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Gunsmithing Indicating a fluted barrel

jafa100

Private
Minuteman
Mar 30, 2010
14
0
66
I would like some opinions on indicating fluted barrels. Do you feel you need a rib TDC or is it ok to have a groove TDC. I have been told a rib TDC adds stiffness. Or does anyone not indicate. I would like soom thoughts on this.
 
Re: Indicating a fluted barrel

i suppose if the only forces on the barrel were in the vertical plane, it then would depend if it is an even or odd number of flutes. if there is a rib on top and bottom, that would be the stiffest in vertical. if there is one on top and a flute on the bottom or vice versa, it wouldn't really matter.

barrel whip isn't pure vertical though. i'd say it doesn't matter on target. personally, i feel timing a flute at tdc is the most appealing to the eye. that's a personal choice and i honestly don't think it would make one lick of difference on target either way.
 
Re: Indicating a fluted barrel

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 300sniper</div><div class="ubbcode-body">i suppose if the only forces on the barrel were in the vertical plane, it then would depend if it is an even or odd number of flutes. if there is a rib on top and bottom, that would be the stiffest in vertical. if there is one on top and a flute on the bottom or vice versa, it wouldn't really matter.

barrel whip isn't pure vertical though. i'd say it doesn't matter on target. personally, i feel timing a flute at tdc is the most appealing to the eye. that's a personal choice and i honestly don't think it would make one lick of difference on target either way. </div></div>

My sentiments exactly.

I kinda like the look of a groove at TDC rather than a rib. Its a little different and if you really split hairs, allows the scope to be mounted SLIGHTLY lower.
 
Re: Indicating a fluted barrel

From a purest stand point there should be a top at the stock line.
It looks better because it doesn't leave a trough that you can throw a cat down.
 
Re: Indicating a fluted barrel

It's all about how it looks. The barrel won't perform any differently either way. Basically what Mr. 300 Sniper said. It gives your work a touch of "I care how my work looks" kind of thing. Also matter how it looks along the sides of your stock. Good luck on your project.
 
Re: Indicating a fluted barrel

I was looking at a Hide smith's page the other day and on his price sheet he had an extra amount to time a fluted barrel... I would think this would be a gimme as its an aesthetics issue. If the smith isn't willing to do that little bit of aesthetics work then what other corners are cut that you cannot see? I understand its a bit extra work over a non flute barrel but come on.

The only reason it bothers me is I paid a local smith to install a fluted barrel and it looked like ass not being timed right.