Douglas barrel Markings.

xcalibor67 · February 1, 2015, 03:50 PM

Recently found an older Douglas barrel I had never finished and stored umpteen yrs ago. The chamber face has the words "A Douglas Barrel" and
"Premium Quailty". Also has 2 "Star" symbols stamped. Does anyone know what the stars mean or was it merely the symbol Douglas used years ago?
I haven't bought a Douglas in a while, but thought they stamped "X's" on them. Thanks.

Lucas McCain · February 1, 2015, 04:00 PM

I believe that means it is the second barrel made of a new mandrel. They marked them with stars up to the 5th one.

xcalibor67 · February 1, 2015, 04:15 PM

So basically, One would think barrels made with the newer tooling would be more precise? I thought it might have had something to do with Air Gauging.

FrankenMauser · February 2, 2015, 12:57 AM

The two stars are just part of the "Douglas Barrel - Premium Quality" stamp.

Standard marking.
Font, size, and quality of the stamping has changed over the years (as well as additional markings like twist rate, chambering, etc), but that's a standard production stamp for an older premium grade barrel.

Bart B. · February 2, 2015, 09:27 PM

Douglas premium barrels used to be those that air gauged to some groove diameter tolerance/spec. Not a diameter spec but how much they varied. I don't know what their specs are today, but years ago when some were gauged at a .0002" spread but 30 caliber ones had groove diameters well over .309".

One keen on this could contact Douglas then ask them.

hooligan1 · February 3, 2015, 09:29 AM

The folks over at Douglas are very cool to talk with, I talked to them about my barrel and they were totally eager to answer any question I had and when time come they will get the nod again.

February 1, 2015, 04:00 PM	#2
Lucas McCain Senior Member Join Date: March 7, 2013 Location: Callaway, MN Posts: 361	I believe that means it is the second barrel made of a new mandrel. They marked them with stars up to the 5th one. __________________ If you have time to do it twice, then you have time to do it once right and put your name on it

February 2, 2015, 12:57 AM	#4
FrankenMauser Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2008 Location: In the valley above the plain Posts: 13,421	The two stars are just part of the "Douglas Barrel - Premium Quality" stamp. Standard marking. Font, size, and quality of the stamping has changed over the years (as well as additional markings like twist rate, chambering, etc), but that's a standard production stamp for an older premium grade barrel. __________________ Don't even try it. It's even worse than the internet would lead you to believe.

February 3, 2015, 09:29 AM	#6
hooligan1 Senior Member Join Date: July 18, 2010 Location: Independence Missouri Posts: 4,585	The folks over at Douglas are very cool to talk with, I talked to them about my barrel and they were totally eager to answer any question I had and when time come they will get the nod again. __________________ Keep your Axe sharp and your powder dry.

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February 1, 2015, 04:15 PM	#3
xcalibor67 Member Join Date: November 26, 2012 Posts: 23	So basically, One would think barrels made with the newer tooling would be more precise? I thought it might have had something to do with Air Gauging.

February 2, 2015, 09:27 PM	#5
Bart B. Senior Member Join Date: February 15, 2009 Posts: 8,927	Douglas premium barrels used to be those that air gauged to some groove diameter tolerance/spec. Not a diameter spec but how much they varied. I don't know what their specs are today, but years ago when some were gauged at a .0002" spread but 30 caliber ones had groove diameters well over .309". One keen on this could contact Douglas then ask them.