Unfluted cylinders

[wildenout]

I apologize for so many posts asking after parts, but man I m so excited for my model 60 to come I can't wait!!!
Now, I have looks on brownells, and midway, but is there another place to find unfluted cylinders? particularly for J frames (or a model 60?) I can find them for my 686, but to me that isn't as big of a deal/don't really care for one on that gun.
Thanks!

 

[ozo]

"to find unfluted barrels?"---wildenout

Barrels....or cylinders?

 

[H Richard]

I do not recall ever seeing a J Frame with an unfluted cylinder. I do not believe any have ever been made.

 

[rbmac52]

Stick with your fluted cylinder on your Model 60. Unfluted cylinders on Smith & Wesson revolvers are just WRONG. I don't care what model you have, they are butt ugly on a modern revolver.

 

[Macinaw]

Stick with your fluted cylinder on your Model 60. Unfluted cylinders on Smith & Wesson revolvers are just WRONG. I don't care what model you have, they are butt ugly on a modern revolver.

The greater mass of the non fluted cylinder puts more wear on the cylinder stop (bolt).

This may be bad if you shoot fast.

 

[mike from st pete]

Does a not fluted cylinder make for a heavier double action trigger pull?

 

[S.B.]

Unfuted(heavier)cylinders cause accelerated wear and tear on internal lock parts. Probably why S&W didn't do them on the smaller J framed guns?
Steve

 

[wildenout]

Good to know! Maybe I will change my mind. I can't find them anywho and maybe that is why.

 

[BJoe]

The greater mass of the non fluted cylinder puts more wear on the cylinder stop (bolt).

This may be bad if you shoot fast.

Been shooting and collecting a LONG time and have never heard that.

 

[snubbyfan]

I always thought unfluted cylinders just looked unfinished.
Some people like the way they look.

 

[shawn mccarver]

Unfluted cylinders are a bad idea for another reason besides appearance and possible additional wear on the cylinder stop. The flutes assist in unsighted reloading by speed loader or speed strip or by the 2 by 2 by 2 method as the flutes assist in locating the charge holes without looking at the revolver. Clint Smith, among others, is a critic of unfluted cylinders for this reason.

After the movie "The Da Vinci Code," it seems that everyone thought that Sir Leigh Teabing's (the bad guy's) revolver was "cool looking." S&W did a run of unfluted 60s for the TALO group of distributors after that movie. Those revolvers were numbered in the LDV range (for Leonardo da Vinci). Here is the TALO information, from TALO's web site:

MODEL 60 UNFLUTED LDV
Model 60 .357 magnum 2 1/8 inch stainless revolver with unfluted cylinder and special serial number range LDV001-LDV500. This gun was inspired by the intimidating handgun in the movie Da Vinci Code. (hense the serial number prefix) It is rare to have such a popularly priced limited edition, Functional & distinctive.

Limited availability as of April 2007 at TALO wholesalers.

Part # 150157
One of 500

S&W has, therefore, made at least one run of J frames with unfluted cylinders. I hope that information is helpful.

 

[Macinaw]

From a previous thread:
By: John Linebaugh

Whistles and bells and flashing lights on sixguns won't replace determination, practice and expenditure of lead. S&W also made a few model 25-7s. This was a 5" gun with a non-fluted cylinder. The non-fluted feature does nothing for strength and only adds weight to the cylinder. This in turn is harder to get rotating and harder to stop. Thus increasing wear on the ratchet, hand and bolt and bolt notches in fast gun work. For a hunting gun this model is tops.

 

[S.B.]

Thanks Macinaw, my point exactly.
Steve

 

[DR505]

I do like unfluted cylinders for hunting. But for CC they are not a good choice.

 

[BJoe]

From a previous thread:
By: John Linebaugh

Whistles and bells and flashing lights on sixguns won't replace determination, practice and expenditure of lead. S&W also made a few model 25-7s. This was a 5" gun with a non-fluted cylinder. The non-fluted feature does nothing for strength and only adds weight to the cylinder. This in turn is harder to get rotating and harder to stop. Thus increasing wear on the ratchet, hand and bolt and bolt notches in fast gun work. For a hunting gun this model is tops.

Hamilton Bowen would probably debate that point. About 1/2 the guns he shows on his home page are unfluted.

 

[Macinaw]

Hamilton Bowen would probably debate that point. About 1/2 the guns he shows on his home page are unfluted.

Probably because the guns he builds are not for speed!

I guess this factor would only apply to those that shoot for competition.

 

[Warren Sear]

I do like unfluted cylinders for hunting. But for CC they are not a good choice.

Why would the un-fluted cylinders be good for hunting?

 

[Macinaw]

Why would the un-fluted cylinders be good for hunting?

Some claim it helps for higher pressure loads? Maybe to approach the strength of Ruger cylinders? This of course; may of may not be valid.

 

[BillyMagg]

Why would the un-fluted cylinders be good for hunting?

Fluted, Unfluted, my own preference is for a recessed cylinders, but it really matters little, whatever your personal preference, or enjoy them all, I do. I think sometimes we overthink some of this stuff, and expertitus takes over and it is catching, I try to stay away from that, it doesn't seem becoming to the average gun hack????? billy

 

[S.B.]

I do like unfluted cylinders for hunting. But for CC they are not a good choice.

What is your reasoning for this thought?
Steve

 

[rwsmith]

I think they look great....

I think they look great on a Colt 1861 Navy, but I'm iffy on whether or not they look good on many modern revolvers. The machined areas for the percussion caps break up the plain lines in the unfluted cylinder. I think if a modern gun has lines similar to these old guns, unfluted looks keen.

 

[Nightowl]

I prefer the unfluted cylinders from an appearance standpoint. But, that does not keep me from having several fluted cylinder guns. It does add weight, which helps handle recoil with magnum loads.

 

[GoodMornin]

Maybe this link
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/16...sembly-s-and-w-j-frame-model-60-unfluted-blue

 

[Fishinfool]

Why would the un-fluted cylinders be good for hunting?

I'm guessing the slight added weight helps with recoil reduction, and because in most hunting situations, fast D/A is not used, so any added wear is not taking place. I don't believe the cylinder itself is any stronger, as the location / depth of the locking notches on the cylinder located over the chamber area are the weak points on most revolvers.

Larry

 

[Rpg]

I suspect the unfluted cylinders were originally a cheaper way to make a cylinder and marketed as stronger.

Wouldn't be the first time the bean counters got some help from the guys who write advertising.

To me, they are unlovely.

They don't interest me.

Just my opinion, of course.

 

[b_san]

Depends on the gun but I really like the looks of unfluted on certain models, such as the 627/629PC snubbies or the 500 Bone Collector and even that 60 in an earlier post above looks pretty good.

 

[Gunsnwater]

I think it's a fashion statement. If you like the look you can find an excuse. If you don't like the look you have just as many reasons its bad.

 

[northslope]

I do not recall ever seeing a J Frame with an unfluted cylinder. I do not believe any have ever been made.

There was a run of modern (i.e., with the lock) Model 60 .357's that had unfluted cylinders. For a time (maybe three years ago) they were available through Budsgunshop.com and a few other vendors.

--Neill

 

[stmry]

I know they may "be wrong," but I kinda like them now and then.

 

[df06]

I'm with Gunsnwater above. To each his own.
I have some of both and wouldn't if I didn't like both.