 16 yr old and I were on a hunting trip in west Texas and we had the 4 wheelers. Our stand is about 2-1/2 mile back on the lease. After the evening hunt, we played "tag" in the dark all the way back to the camp house. Thru the canyons there are 400 ft almost vertical drops right off the road. It was invigorating for an old man to say the least. Quite the ride. When we got to the camp house, our hearts were racing, we were smiling and laughing.
It is a memory that will last my son his lifetime. Smart? Nope.
Living life? Yep!

My point? A 14yr old young man was climbing a tree at the church with his friend. 7-8 ft off the ground, he slipped and fell, broke his neck and is now in a wheelchair. That young man would give anything to be able to "ride the edge thru the canyon".

My son and I are going skydiving in Sept for his 17th birthday.
I did it when I was a young man, and it is a cherished memory to this day.

All damascus barrels? Dangerous? Your joking right?
I'm going to shoot some Herters 1oz factory in my new to me 16ga Sterly..the horror.

Im sure a lot of you remember the movie Heat.
#1 "Stop wasting my MF time."
#2 "I could get killed for telling you this S#$%."
#1 "You could get killer walking your doggie."

I hope it is clear that I/we are trying to help individuals make informed and rational decisions as to the use of ANY vintage barrel, Pattern Welded, Decarbonized or Fluid Steel, and the loads that might be appropriate. We all recognize that the man pulling the trigger is ultimately responsible for subsequent events. If we only shoot/hunt alone, we can use whatever shotgun and load we wish (if legal).
But most of us shoot clay targets with others, and hunt with a friend, son, grandson or granddaughter. We must ask ourselves what will be our explanation should a piece of shrapnel from our gun pierce the skull of a friend or grandson, leaving them paralyzed, mute, and bedridden the rest of his not-much-of-a life? And what is our plan to pay for the lost wages, pain & suffering, and life-time care?
Sorry to be a downer, but this is reality, esp. if we choose to use something "proven to be intrinsically dangerous". And I bet ol' Randy on ShotgunWorld would be happy to testify in the civil trial, which you WILL lose if no effort was made to determine the integrity of that Pattern Welded barrel.

Exactly right Rev,
At the end where you say "pattern welded barrels", it should say the same as the beginning of you post, "ANY vintage barrel". To throw caution to the wind is irresponsible and just plain stupid. Just about as stupid as saying all damascus barrels are dangerous. Anyone who would not use calculated caution should probable find another hobby.

In all my vintage guns, steel or damascus, I shoot <6k psi in my 12's and <7K in my 20's. Except the Sterly. I have shot 8.2k in the damascus 20 and I'm comfortable with the results.
Barrels were checked by a competent smith for thickness. Most of my self imposed parameters have come from reading your works.

My boy means more to me than anything. Would I let him shoot my Damascus 20 or shoot skeet when I am shooting it? You bet! I feel I have done my due diligence with respect to my barrels.
Read, minimal, calculated risk.

After purchasing my older double, built 1935, my next purchase was a MEC reloading press and reloading manual.

Definitely hand in hand Treb!

My Damascus gun is 127 years old & has 2 1/2" chambers.
I shoot Mag-tec brass with 7/8 oz shot & 80 gr 2f black.

I make sure to regularly check the condition of the tyres on my Ford & service its brakes at regular intervals & drive it within its limits according to the conditions. Even though if I souped the motor & put big NITRO wheels on it we could go harder.

My auld g0n was designed & proofed for the type of load I shoot in it.
Because it is in g00d condition & the previous owner has shot 2 3/4" factory shells through it I have complete confidence in its safety.

Hot & heavy loads go out the end of a Mossberg 95 goose gun or a British double 3" chambered 30" barrelled live pigeon gun. Which, by the way, is over 100 years old.

Just as when I want to drive hot & hard I drive my Fiat 131 super brava with brake & tyre upgrades.

Horses for courses & the same reason we don't shoot at grizzlies & buffler with a 22lr.
Even up close
O.M