Drew has quoted this more than once:
“Another thing I learned was that Whitworth steel barrels are not desirable for a heavy day's shooting. The explosion in them makes quite a different sound from that given off by Damascus barrels: there is more ring about it, and I can imagine that this might prove a serious annoyance to anyone who minds the noise of shooting. I have no recollection myself of ever having had a headache from gun-firing. Moreover, the Whitworth barrels become hot much more rapidly than the Damascus; and this is a serious drawback, especially to a man who shoots without gloves. I can well imagine that they last much longer, and are in many ways suited for ordinary light work; but am now replacing them with Damascus, as in all my other guns.” - Lord Walsingham
So, the question is... what's wrong with those damn fluid steel barrels anyway?
I do have a double that has two sets of barrels, one each of Damascus and fluid steel.
I certainly can detect no difference in sound, ring, or anything else with the light smokeless loads I use.
Shall we call BS on this legendary old shooter and author? Or is my experience in the minority?
