Smyth Busters: Will a Worn-Out Barrel Explode?

Published on September 13, 2022
Duration: 3:31

This video debunks the myth that worn-out firearm barrels explode, explaining that wear actually reduces pressure resistance. It details common barrel wear points, such as throat erosion affecting accuracy and rifling loss due to corrosive ammo or abrasive cleaning. The presenters emphasize that barrel explosions are not a consequence of normal wear.

Quick Summary

The myth that worn-out gun barrels explode is false. As barrels wear, they become less resistant to pressure, allowing gases to escape more easily. Common wear points include throat erosion, affecting accuracy, and rifling loss from corrosive ammo or abrasive cleaning.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro & Myth Introduction
  2. 00:15The Myth: Worn Barrels Explode
  3. 00:49Analyzing Barrel Wear Scenarios
  4. 01:01STG44 Barrel Example
  5. 01:36Myth Debunked: Pressure Escape
  6. 01:42What Happens When Barrels Wear Out
  7. 01:53Throat Erosion Explained
  8. 02:21Loss of Rifling: Causes
  9. 02:44Definitions of Barrel Wear
  10. 02:53Conclusion: Not a Pipe Bomb
  11. 03:03Viewer Engagement & Outro

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a worn-out gun barrel explode like a pipe bomb?

No, a worn-out gun barrel will not explode like a pipe bomb. As a barrel wears, the internal diameter typically increases, which actually reduces resistance to the bullet and allows pressure to escape more easily, making a catastrophic failure less likely.

What is throat erosion in a firearm barrel?

Throat erosion is wear that occurs in the forcing cone area of a barrel, right where the bullet transitions from the chamber to the rifling. This wear can cause accuracy to degrade as the bullet has more room to jump and may not engage the rifling consistently.

What causes rifling to wear out in a gun barrel?

Rifling can wear out due to several factors, including the use of corrosive ammunition that isn't cleaned properly, or through abrasive cleaning techniques like excessive brushing, especially in firearms like .22 caliber rifles.

Does barrel wear make a firearm more dangerous?

Generally, barrel wear makes a firearm less dangerous in terms of explosion risk. Increased internal diameter from wear allows pressure to dissipate more readily. However, significant wear can severely impact accuracy, which is a different kind of performance degradation.

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