Cambridge arms side by side 16 gauge

homeandnativeland · January 24, 2007, 07:44 AM

I have my Dad's (perhaps great Grandfathers) Damascus barreled Cambridge arms side by side 16 gauge. Would it be safe to use if I reloaded black powder?

Any suggestions?

**4V50 Gary** · January 24, 2007, 08:28 AM

Generally, yes. But I would have the barrels magnafluxed to ensure their suitability for shooting.

Steve499 · January 24, 2007, 08:52 AM

In one of the gun magazines not too long ago, among others, they blew up an old damascus Parker, I think it was, to test how much the damascus barrels could take. It held up under crazy pressures and showed signs of distress before heavier charges finally actually blew it up.

If all the welds in a damascus barrel were properly made originally and none have eroded/corroded since, I wouldn't fear to shoot smokeless trap loads from it if it were mine, though I'd probably use black powder because I just like it. The advice Gary gave about having it magnafluxed is good, and if there's any other way to be sure there isn't degradation in those welds, I don't know about it.

Steve

January 24, 2007, 07:44 AM	#1
homeandnativeland Member Join Date: May 31, 2006 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 25	Cambridge arms side by side 16 gauge I have my Dad's (perhaps great Grandfathers) Damascus barreled Cambridge arms side by side 16 gauge. Would it be safe to use if I reloaded black powder? Any suggestions?

January 24, 2007, 08:28 AM	#2
4V50 Gary Staff Join Date: November 2, 1998 Location: Colorado Posts: 21,841	With blackpowder loaded shotshells... Generally, yes. But I would have the barrels magnafluxed to ensure their suitability for shooting. __________________ Vigilantibus et non dormientibus jura subveniunt. *Molon Labe!*

January 24, 2007, 08:52 AM	#3
Steve499 Senior Member Join Date: December 14, 2004 Location: Central Missouri Posts: 533	In one of the gun magazines not too long ago, among others, they blew up an old damascus Parker, I think it was, to test how much the damascus barrels could take. It held up under crazy pressures and showed signs of distress before heavier charges finally actually blew it up. If all the welds in a damascus barrel were properly made originally and none have eroded/corroded since, I wouldn't fear to shoot smokeless trap loads from it if it were mine, though I'd probably use black powder because I just like it. The advice Gary gave about having it magnafluxed is good, and if there's any other way to be sure there isn't degradation in those welds, I don't know about it. Steve