That's the story, and it makes sense. However...I had a Puma '92 that had a ring in the barrel at the lower band...and it wouldn't shoot better than 13" after the ring occured. Before, it would shoot an inch. That was at 25 yds...and it had a straight barrel, and 12" in front of the ring. So, I'm not sure about a barrel not being perfect and still shooting as well as a perfect one. I'd not leave one bent or imperfect.