10 gauge double question
I have a old double barreled 10 gauge. It has no markings as far as maker or anything like that. On the top of the barrels it says laminated steel. My question is what does that mean? I have been told it has damascuss barrels on it. Is that what the laminated steel writing means?
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if it has a pattern in the steel it is damascus and not for any type modern shell 0 -
The answer to your second question is, yes. 0 -
If you really want to shoot it, you could have full-length liners put in it... 0 -
The 19th century builders and some collectors make a distinction between Damascus and Laminated Steel, also Twist and Stub Twist and other syles I forget. But it all amounts to the same thing, bands of metal wound around a mandrel and welded in a forge.
The patterns can be very handsome - there was one Belgian forge that would spell your name in the twist - but it is not nearly as strong as solid steel and not generally safe with smokeless powder. Age and rust penetration make it doubtful even with black.
(Yes, I know about Nitro proof Damascus and reproof and brave shooters, but a no-name gun is not what they use.)
Unless a major big name brand gun in tip-top condition, there is not much to be done with it. New barrels are very expensive, sleeves are quite expensive, and even good skeet tube type inserts aren't cheap.0 -
I am not planning on shooting it, I was just not sure what the laminated steel was. Thanks for the help. 0 -
Others have commented on damascus/laminated/twist barrels. Take a look at the bottom of the barrels under the forearm for any proof marks. That way we can establish the country of origin of your gun. Belgian made guns will have the letters 'ELG" in an oval with a crown on top. English made guns will have crossed scepters or halberds with letters in the intersections. American made guns will have no proof marks. 0 -
Laminated steel is a TYPE of twisted forged steel (that everyone CALLS Damascus)
Laminated Steel differs from Damascus Steel in that:
1. Laminated Steel has a higher steel : iron ratio, with higher quality steel.
2. Laminated Steel starts with the iron and steel mixed together (puddled) in a semi-molten state (the bloom) which is then hammered or rolled into rods. Damascus starts with individual strips of iron and steel.
3. Laminated Steel rods are twisted less than Damascus (but may have a pattern and the barrels are then referred to as "Laminated Damascus")
These guns are typically around 100+ years old- each weld joining is a potential weak spot if corroded by something like, oh, I dunno- black powder? They are not meant for modern day/pressure ammo. Your shotgun has earned a place of honor over the mantle.
BTW, if any of you run across STUB steel- would you believe the most common raw material for that was used horseshoe nails?0 -
Sure, the metal was "condensed" by the impact of the gait of the horse. Good stuff. 0
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