Air Pistol's Barrel Life/durability

[Faduka]

Hi there.
Here in Brazil we have many difficulties in buying guns, even for olympic shooting. So, I'm thinking about getting an used AP. A Morini CM162, from a club friend.

I know that it is possible to replace many parts like trigger, sights, etc.
But what about the barrel?
How many pellets does an AP Barrel suport, in perfect conditions? (assuming the owner takes care of his pistol and only shoot good pellets)

Is it necessary (i don't even know if it is possible...) to replace the barrel, in AP, after a certain number of pellets shot?

Tks.

Faduka

[Rumbler]

Is it necessary (i don't even know if it is possible...) to replace the barrel, in AP, after a certain number of pellets shot?

Definitely yes.
Barrel replacement is performed on a regular basis for olympic level APs.
An AP-barrel from one of the better manufacturers is designed to last 5000 shots.
After that number of shots the interior microscopic barrel liner is worn through, and accuracy will deteriorate quickly.

AP-barrels do not come cheap.

[Brian James]

To replace a barrel in the Morini 162 is very easy and can be done in minutes.

In terms of wearing out a barrel in 5000 shots, I would be very surprised. I suspct and hope 50,000 was what Rumber menat. Even at 50,000+ pellets through a barrel you could have a nice competitive career.

Brian

[David Levene]

Is it necessary (i don't even know if it is possible...) to replace the barrel, in AP, after a certain number of pellets shot?

Definitely yes.

Well I must be leading a very sheltered life. I've never heard of anyone wearing out an AP barrel in normal use.

Over the last 8 years (or so) my Morini 162EI has certainly shot more than one sleeve of pellets (the 5000 quoted by "Rumbler") but, during a recent service, the velocity was adjusted to give five shot groups barely distinguishable from single shots. That was with 4.49 blue Finale Match, the only pellet I have ever shot through the gun.

Worn out barrel? I don't think so.

[Richard H]

I think Rumbler is being facetious.

Barrels can be replaced I've never heard of anyone wearing one out. AP's shoot a relatively soft pellet at relatively low velocity, there is no heat, or abrasive powder, like in cartridge firearms, so they last a very long time. I wouldn't base my buying decision on the ease or availability of barrel replacements, other parts and service yes, but not barrels.

[jrmcdaniel]

I suspect the vast majority of airgun barrels "worn out" are damaged by cleaning far more than by shooting. I would bet that this applies even to high power shooting.

One builder of high power guns mentioned that many barrels are worn out from the rouge left on cartridge cases from cleaning.

Best,

[David M]

The big thing that kills airpistol barrels is rust. One of the by products of expanding high pressure air is moisture.
Felt cleaning pellets and a little TLC help fix this.

My origional morini is well over 10 yrs old, I have replaced the fixed tank, seals, most of the working parts, but the barrel will still shoot a one hole group (pity my eyes and hold can not be replaced).

[2650 Plus]

I still have not found a FWB 65 with a barrel worn out by shooting. Some have been damaged by improper cleaning techniques but even this is rare. I certainly would not be concerned about barrel replacement for many thousand of rounds [ Pellets ] Shoot a lot and enjoy. Good Shooting Bill Horton

[RobStubbs]

The big thing that kills airpistol barrels is rust. One of the by products of expanding high pressure air is moisture.
Felt cleaning pellets and a little TLC help fix this.

My origional morini is well over 10 yrs old, I have replaced the fixed tank, seals, most of the working parts, but the barrel will still shoot a one hole group (pity my eyes and hold can not be replaced).

You may only get moisture if you fill your guns with moist air. Compressors used in dive shops remove moisture so that shouldn't be an issue. You will also remove any possible moisture with the next shot.

In reality if you leave your gun in a cold, damp environment and don't shoot it much, then you may attract rust. Other than that it isn't an issue. Oh and felt pellets are likely to do more harm than good as the fibres can damage the workings.

Rob.

[IPshooter]

Over the last 8 years (or so) my Morini 162EI has certainly shot more than one sleeve of pellets (the 5000 quoted by "Rumbler") but, during a recent service, the velocity was adjusted to give five shot groups barely distinguishable from single shots. That was with 4.49 blue Finale Match, the only pellet I have ever shot through the gun.

Worn out barrel? I don't think so.

David,

Now you gone and done it. Adjusted the velocity on your AP to get the best possible group. Shame on you. ;-)

Stan

[Faduka]

Thanks for the comments.

[David Levene]

Now you gone and done it. Adjusted the velocity on your AP to get the best possible group. Shame on you. ;-)

Not me Stan, with my standard of shooting nowdays I've got much bigger things to worry about.

The repair agent I use in the UK offers it as part of his standard gun overhaul, obviously providing that you send him some of the pellets you use. As I've still got about 25 tins from the same batch it seemed like a sensible idea. Now I know that if the shot doesn't go where I call it, then I am letting my concentration go walkabout. (There goes another excuse)