This is just something I have been curious about. Is an unfluted cylinder considered to be any more robust than a fluted one or is the difference just mostly cosmetic? Not that exploding cylinders are a big concern anyway.

Just adds more weight and room for engraving. The dimension between the charge holes is the same.

Thanks Rimfired. I thought there might be some more weight to it. I was not even aware that there were unfluted cylinders until I started coming here.

... and they look soo much better than fluted.

The unfluted ones look good on some guns and not so good on others but it's all a matter of opinion, mine of course being correct
Seriously though, there's no strength difference although if you shoot a lot in double action the additional weight may cause the stop notches on the cylinder to peen a bit faster than they would on a fluted one.
I have some in both styles and enjoy them all.

__________________
Lynnie, Professional Pest

I couldn't decide on which 629 snub I wanted so I bought one with each cylinder.....I like them both!

M 629's with unfluted cylinders are easier to collect because there are fewer barrel lengths. I can't afford to worry about dash numbers -- no lock models only.

That 7-1/2" barrel and unfluted cylinder is tough to find. Missed all 3 that were on GB the past 2 months.

__________________
S&WHF 366

Those are nice. The one with the unfluted cylinder & full length barrel underlug may recoil a little less as well. I like the look better on the one with the standard ejecter rod shroud.
I wonder what the actual difference in weight is between the two revolvers?
The bottom one looks to be a late 629-4 or there abouts, what is the top one? 629-2 or -3?

The 7.5" barrel revolvers are my favorites. Good luck in finding the one you want. Are you wanting the 629-6 Power Port or the 629-2 Classic Magnum? Or have I forgotten a few of them?

__________________
Lynnie, Professional Pest

I think that the unfluted is easier to clean.

I really like the look of 'em too!

Though I understand that having the flutes under darkened conditions could be of benefit as one can 'feel' where the open chambers are for easier reloading.

My vote is for unfluted.

In any case the cylinder thin spot is the stop notch at least in most 6 round cylinders. If you look at the front of a cylinder the metal on top of the chamber is the next thinnest area. The flutes really present no strength compromise.

__________________
Ipsis Rebus Dictantitbus

Guess I'm just old fashioned, but I like the flutes. Without them, to me, the gun almost looks unfinished. Maybe a special purpose piece or something. They are all nice and I want them all.
Peace,
gordon

__________________
better have that checked

until I picked up a few of the unfluted models and began shooting them a lot, I never really enjoyed their look....now, the fluted models look a little...well...unnecessarily cosmopolitan....

__________________
Dum vivimus Vivamas