I always used to wonder why Dukes and Princes were using Damascus barreled s/s and I , a humble tradesman, was told that Damascus was junk. Something just didn't add up. Thank goodness for articles by Ross Seyfried and later tests by Sherman Bell.. I've been shooting quality Damascus for years in hunting and Sporting Clays. Most of my Damascus guns are nitro proofed, especially ones that take a pounding week after week in sporting Clays, but for high quality field guns from firms like Wesley Richards I just go by condition whether fluid or Damascus. If the prince is stoning driven pheasants at 40 yds. with 1 1/16 ounce of shot why the heck do I need !/1/4 ounces at high pressure on a 20 yd, grouse. Damn it's been fun.