Barrel design is one of the most critical factors in the accuracy of an airgun. Everything from barrel length, diameter, and rifling (grooves in the barrel) to materials and crown profile play a role in how the shot travels and hits the target. In this guide, we take a closer look at how the different aspects of barrel design affect accuracy, and how you can optimize your airgun for maximum accuracy.
Fluted vs. smooth barrel – Which is best?
Fluted barrel
Most air rifles and air pistols with pellets use a rifled barrel , where there are spiral grooves inside the barrel. These grooves create a rotation (spin) in the pellet, which stabilizes it in the air and increases accuracy.
✅ Benefits:
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Stabilizes the hail in the air.
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Reduces deviations over long distances.
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Increases precision, especially at higher speeds.
❌ Disadvantages:
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Requires precisely manufactured pellets for optimal effect.
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May cause more air resistance at lower speeds.
Smooth running
Smoothbore airguns are primarily used for BBs (round steel balls) . Since BBs do not have the same aerodynamic shape as shot, they do not benefit from rifling and can instead become unstable in the air.
✅ Benefits:
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Less wear on the race over time.
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Suitable for short-range shooting and hobby use.
❌ Disadvantages:
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Low accuracy at longer distances.
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BBs are more affected by wind and air resistance.
➡ Conclusion: If accuracy is your primary goal, you should choose a rifled barrel and use quality-made pellets.
Barrel Length – Do longer barrels have better accuracy?
The barrel length affects the time the shot spends in the barrel, which can have a major impact on stability and precision.
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Short run (10-30 cm):
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Most often used on air pistols.
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Easy to handle, but less stability in the trajectory of the shot.
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Best for shooting at short distances (<15 meters).
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Medium run (30-50 cm):
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Standard on many air rifles.
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Good balance between compactness and precision.
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Best for shooting at 15-40 meters.
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Long run (50-70 cm):
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Increases the stability and energy of the shot.
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Can be more accurate, but can also lead to loss of energy if the air pressure drops before the shot leaves the barrel.
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Ideal for long-range shooting (40+ meters).
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➡ Conclusion: A barrel that is too short can reduce accuracy, while a barrel that is too long can reduce velocity. The optimal length depends on the weapon's propellant and its intended purpose.
Barrel diameter and fit for shotgun
The barrel diameter must match the caliber of the shotgun exactly. If the barrel is too wide or too narrow, it can affect accuracy:
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Too wide a run:
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The shot can bounce around in the barrel, reducing accuracy.
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Less air sealing means lower speed.
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Too narrow a race:
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Creates more friction and slows down speed.
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Can damage the shot and change its flight path.
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➡ Conclusion: Use high-quality shotgun pellets that match the caliber of your barrel for the best accuracy.
The material of the race – Does it matter?
The material the barrel is made of can affect both durability and accuracy.
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Steel:
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The most common material in air force barrels.
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Durable and resistant to wear.
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Brass:
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Often used in high-end PCP guns to reduce friction.
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Requires more maintenance to avoid oxidation.
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Carbon fiber covered:
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Lighter than steel, but still very durable.
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Found primarily in competition models.
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➡ Conclusion: Most shooters will benefit from steel barrels , while competitive shooters may consider brass or carbon fiber-lined barrels for better accuracy.
Crown Profile – How does the end of the barrel affect accuracy?
The crown of the barrel is the outer edge where the shot leaves the barrel. If the crown is uneven or damaged, air can escape asymmetrically, affecting accuracy.
Types of crowns:
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Flat crown: Simple but sensitive to damage.
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Recessed crown: Protects against impact and ensures uniform airflow.
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Match crown: Specially designed for high-precision weapons, maximizes the symmetry of the shot's exit.
➡ Conclusion: If you want maximum precision, you should make sure that the barrel crown is flawless and properly cut .
How to optimize the accuracy of your airgun
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Use a rifled barrel to achieve stability in the trajectory of the shot.
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Choose the right barrel length based on your weapon's power source and shooting distance.
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Make sure the shotguns fit the barrel exactly to avoid air leaks and energy loss.
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Avoid damaging the crown to ensure a clean and symmetrical exit of the shot.
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Use quality materials and keep the barrel clean to ensure consistent shots.
Conclusion
Barrel design plays a crucial role in the accuracy of your airgun. A rifled barrel , correct barrel length , precisely matched shot , and a perfectly cut crown can be the difference between mediocre and extreme accuracy. By understanding and optimizing these factors, you can improve your shooting and achieve better results on the range.
