by Tom Gaylord
Copyright PyramydAir.com ©2009. All Rights Reserved.
This is a common problem with first-time owners of breakbarrel guns. In my experience, they always say the barrel closed accidentally until you press them. Then they admit they pulled the trigger with the barrel broken open "to see what would happen."
When the barrel snaps back closed with several hundred pounds of force, it bends at the weakest point. The result is always the same--a barrel bent upward at some point near where it enters the baseblock. Often, the wooden stock will be cracked at the same time, but that's not as predictable as the bending of the barrel.
While an airgun barrel may be made of steel, it 's quite soft. There's usually no hardening of the metal beyond the random work-hardening that results from manufacture. A strong person can actually bend the barrel in his hands, perhaps using his knee or chest as a fulcrum.
At the Roanoke Airgun Expo in November 2002, a dealer bought a Beeman R1 that had the classic bend in the barrel. He bought it for a song, so he wasn't too concerned that it needed a little work, but he gave me permission to photograph the barrel.
For perspective, I laid a straight brass tube along the cocking link under the mainspring cylinder. That tube is close to parallel with the mainspring tube, making it easy to see the bent barrel.
This is a classic bent barrel resulting from firing the gun with the barrel open. It takes only one time to do this, and it happens almost every time.
Some airguns have anti-beartrap mechanisms that prevent shooting the gun until the barrel is fully closed. This also prevents personal injury when fingers are trapped in the closing breech joint.
Fortunately, it's easy to straighten a bent barrel. The best method involves a fixture that allows the precise application of controlled pressure, but barrels have been straightened using picnic tables as the only tool. The job is done while peering through the barrel to watch for the formation of concentric shadows.
Get FREE shipping on qualifying orders!
Any order $150+ with a shipping address in the contiguous US
will receive the option for free ground shipping on items sold & shipped by Pyramyd Air during checkout.
Certain restrictions apply.
Free shipping may not be combined with a coupon unless stated otherwise.
View Shipping Info
We work hard to get all orders placed by 12 pm EST out the door within 24 hours on weekdays
because we know how excited you are to receive your order.
Weekends and holiday shipping times will vary.
During busy holidays, we step our efforts to ship all orders as fast as possible,
but you may experience an additional 1-2 day delay before your order ships.
This may also happen if you change your order during processing.
View Shipping Times
It's important to know that due to state and local laws, there are certain restrictions for various products.
It's up to you to research and comply with the laws in your state, county, and city.
If you live in a state or city where air guns are treated as firearms you may be able to take advantage of our FFL special program.
U.S. federal law requires that all airsoft guns are sold with a 1/4-inch blaze orange muzzle
or an orange flash hider to avoid the guns being mistaken for firearms.
View Shipping Restrictions
We have a team of expert technicians and a complete repair shop that are able to service a large variety of brands/models of airguns.
Additionally, we are a factory-authorized repair/warranty station for popular brands such as
Air Arms, Air Venturi, Crosman, Diana, Seneca, and Weihrauch airguns.
Our experts also offer exclusive 10-for-$10 Test and 20-for-$20 Service,
which evaluates your air gun prior to leaving our warehouse.
You'll be able to add these services as you place your order.
View Service Info
Shop and purchase with confidence knowing that all of our air guns (except airsoft) are protected
by a minimum 1-year manufacturer's warranty from the date of purchase unless otherwise noted on the product page.
A warranty is provided by each manufacturer to ensure that your product is free of defect in both materials and workmanship.
View Warranty Details
Didn't get what you wanted or have a problem? We've got you covered! Return any item in new, unopened condition along with its original packaging and any accessories that might have come with your product and receive a refund within 60 days of purchase.
Our customer service team can help determine the best course of action and provide you with some options in the event you're interested in a return.
Learn About Returns
Join the Pyramyd Air mailing list: Our e-mails are filled with new products, deals, sneak peeks, tips and tricks, contests and more - sign up today!
Airgun safety is no accident. You must be 18 years or older to buy any air gun or air rifle in our store.
Text JOIN to 91256 and get $10 Off Your Next $50+ Order.
* By providing your number above, you agree to receive recurring autodialed marketing text msgs (e.g. cart reminders) to the mobile number used at opt-in from Pyramyd Air on 91256. Reply with birthday MM/DD/YYYY to verify legal age of 18+ in order to receive texts. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg frequency may vary. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help and STOP to cancel. See Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy.
Customer Support
Shopping Services
Confident Shopping
