The barrel of a pistol, specifically in a short recoil operated pistol, is comprised of multiple bearings surfaces comprised of cams and lugs that allow the pistol to function. The surfaces mechanically delay the pistol enough to allow the pistol to reliably function in the manner of an automatic firearm, chambering a round at the end of each cycle of operation. A barrel that locates a forward lug positioned horizontally in front of the trigger guard of the pistol with side cams that are shallow and interact in a way to provide the pistol with a robust and consistent lock up from shot to shot to provide an advantage in the function of the firearm.