Originally Posted By: Rocketman
...The USA industry condemnation centers around old, cheap, and abused damascus barrels. It simply does not consider high quality, well cared for barrels that are in proof. It was started in a time when there was generally insufficient knowledge as to use of modern loads and damascus....


This is very true. It also does not take into account that both skelp and damascus barrels were and still are being produced. The "technology" seems to be constantly "rediscovered" by small makers. They are simply very quiet and have no desire to "go into production." I recently obtained a film from the 1970's showing the barrels being made.

Pete