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**44 AMP** · April 25, 2020, 02:02 PM

For a long time, Damascus barrels were "the best" and also the most expenisve. They were considered better than the solid steel bored barrels for some time, as well.

It took a couple decades or so for most of the market to finally realize that "modern" steel barrels were actually superior to Damascus, and some few folks never made that particular leap.

TO boost their market appeal, some guns (usually from the lower end makers) put a Damascus LOOKING finish on the solid steel barrels. IT is possible you have one of those, and, if so, and in sound condition, it could be safely used with smokeless ammo.

BUT you'll need to have an "expert" look at it, to be sure. If it does turn out to be safe with modern ammo, enjoy it! But, don't ever, EVER put steel shot in it.

April 25, 2020, 02:02 PM	#7
44 AMP Staff Join Date: March 11, 2006 Location: Upper US Posts: 28,894	For a long time, Damascus barrels were "the best" and also the most expenisve. They were considered better than the solid steel bored barrels for some time, as well. It took a couple decades or so for most of the market to finally realize that "modern" steel barrels were actually superior to Damascus, and some few folks never made that particular leap. TO boost their market appeal, some guns (usually from the lower end makers) put a Damascus LOOKING finish on the solid steel barrels. IT is possible you have one of those, and, if so, and in sound condition, it could be safely used with smokeless ammo. BUT you'll need to have an "expert" look at it, to be sure. If it does turn out to be safe with modern ammo, enjoy it! But, don't ever, EVER put steel shot in it. __________________ All else being equal (and it almost never is) bigger bullets tend to work better.