Most old barrel failures if not all of them are caused by operator error. Shooting loads that are much more than the gun was designed for, plugged barrels by either a blooper load leaving it's components in the barrel so the next shot acts like a plugged barrel, mud, snow, water, etc. Barrels that are not well taken care of is another cause. But again, a good barrel is a good barrel. I have NO FEAR of shooting these old barrels anymore than I do a modern gun. The composite barrels have an elasticity to them that the early fluid barrels lacked. So in most cases these old barrels that were safer than the early fluid barrels, that were notorious for slag inclusions. Many of these old guns just plan suffered severe abuse in the hands of their owners and the people or kids that ended up playing with them. Remember, there was a time when some of these old guns were just plain handed to the older kids to play with. I have heard so many stories of this abuse it is amazing how many people were not hurt or maimed. I can in all honesty say that I have yet to see a barrel made of composite materials, that failed from other than poor condition due to rust or abuse from what I mentioned above. Now, I am sorry to say, after studying and talking to many people in the field about these old barrels, I am glad that people look at them with suspect. It just helps me get the guns I like at a better price. But, beware, the thought on this is all changing and the prices are reflecting that attitude. 
