Stage 2 - Barrels

The barrels are often taken for granted but are the major ‘safety critical’ component and carry the proof marks to prove it (after all, you are detonating an explosion three inches from your face).

Not only are the barrels the major safety critical component their quality is the main contributer to the weapons dynamics, often referred to as balance. This ‘ergonomic feel’ is controlled with accurate weight distribution which is achieved by using the dimensions and shape that have been perfected over the past 100 years.

A good game gun should have ‘life and be very responsive in the hands’.

To identify a good barrel shape, cascade a shadow along the outside of the barrel watching the ‘V’ form the shadow creates. As you tilt the barrel, allowing the shadow to move up and down the form, the sides of the shadow will reveal any bumps or contour errors (it’s also how you can check for damage) -

PLEASE NOTE the picture below is not a Boxall and Edmiston gun but shows the bumps and contour errors: