Jefferies catalogue says,and I quote;"We recommmend steel barrels as they are far more durable and about twice as strong as damascus!" By the way,for this particular gun, damascus and steel barrels were available for the same price. Choice of barrel material was the customers option.
IMO Unfortunately this information from Jefferies above,which was even known at that time, is being ignored by members of this forum based upon one very unscientific study about the strength of damascus barrels vs. fluid steel examples. This opinion is based upon what I was told by engineers while I was employed in the metals industry. Low pressure loads are some but not complete insurance against a disasterous failure due to internal and unseen problems with damascus barrels. I know this won't sit well with some here but I think it needs to be said.
Jim
