Hi Nick,
I have removed my barrel and I must say it was so easy. Wrap a piece of leather or lead strip around the barrel and with a pair of grips or similar unscrew anti clockwise. Took the barrel off and the bb fell out. It saved me a lot of hassle. One word of warning to anyone removing the barrel, the breech is sitting on top of the trigger guard spring so when the barrel is removed there is nothing to stop the breech end of the barrel taking of at 120 mph upwards as mine did. Beware. I am so pleased it is sorted and not only that but I learned something more about my pistol. Always enjoy learning .thanks to all who contributed
Alan