SmallCaliberCentral

Does anyone have any experience with post fluting a factory barrel?

I am considering a heavy barrel Howa, but would like to reduce the weight a little, so am considering having the barrel fluted after purchase. Is this a smart move or should I steer clear?

HB: Here you go:

Pinaire Gunsmithing
9438 East Elmwood
Mesa, AZ 85207
480.986.1805

Fluting factory barrels is his specialty; he offers all styles and types of fluting.

Cut off an inch and you'll lose more weight than fluting. I'd worry about stressing the metal, but you could have it frozen to reduce the stress. Personally I'd just leave it alone.

Hotshot wrote:Cut off an inch and you'll lose more weight than fluting. I'd worry about stressing the metal, but you could have it frozen to reduce the stress. Personally I'd just leave it alone.

Very good and timely comments.....

-BCB

Pinaire stress releaves all his work after machining. He also offers cryo treating.

Sidebar: When I built my recent custom 204R, I had the option of fluting my new Pac-Nor Super Match barrel. It is, and will remain unfluted.

Fluting is not just to reduce weight. Cutting an inch off the barrel, which I beleive is misguided advice, will cost you approximately 30-40 fps in velocity. Shortening the barrel will not overcome the second and perhaps most important benefit of fluting which is to increase the external surface area to enhance and aid in more rapid cooling. You chose a fantastic rifle. Good luck and be safe.

Here is a link to a technical article - not folklore - which show that a fluted barrel definitely cools quicker. However, it also shows that the quicker cooling has nothing whatsoever to do with flutes that "increase the external surface area to enhance and aid in more rapid cooling".

http://www.snipercountry.com/Articles/R ... luting.asp

-BCB

Thanks, for the link and article which explains why and how the fluted barrel enhances cooling.

Good info BCB, thanks.