Translation guide
The metal tube of a firearm through which a projectile travels. In Japanese, the most common and direct term is 銃身 (じゅうしん). The word バレル (bareru) is also used, especially in technical or borrowed contexts. For cannons or artillery, 砲身 (ほうしん) is used.
The tube of a gun through which the bullet is fired.
The standard term for the barrel of a small arm (pistol, rifle, etc.). Used in general and technical contexts.
Loanword from English 'barrel'. Common in technical, military, or hobbyist contexts, especially when referring to interchangeable barrels or barrel length.
Specifically for the barrel of a cannon, artillery piece, or large gun. Not used for small arms.
銃身 is the native Japanese term and is widely understood. バレル is a loanword often used in technical or enthusiast circles, similar to how English speakers might use 'barrel' in a gunsmithing context. In everyday conversation, 銃身 is safer.
For large guns like cannons or howitzers, use 砲身 (ほうしん) instead of 銃身.
This rifle's barrel is interchangeable.
戦車の砲身が破損した。
The tank's gun barrel was damaged.