I'm looking for a sound percussion double to hunt with, and realize this generally means twist barrels. I am under the impression that Belgian barrels were carefully proofed, and brazed together rather than soldered, and that brazed joints are less likely to weaken and admit corrosion between the ribs. I am under the impression that British barrels weren't always proofed, and that they were generally always soldered, and that soldered joints are more likely over time to loosen and admit corrosion. I also am under the impression that very few American shotgun "makers" actually made the barrels, but that these generally came from Britain or Belgium. Any thoughts, corrections, advice? I realize that some do not believe in shooting twist barrels under any conditions. I am not of that faith.
Bill,
A couple of points. During the period when American makers were making percussion doubles, they usually procured the barrels from England. When looking at export numbers during these years the English clearly surpassed the Belgians in trade with the US.
English proof laws required the barrels to pass proof.
The Belgians did not begin using brazing as a high production method until the 1890's. This is not to say an individual set of barrels was not brazed.
Damascus barrels in sound condition would be no problem for a percussion gun.
Pete
