What effect does slight bending of a steel barrel have on accuracy?

Slight bending of a steel barrel can negatively impact accuracy because the barrel's alignment is crucial for the proper travel of the bullet as it exits. When a barrel is bent, even slightly, it alters the path that the bullet follows as it moves through the barrel. This can result in inconsistent bullet trajectories and unpredictable shot placement. The precise engineering of a barrel is designed to provide stability and consistency; any deviation from its intended shape can introduce unwanted variables that compromise the accuracy of each shot.

In contrast, any options suggesting improvement, no effect, or enhancement of durability fail to consider the fundamental principles of firearms accuracy and barrel dynamics, where precision and structural integrity are paramount.