the possum
New member
No, it DOES NOT ALWAYS produce bubbles in the steel, and I'm familiar with the differnce between Damascus and fluid steel barrels. What you're talking about is the difference in the way the steel was smelted in the first place, and more primitive forms do have more slag inclusions. But that's a separate issue from getting good or bad forge welds between laminations of different metals. And I acknowledge there's a lot more opportunities for problems with Damascus if for some reason the welds are bad. But if they were made by a competent smith, then YES THEY ARE fused into one solid piece. That's the whole point and the very definition of good forge welding.
Rust does not happen inside the steel where it can't be exposed to air or chemical reactions. It would start from the surface somewhere. If you're referring to inclusions and flaws within the steel, how do you KNOW that none exist in any of your non-Damascus barrels, that might let go after another 3000 rounds?
Like I mentioned, proof tests back then should have established that the barrels were good to start. If I doubted their condition that much I may retire the gun, have it reproofed, or whatever. I appreciate your concern, but have researched the issue to my own satisfaction. I'm not telling you what to do, or trying to make you think your own guns WILL blow up in your face.
Rust does not happen inside the steel where it can't be exposed to air or chemical reactions. It would start from the surface somewhere. If you're referring to inclusions and flaws within the steel, how do you KNOW that none exist in any of your non-Damascus barrels, that might let go after another 3000 rounds?
Like I mentioned, proof tests back then should have established that the barrels were good to start. If I doubted their condition that much I may retire the gun, have it reproofed, or whatever. I appreciate your concern, but have researched the issue to my own satisfaction. I'm not telling you what to do, or trying to make you think your own guns WILL blow up in your face.