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I would not fire a damascus-barreled gun without having it checked and approved by a competent gunsmith (NOT the guy with a key to the gun case at Walmart!). It is possible that a gun of this age would have been proofed for smokeless powder and have 2 3/4" chambers, but it is more likely to be made for 2 1/2" black powder shells. Of course, you can have barrels custom-made, but why would you want to spend a couple thousand dollars on a gun worth $200 or less?
Yes, they are safe to shoot, but only if:
- no deep pitting inside or outside
- the action is tight
- you use low pressure loads around 6000 cup or less.
- the chamber is at least 2 3/4
I have been shooting them for years with smokeless powder with lite loads. Have it checked out by a good gunsmith to make sure the inside of the action is in good working order, some of the old ones will double when fired.
I would third the recommendation to have it checked. Absence of visible pitting is not necessarily a good indicator of structural integrity. Older damascus may corrode in between the layers and there is no way to see that just by eyballing it.
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What is the value of a Hartford 16 gauge double barrel-damascus twist barrels?
About $100 or so. The damascus/twist steel barrels are generally considered unsafe to shoot with modern ammunition.
Are old Crescent shotguns safe to shoot?
Some are, some aren't. If it has Damascus or Laminated steel barrels, do not shoot it. They were never intended for modern powder. Fluid steel or later production barrels may be safe, but if there is rust, dents, or other signs of high wear do not try it until after it has been inspected by a competent gunsmith.
Is it safe to shoot modern shotgun shells in Vulcan steel barrels?
If Vulcan steel barrel means very old or "Damascus" type twist steel barrels, the answer is an emphatic "NO". You're too young to die, no matter what your current age.
Are Laminated barrels safe to shoot modern ammo?
As a general rule, NO, NO, NO!!!!
When were double damascus steel barrels made in the usa?
The use of damascus barrels on guns began to decrease pretty rapidly after 1900, although they were still fairly common up until the start of WWI. If you have a breech loading gun with damascus barrels it will probably date from 1875 - 1910. Most damascus barrels on U.S. guns seem to have actually made in Belgium. There is a lot of debate as to whether any damascus barrels for shotguns were actually made in the U.S. It seems likely there may have been small numbers produced in the U.S. However, Belgium had a large gunmaking trade at the time, with a lot of barrel makers specializing in damascus barrels, so it was generallly cheaper to import them than to make them.
Did all of SXS Knickerbockers have Damascus barrels and curl hammers?
No.
When was the last damascus barrels sold?
They are still being made.
Did NR Davis guns have Damascus barrels?
Some did, but not all.
What year did they stop making damascus barrels?
The time of the First World War pretty much ended the importation of Damascus barrels. US manufacture started petering out in the 1890's.
What kind of shells can you shoot in a sam Holt damascus double barrel 20 gauge?
Most old Damascus barrels cannot hold the pressures of modern smokeless loads. I doubt that you will find any black powder loads for that type of barrel. Hang it on the wall and admire it.
Where do you buy a shotgun that has 2 barrels twisted together?
I'm not aware of any shotguns ever made with two barrels twisted together. If you are refering to "Damascus Twist" barrels, you need to learn a lot more about guns before buying one. Here is some information for you...please note the part about it not being safe to fire a Damascus barrel with modern powder. Picture an onion after a fire cracker went off inside it. http://www.hallowellco.com/damascus_twist_barrels.htm
What is the value of a 12 gauge American Gun Company of New York Knickerbocker hammerless with genuine damascus double barrels?
If the gun is in good condition with no rust it would be a great mantle piece. Because of it's age(?) it might not be as safe to shoot modern ammo. For this, the guns' money value would be approx. $65-$125.
