The Birmingham Proof House Trial of 1891 showed that well made Two Iron/Stripe is just a strong as Three Iron.
Lots more on Damascus Quality here http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dfg2hmx7_22ddqshmdq
Bottom line: Pattern welded barrel quality is best judged by the quality of the gun to which they are attached

Last edited by Drew Hause; 08/07/09 10:17 AM.