I'll start with my disclaimer...
I in no way recommend others to do what I do in shooting pitted or otherwise 'questionable' Damascus barrels.
I have read in several venues that as long as the first 10" - 12" or so (from the breech) is sound and has sufficient wall thickness, regardless of moderate pitting, and the rest of the bore and barrel wall thickness is in good condition, it should be safe to shoot.
I have shot every Damascus gun I have owned with appropriate loads depending on my evaluation of the barrels - that is to say, I shoot RST exclusively these days but had shot AA's quite a lot before. I think the accepted minimum wall thickness of a 12 gauge barrel is .0025" for the forward 2/3 of the barrels tapering thicker to the breech to be nothing less than .0090" at the front of the chamber where 'forcing cone' begins.
I have never had a single problem or issue and I never expect to because I don't take chances. And some of my Damascus guns are pretty well pitted in the first 1/3 (from the breech).
Last edited by DAM16SXS; 03/02/12 12:17 AM.
