Doug, Belgium workmen constructed more damascus and twist barrels than any other country. And their work generally is without peer. The English also made excellent barrels though truth be told I suspect the majority of English guns carry Belgium barrels. Most tubes brought into America were from Belgium and were turned, struck, and joined here. Then they were proofed by the manufacturer. And it is my understanding that American makers used very stiff proof loads. As I see it there is a great difference between American and English proof. In England when the government proof house approved a gun it then relieved the maker of any liability should the gun later fail. However, in America the liability continued with the maker and should a barrel fail, even years later, the maker was potentially liable. That is probably one of the reasons American barrels tend to have a lot more metal in them than their English counterparts. Another way to look at proofing: do you worry today purchasing a new American gun just because it hasn't gone through a government proof? Of course not. The same was true then. Now, if an old damascus or twist gun has had its bores honed or pitted significantly, reducing wall thickness then I would think a gunsmith well versed in judging and proofing barrels should be consulted. I've just always stayed away from American guns without original bores. There are plenty of good ones around.
I consider good quality and condition twist barrels to be of nearly the same strength as damascus. Perhaps some strength is gained in the twisting process of damascus but I think the primary reason for it was fashion and beauty.
You mentioned the flats on the barrels also being of twist construction. They are integral with the tubes and were never a separate piece. Then the lug was dovetailed into the flats and brazed in place. A very strong and common method of construction.
I love to shoot my old damascus guns. However, remember this: they are old and metalurgy has changed a lot over the last century or more. Respect the gun and only shoot loads with pressures and characteristics the same as it was originally made for. There are a lot of good low pressure loads (under 7,000 psi) for anything from 7/8 oz to 1 1/8oz available by reloading. IMR is my favorite site for data since I primarily use IMR 7625 and PB in Federal hulls.
Incidently, Meriden made a very fine product.
Good shooting!
Last edited by Joe Wood; 04/14/07 12:50 PM.
