Unfluted cyl questions?

Masterbuck54 · #1 07-21-2014, 07:46 PM

Some like the look and others find the look "unfinished" .....myself I like the look.

1) What would have been the first revolver that offered this?
2) Was it ever produced on a nickle revolver?

Thanks in advance for any and all information.

Masterbuck54

H Richard · #2 07-21-2014, 07:55 PM

The original Number 1 from 1858 had an un-fluted cylinder. I believe it was the No.1, 3rd Issue before the cylinder was fluted. I don't have a 1st Issue, but here is a 2nd Issue.

rwsmith · #3 07-21-2014, 08:36 PM

I don't know why but the old Colt Navy and the Walkers looked cool as heck (Think Josie Wales) with the unfluted cylinder. They just look DANGEROUS! (in a good way

) There's something about the machining at the rear of the cylinder that breaks up the plain lines in just the right way.

I would like a modern revolver that looks that good with an unfluted cylinder.

Alpo · #4 07-21-2014, 10:53 PM

I know the 1847 Walker (some years before that Smith #1) was unfluted. So was the 1838 Patterson.

feralmerril · #5 07-21-2014, 11:24 PM

I like the old BP colts and remingtons but I just cant get used to them on smiths. Its a matter of taste. That dont make me right.

brucev · #6 07-21-2014, 11:41 PM

I've had both types... just simply never did develop an interest in the unfluted cylinders. Old Colt percussion revolvers w/ the roll engraved scenes are fine. Just can't see it with any of the S&W revolvers. In fact, I think that the easing of the front of the cylinder ala black powder cylinders is also a good step.

perrazi · #7 07-22-2014, 12:20 AM

super blackhawks had unfluted cylinders for a modern made gun.

JcMack · #8 07-22-2014, 06:22 AM

Looking at it from a tech standpoint: Was the addition of flutes an attempt to lighten the mass of the rotating cyl, thus decreasing wear on parts that start and stop rotation? Exps. Hand and bolt. Non fluted cyl. guns I've seen are usually large bore, and deletion of the flutes seems strictly cosmetic seemingly adding to massive appearance, therefore strength. I gotta think unfluted cyls additional mass increases wear on moving parts and offers no additional strength since cyl. failures generally occur at the web.