The evidence is around us, but it is not quantified. It is a vague piece of information that is interpreted according to one's fears or interests. It is used in sentences like "I think the barrels will hold OK" or "If you shoot that gun you will loose a hand".
One sees a blown up damascus barrel and the rapid explanation is clear to them: " Of course it blew up, it's DAMASCUS". You see three and you have a "certitude".
What I want to know is:
What is the chance of "a" damascus barreled gun blow up (or whatever event we choose to look at) before I shoot it. Is it 1:10, 1:1mil? Can somebody give me this piece of info? Why do I want to know it? It is because I believe only the test of time will show the qualities of this type of gun. It is not the qualified gunsmith nor the proof house that will come closer to the truth, but the numbers that stood the test of time. THat's why I am puzzled by the lack of numbers to characterise this event.
We have had the time and numbers of guns to come to a conclusion.
I will be thinking about a study design to look at this and bring it to you.
