your preference & why?
what barrel maker does not believe in flutes?

Fluted definitely has a nice look to it. I have done some research and have found the theory of better heat dissapation to be considered false. One barrel maker pointed out that a thicker non fluted barrel heats up slower than a fluted barrel, thus losing an advantage of the small increase in surface area the fluting provides. The example given was that if fluting reduces heat, maching gun barrels would be fluted. It was also pointed out that the heavier non fluted barrel is more rigid than the fluted barrel. Of course, there in the weight reduction feature of a fluted barrel which makes a little since. With what I found with a little bit of research, non fluted may be better.

With all that being said, I have two fluted rifles, a Remington 5R Mil-Spec and a CZ 455 which I absolutely love. There may be something to liking the looks of a fluted rifle which make you shoot it better.

I have my barrels made with the flutes. TexasVine did hit on some key points though. During my research, I found the same information. Knowing that, I still had the flutes added. I think it looks awesome. I'm considering another project soon and may get a non-fluted barrel just to see if I like it better. It will also save some money.

As far as manufacturers that do not, If memory serves correct, Shilen does not offer or recommend it. That's why I haven't used them in the past.

Either way, good luck. Let us know what you decide.

I shot a 338 Edge and the barrel had flutes, it took multiple shots before the barrel even slightly began to heat up. I was sold on fluting after that.

The fluting does cool barrels faster once they heat up, simply due to more surface area. You can also see this as barrel mirage when looking through the scope.

If you flute a barrel, have the original barrel mfg do it. They can check the straightness after they are done. Fluting does put stresses on the barrel if it's not done correctly. I wouldn't have anyone else flute a barrel other than a mfg.

Stiffness of fluted/nonfluted, I think it would take an engineer to figure it out, so I have no clue on that.

nice info, I have always liked flutes and still do. when I ordered my schilen, I asked about price of fluting, was told that they do not belive in fluting. was the first time I had been told that, I know there are schilens out there that have flutes, probably done after the fact. thinking of the next cooper and it will probably be fluted.

It sure does make the barrel look good. Spiral flute are really kewl.

I'd get one.

I agree-I don't think I'd want a button-rifled barrel fluted after the fact. I understand cut-rifled barrels are generally OK to flute after manufacture (presumably by someone versed in such) due to much less barrel blank stress induced by the rifling process. I would think a hammer-forged barrel would also be a possible candidate.

I have had zero issues with my spiral fluted barrels done by Kampfeld custom. Not done by mfg.

I'd trust KK. Love my skeletonized bolt arms and oversize handles.

Had my Rock 7mm Light Palma spiral fluted by Kampfield per the advice of my smith. Bet it'll still shoot. And Kampfield said it will take bout 10-14 oz. off the weight of the barrel.

The sexy look is a fringe benefit to me.

X2 Mine shot the same after I got it back as it did before

Karl does great work

I dont think spiral is allowed anymore due to some patent.

I like flutes for the cool factor if anything. Gives the gun character

How can someone have a patent on fluting all u have to do is change it a fraction anywhere and it is different

I've noticed that my fluted Sako stays cool. Much more so than my heavy barrel 308.

I believe it is er shaw that locked it up to where you cant do it. Even your guy isnt offering it.

Yep, er shaw patented the spiral fluting

That from a thread in September

Stress imparted (no matter how fluting is done it will impart stress into the metal) during the fluting process leaves a more inaccurate rifle barrel.

That being said I have both.

I shoot F-Class competitions and you won't see any fluted barrels in serious competition.

Depends on what type of patent he has, a utility patent patents the concept a design patent is just that it patents a specific design. If he has a specific design which I suspect thats what it is, then yes he can have a patent on it. Design patents are the weakest patents available for the example you just gave. change the twist rate, the depth or width of the flute and you have a new design.

Maybe he is maybe he isn't............

It won't last. Change the flutes and it is not the same.

If er shaw locked it up everyone should stop using anything to do with them and they will get the picture quick!

Must be a stupid patent since you can still do bolts.

Maybe in your type of competition, but for those of us that have to carry, walk and run with our rifles, there are many fluted barrels on the range. And most of those rifles are sub 1/2 MOA shooters.