Enlighten me please

[rapidshot]

Similar to a HW35 but the breech block isn't just quite right...maybe a HW35 Barakuda....that would explain the attempt at making the flash suppressor ??? The gun used a charge of ether from a separate tube alongside the maintube that boosted the velocity of the pellets.!
Known as the Barakuda EL54, the ether ignited giving velocities over 1,000 fps, but it had the effect of blowing the lead pellets apart in the barrel...so they started using steel ball shot....petty dangerous I guess in an air rifle maintube and barrel ?.....that's my best guess anyway.Rgds C

[I. J.]

Its a Round Tuit.

Ive been meaning to get one for years.

[Jerry Cornelius]

Is it what happens when the old brass screw and toothpaste diy muzzle re-crowning trick goes a bit wrong?

[slug-gun]

Could the rifle have been fired at high velocity with the barrel blocked, causing the end of it to split like that?

[WebleyWombler]

I'm a little confused Peter. You state it's a .177 and yet the label on the bottom barrel in your picture states it's a .22? ( top barrel appears to be a Webley MkII) Which calibre is it, or could it be something slightly different? have you tried a pellet in it?

[Binners]

My mistake on the calibre, it is a .22

There is no sign that this was a mod, the bluing looks original. I don't think this is damage caused by over power. I feel it was purpose done.

Rapidshot's idea seems the best possibility to me so far, I do remember seeing gas converted (home made) projects turning up at Bisley many years ago.

Unfortunately this was part of a deceased estate and there is no one to ask.

I wondered if could have shot some form of spread shot, but clutching at straws.....

[Binners]

Angrybear on here suggested it may be for dispatching trapped vermin....