Mike,

What I meant was that I agreed fully with you that safety and accuracy were the most important factors in making a barrel - no one wants a rifle blowing up while shooting it.

I had posted earlier about the Damasteel-Gobec barrels made from a modern stainless Damascus steel. link The Brno site fascinated me because they claim to make their barrels using the traditional process and not the ultramodern one that Damasteel and Gobec use.

Interestingly, there is an old Indian company link who manufacture Damascus barreled muzzleloaders even now along with ceremonial swords etc. Their rifles are proofed by Indian Ordnance Factories but they are black powder only and I have heard very favourable reports about them from a friend in France who has used them.

Best wishes and good hunting!