I guess I don't understand this statement? They hammer forge most of these barrels around a mandel. No special magic on them. No special powder. hammer it, smooth it, bore it, kick it out the door. I have a feeling your smith as good as he may be, is telling alot of old wivestails to ya.

Yes, you can see the rifling rounded off very much. I know, cause I did it. With Dave Tubbs firelapping kit. I saw before and after. I don't know a superhuman that could have detected this rounding off with a bare eye. But anything is possible. A good hawkeye, you can zoom in greatly. I am shocked that you feel there is no use for one. But different strokes.