|
|
 |
04-14-2010, 11:48 AM
|
 |
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Raleigh, NC
Posts: 1,354
Likes: 917
Liked 1,431 Times in 448 Posts
|
|
Fluted versus Non-fluted Cylinders
I'm always amazed at the dramatic difference in appearance of a non-fluted revolver versus fluted in the same model.
Vive La Différence!
However, I've often wondered if there is any advantage or disadvantage other than the looks? I'd guess that a fluted cylinder might be a slight bit lighter... but that's only a guess.
|
04-14-2010, 11:50 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: NE Iowa
Posts: 5,450
Likes: 1,956
Liked 3,499 Times in 1,287 Posts
|
|
It's to add a bit more weight I guess, as well as strength. Personally I like fluted better just because I like the way it looks.
|
04-14-2010, 12:22 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Upstate SC
Posts: 3,450
Likes: 37
Liked 5,435 Times in 1,762 Posts
|
|
Strength is the same with either cylinder -- the weak spot is the locking notches, and they are in the same place, relative to the chambers, on both cylinders. The main advantage is added weight, which makes a heavy-kicker more comfortable to shoot and may lessen wear caused by the cylinder moving under recoil, eventually battering excess endplay in to the cylinder fit -- greater weight= greater inerita= less-violent fore&aft movement.
__________________
Pisgah
|
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
04-14-2010, 12:30 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Kentucky, USA
Posts: 7,470
Likes: 2,830
Liked 6,261 Times in 2,170 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pisgah
The main advantage is added weight, which makes a heavy-kicker more comfortable to shoot and may lessen wear caused by the cylinder
|
You left out a nicer surface to engrave. Allows the artist to make a scene or continue one.
There can also be problems with some holsters, the fitted ones which expect there to be a flute.
__________________
Dick Burg
|
04-14-2010, 02:58 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Roebling, NJ, USA
Posts: 716
Likes: 9
Liked 282 Times in 86 Posts
|
|
If you are shooting rapid DA, the extra mass of the unfluted cylinder may add extra strain on the locking bolt or the notches.
If you reload using speed strips, the fluted cylinder is easier to index under stress.
I prefer the look of unfluted when used with a full lug or heavy barrel, and fluted when used with a pencil barrel.
|
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
04-14-2010, 03:06 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: May 2006
Location: New York
Posts: 205
Likes: 0
Liked 64 Times in 19 Posts
|
|
I believe fluting started on single action cap and ball pistols, the flutes helped grip and clear a blackpowder fouled cylinder. They also helped in indexing the cylinder while loading.
|
04-14-2010, 06:54 PM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Raleigh, NC
Posts: 1,354
Likes: 917
Liked 1,431 Times in 448 Posts
|
|
Thanks... some great answers that I'd never considered.
|
04-15-2010, 12:17 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 754
Likes: 1
Liked 129 Times in 58 Posts
|
|
Non-fluted is easier to clean and has an uncluttered look.
|
04-15-2010, 05:24 AM
|
 |
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Connecticut, USA
Posts: 1,525
Likes: 0
Liked 145 Times in 48 Posts
|
|
They make fluted cylinders because you can position the cylinder under a loaded chamber without looking at it. It's also easier to handle with cold wet fingers.
The advantage of a non fluted cylinder is added weight, for the magnum revolvers.
__________________
NRA Benefactor Member
|
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
|
|
|
|
Linear Mode
