Magnifluxing (MT) and dye penetrant testing (PT) are surface examinations versas radiography (RT) and Ultrasonic Testing (UT) which are volumetric tests. Surface exminations look for pits and cracks. MT has some slight subsurface capabilties. Because a Damascus barrel is pattern wleded and one can readily see the welds, both MT and PT would be useless for surface examination. Becuase the welds extend throughout the material, volumetric testing will also not work. This is precisely the problem with Damascus barrels. One cannot determine by any method if a pit or crack exists. -Dick