Fluted or unfluted?

[BenR]

I'm looking very seriously at the 627 Performance Center 2-5/8" (170133). I've seen some really great pictures on this forum of fluted and unfluted versions and am wondering what real-world advantages, if any, one has over the other. Is it just aesthetics?

 

[jeepjeepwhat]

The fluted would be slightly lighter, in case you are doing some serious hiking and are counting ounces...

 

[Shooting4life]

It just depends on what you think looks better.

 

[Simmy952]

Unfluted always looks better to me. The weight difference in nominal.

 

[k22fan]

Buy what suits your fancy.

Welcome to the forum BenR,

Flutes remove weight from the parts that you have to move firing DA lightening the DA and mark the location of charge holes on the outside of the cylinder for aligning a partially loaded cylinder with the barrel. They make possible aligning the cylinder by feel. Flutes look traditional and are attractive to me.

Non fluted cylinders are UGLY and illogical. Their only advatages are that they draw slightly smoother out of break front holsters and save the manufacturer money.

I only buy non-fluted cylindered revolvers when I can't get the same set of features on fluted ones, except for one case in which I was in a gun shop with money in my pocket with no parential supervision. Maybe someday I'll have the gunsmith cut flutes in them all.

On the other hand, if you find yourself standing over a bank robber saying "...did I fire 5 or did I fire 6? Do you fell lucky punk?..." the punk won't be able to count 8 flutes.

Best Regards,
Gil

 

[BenR]

I appreciate all of the replies. Can anyone in the know indicate whether the fluted version is currently in production?

 

[XTrooper]

There are minor differences between the two. As mentioned, the fluted version will be slightly lighter though I seriously doubt you'd notice the difference with a wheelgun this heavy to begin with. Theoretically, the unfluted version should be slightly stronger. In any case, it really comes down to a matter of personal preference.

For myself, I like the relative uniqueness of the unfluted cylinder which sets it apart from the vast majority of revolvers out there. That said, I have to say that the few I've seen with fluted cylinders look pretty darn nice too.

As far as I'm concerned, you can't lose with this revolver whichever choice you make.

 

[ms]

Stronger?

Theoretically, the unfluted version should be slightly stronger.QUOTE]

Please explain this, I didn't think there was a strength difference.

 

[Pisgah]

>Theoretically, the unfluted version should be slightly stronger

Nope. The weak spot is the cut for the locking bolt, and the depth of that is the same whether the cylinder is fluted or unfluted. Theoretically, the slightly heavier unfluted barrel is not as hard on the action innards -- doesn't recoil as violently upon firing as the lighter fluted cylinder -- but that is pure theory, pretty much impossible to prove in reality, although some may claim to feel a very, very slight reduction in perceived recoil because of the added weight.

 

[Nightowl]

I think the real difference is in the perspective of the observer. It's whatever you like best. I like fluted because I think it looks sleeker, where the unfluted looks blocky. I have several 627's with unfluted cylinders and do nothing with them except shoot them. I have a 627PC 2 5/8 that I had a fluted cylinder installed in.

 

[rollin_hot]

To flute or not to flute

I own fluted and unfluted guns and in my opinion there is no advantage of one over the other. It boils down to what look you like and what you think looks best. I bought my first unfluted revo because it was unique and looked mean and nasty. I also have an unfluted 629 at Magnaport getting cut down to 2.5". That being said, if a deal came up for a fluted gun I would'nt pass it up...

 

[BenR]

For myself, I like the relative uniqueness of the unfluted cylinder which sets it apart from the vast majority of revolvers out there. That said, I have to say that the few I've seen with fluted cylinders look pretty darn nice too.

That sums up my feelings.

I have several 627's with unfluted cylinders and do nothing with them except shoot them.

Just like nature intended.

 

[Ace-3]

It is a lot quicker to clean the out side of the unfluted cylinder.

 

[socal s&w]

I really like the look of an unfluted cylinder, to me it looks 'cleaner'.

It's also agreed that they seem easier to clean.

 

[Snowbandit]

Going to have to disagree with this part. Most of the wear on an N-frame comes from the rotating mass of the cylinder. Therefore the slightly lighter weight of a fluted cylinder would cause less damage to the lockwork and last a bit longer.

We are well into the realm of the theoretical in any event here.

 

[k22fan]

[...] Most of the wear on an N-frame comes from the rotating mass of the cylinder. Therefore the slightly lighter weight of a fluted cylinder would cause less damage to the lockwork and last a bit longer. [...]

+1

Also end shake comes from the back and forth movement of the cylinder under recoil. More cylinder mass = end shake sooner.

 

[northslope]

I also like the unique look of the unfluted cylinders; I don't agree that on the 8-shot 627 there is going to be much extra mass from the lack of flutes -- remember you've got two extra charge holes drilled to begin with.

Now on my 629-6 "Trail Boss" that is another story...

--Neill

 

[rollin_hot]

Forgot to add this one....

My most sinister non fluted......

 

[RIDE-RED 350r]

To me, un-fluted kind of looks un-finished on a DA wheelgun. With no real perceiveable advantage to non-fluted I would pick the fluted version every time.

Funny though, on the old styled SA's i like unfluted.

 

[northslope]

My most sinister non fluted......

whoa - was that a production PC gun? Never seen a barrel that length (in that configuration). Way cool...

--Neill

 

[exfebee]

I just like the "Fluted" ones. All my life as a LEO i carried a S&W Fluted. So whenever i go to the "happy hunting grounds" i intend to have my S&W with a fluted cylinder still welded to my cold hands. But then again, if i go elsewhere & crush rocks - standing on my head it really won't make much difference. Here's a pic of my 627-PC with a fluted cylinder: Lots of luck - they both look great.
Carl..

 

[XTrooper]

I have to agree, Carl. That's a damn fine-looking wheelgun.

 

[BenR]

The pictures add so much. Thanks for posting them, everyone! I can see that I'm looking at one heck of a revolver, whether fluted or unfluted. Nice.

 

[G.T. Smith]

I like the looks of a fluted cylinder. I showed my son, who is just wise beyond his years, a picture of a gun, with what I called an "un-fluted" cylinder. He asked, "who did the work on that?", and I asked him what he meant. He said that to un-flute a cylinder that you would have to fill the flutes with weld metal and turn it back down, and wouldn't it be cheaper and better to just have a non-fluted cylinder to begin with?
Sometimes I wonder about that boy.
Peace,
gordon

 

[rollin_hot]

whoa - was that a production PC gun? Never seen a barrel that length (in that configuration). Way cool...

--Neill

627 V-Comp PC gun for RSR, barrel is 3" but 4" when you and the extension or the compensator. Very limited run.

 

[BenR]

Is there a special model number or code for the fluted cylinder, and is the fluted version currently in production?

 

[exfebee]

Hi Ben,

No & no.
During April 2010 there were several 627-5s made with "Fluted" cylinders. That was just because the Performance Center from what i was told - ran out of Unfluted cylinders. I saw another Fluted one over on an auction type website last month. I have my 627-5 also in a Fluted cylinder. The 627-PC pictured above which is an original Blood Work i sent into S&W and had a fluted cylinder put on it.
Carl

 

[BenR]

Thank you.