Chris
09-16-2008, 12:28 PM
There are many popular misconceptions regarding fluted barrels. First let us say fluting is done primarily for weight reduction and esthetic reasons. It is generally not a great idea to flute a match barrel unless this is necessary to "make weight" with a given barrel length and contour. If you are sure you want fluting, it is best to start with a cut-rifled barrel because the fluting can be done by the barrel-maker before the bore rifling is cut; therefore there is no chance that fluting can harm bore uniformity. By contrast, a button-rifled barrel can be fluted only after it has been rifled and stress-relieved. Fluting and Barrel Heating: Many people ask "Won't a fluted barrel cool better?" The answer is maybe. Depending on the shape and depth of the flutes, fluting can increase the overall surface area of the barrel. Provided there is good airflow around the barrel, this can enhance the barrel's ability to transfer heat. However, bead blasting a non-fluted barrel can work just as well. Moreover, you must remember that fluting reduces total barrel mass. A metal object of lesser mass will heat up faster than one of greater mass. So, with fluting, your barrel may shed heat a bit faster, but it may also heat up more quickly in the first place. Fluting and Barrel Stiffness: Fluting does not make a barrel stiffer. However, the weight reduction allowed by fluting permits you to start with a heavier barrel contour and end up at the same weight as an un-fluted barrel of a smaller diameter contour. This may result in slightly better rigidity, but extra stiffness is not something you can count on. Look at winning guns on the firing line at short- and long-range benchrest matches. Only a small fraction of the barrels will be fluted, and usually those started out as very heavy or very long blanks and the fluting was needed to meet weight limits or to reduce the load on the receiver. A better way to hang an extremely thick, heavy barrel on a long-range benchrest gun is to use a bedding block. This supports the barrel immediately in front of the receiver for five to eight inches.