binko, I think that once fluid steel became available, the gun companies came up with some out of focus hocus pocus and put up a new marketing campain. Everyone needs these new and improved barrels. Come in and buy a new gun or at least get your old gun re-barreled. Lou Smith at Ithaca was at the pinnical of guilt here. The gun companies were in bed with the writers. And when statements or ideas (even if incorrect) are in the press long enough we start to believe them. I wonder how many beautiful damascus guns were needlessly re-done because of this fallicy?