Goat, you are wrong concerning what a "swamped" barrel is, just as I expected you would be.
I said, "I guess I would describe it as a barrel diameter larger at the muzzle and I guess a custom smith would do that if his customer wanted it. He may want it done for better balance."
According to George Shumway:
Tapered-and-flared barrels or swamped barrels are largest at the breech, and taper to a minimum diameter 6 to 10 inches from the muzzle,
then flare out somewhat to the muzzle . Barrels of this type not only
balance the best in a rifle but they also look the best. German flintlock rifles of the 18th century almost always had barrels of this type. The flare or the enlargement at the muzzle is aesthetically pleasing, it provides a higher base for the front sight than a straight tapered barrel would provide
and it adds a little mass at the end of the barrel, which is an aid in shooting. (Recreating the American Longrifle 1970 - by George Shumway )
