In this paper, the authors consider the influence of axial load on the stability of shells of revolution subjected to external pressure. Shells of different geometry are investigated with emphasis to barrelled shells. The variable quantities are length L and meridional radius of curvature R1 of a shell. The constant parameters are: thickness of the shell h, mass ms and reference radius r0. The material of shells is steel. Numerical calculations were performed in the ABAQUS system. All the shells considered in this paper were subjected to axial compression to determine the force corresponding to the loss of stability in such conditions. A part of this force is then used to preload shell before the buckling analysis in the conditions of external pressure is started. The buckling shapes for shells of different geometry are presented with and without the influence of axial load. The ability of controlling the buckling strength and shape is discussed.