Cayugad
The others have Spanish made barrels that are not proof tested.
It is not often I take exception to your statements, but Spanish Barrels
ARE proof tested. It is an International, Spanish and American Import law, that they must be proof tested - now what they are proof tested at is another story. The company importing the barrel sets the standard of proof and the factory will test to whatever standard you request - you just have to pay for it. The higher the test mark on the barrel the more costly it is to import - meeting US tarriff laws.
I believe Randy and/or Chuck Hawks started this whole uproar with the Spanish proof marks on the barrel but, yet Randy sits solid with Austin & Halleck which used the same barrel. My two A&H barrels are marked exactly the same as the CVA Firebolt barrel.
I would agree with them and you that the US barrels are probably the better barrels and I guess I would and do have a whole lot more faith in them. But without a muzzleloading standars, as with centerfire standards, you are at the will of the manufacturer. Of course with those standards comes higher prices - catch 22...
General Information:
Proofing the barrel of a gun began as a means to insure its safety and integrity. Proof Houses were established by law in almost every country and it was required that weapons sold within the respective country, and for exports be able to withstand a proscribed load without damage. When this test was successful the weapon was stamped with a seal to acknowledge the test - which is called as Proof Marks. These marks then tell us the country of origin of the weapon. Proof Marks, or Proofs as they are sometimes referred to, changed over time and therefore assist in dating arms.
This site might give you additional information, I can not find the House of Eibar site right now.
http://website.lineone.net/~da.cushman/proofregs.html