I used the cyclone barrel texture to avoid confusion with twin assault cannons or even the whirlwind. Also, it'll probably be researched before the whirlwind and after the hurricane, looking at the prereqs, so it could be considered an intermediary tech AA gun, not more advanced than the current ones. Apart from that, the texture looks a bit wrong, the brighter part should be on top and on the bottom, so that the whole gradient of the "round" simulation is divided between two faces, and not entirely in each face.
Also, did you add more faces to the barrel? (from what you wrote, I understand you made them 8-sided)
But hey, don't take that as depreciation - it's really a pleasure to have someone as skilled as you helping us out! It's just that I like to take even the slightest details into consideration (please note that I also miss some of them when I'm making models, that's why I appreciate good, detailed feedback)
~Olrox