I've owned and shot several Damascus barreled guns without any problems...but the truth is no one should be shooting any of the 100 yr old guns for a variety of reasons especially one with any kind of issues.
That is a rather sweeping generality. Its also one many here would disagree with. Care to name any of the reasons that you suggest apply to all shotguns that are 100 years old?
Agree completely with Cannvasback and what Flintfan later notes.
The pits were probably there the whole time and unseen.
While there is always a level of risk in shooting old guns, that risk is small to non existent when properly inspecting and feeding the correct pressure ammunition.
Other than by honing it is improbable to find an old gun completely free of pits. Yes they are out there, but virtually unseen by most of us
