How is a Damascus barrel shot gun made?

Answer 1

A damascus barrel was made by winding thin strips or iron or steel around a mandrel. It is then heated to welding temperature (1500-2200 degrees, depending on alloy), and the end of the mandrel is struck on the ground. The compression forces weld the joints together.

The mandrel was then removed and the inside of the barrel was then bored through to clean it up. This manufacturing technique was developed prior to the ability to drill holes of the necessary length for gun barrels.

Generally speaking all damascus barrel shotguns are quite old and should not be shot unless first inspected by well qualified gunsmith. The ravages of time and the fact that black powder was hydroscopic could and did play hell with these old barrels