Why does the barrel look crooked?

[Turo]

I've noticed this on quite a few guns, mainly glocks, but others as well.
When the slide is locked back, it looks like the barrel is tipped upward. Is this just an optical illusion? or related to something I don't know about?

Some examples:



Is it just me, or do the barrels look tipped up?

If this is a noob question, please forgive me, but it's kind of troubling me.

[69Mach1]

They are tipped up. Locking block guns do that.

[Turo]

They are tipped up. Locking block guns do that.

Whew, thanks, I thought I was seeing things!

Is there any reason for that? other than they just do?

[Blwnbwtie]

The barrel has to move downward to unlock from the slide.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKRMcTlbWTs

check out this animation. Notice just ahead of the chamber there is locking lugs on the barrel, and on the top of the slide.

[Futurecollector]

Its how they feed,

[IrishPirate]

safety feature pure and simple. doesn't affect accuracy because it locks back down when the slide is racked forward

ps. that's the best sig ever made (maybe best 9mm ever!!)

[retired]

The XD pistols are the same.

[Turo]

Thanks for the info guys, I can always count on CGN!

[pontiacpratt]

My PX4 stays level due to the rotating barrel.

[psssniper]

Aim LOW!!

[CHS]

It's the way JM Browning designed the action.

[hybridatsun350]

Its how they feed,

I guess you could say that, but the primary reason they tilt is to unlock from the slide.

[1JimMarch]

Why does the barrel look crooked?

Because it was photographed in a dark alley with Don Perata and a plain manilla envelope. Duh!

[Greg-Dawg]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-e_3Ihpq9T4&feature=related

[odysseus]

Because it was photographed in a dark alley with Don Perata and a plain manilla envelope. Duh!

This.