WHY THE FLUTE?

[williamlayton]

I just wanted to know why the flutes were ever put on cylinders?
I have no prticular disdain for the or against them.
Just wondering why.
Blessings

 

[TAROMAN]

Reduces carry weight and rotating mass in DA fire. Try DA with a sleek Model 19 and then try a Model 28. The difference is mass.

 

[Ron H.]

I just wanted to know why the flutes were ever put on cylinders?
I have no prticular disdain for the or against them.
Just wondering why.
Blessings

Sir, a couple reasons. Cylinder flutes originated in the days of black powder as a place for the fouling to go where it wouldn't tie up the gun. Flutes also reduce overall gun weight a little bit, but more importantly reduce cylinder weight, which makes it a little easier (faster) to cycle the action.

Hope this helps, and Semper Fi.

Ron H.

 

[Dragon88]

To reduce weight.

To increase surface area and improve cooling.

To give you something to grasp while turning the cylinder.

To make the portions of the cylinder which actually contain pressure stronger.

It depends on who you ask which of these are true and which is most important, but I believe reduced rotational mass in the cylinder is the main reason.

 

[Smith357]

Not sure why, but here is a guess.

Flutes are a holdover from black powder and single action days.
They made turning the cylinder by hand a more sure process with sweaty hands under rough conditions, and they allow room for black powder fouling under the topstrap. Most old open top revolvers don't have flutes. But when they started adding topstraps flutes appeared on all makers revolvers.

 

[Chippersw]

I read quite a bit on Fluted vs Unfluted before I got my 686+. I don't think there is any distinct advantage either way for an average shooter. It's just a personal preference.

I doubt many, including myself, will ever shoot the revolver enough that the extra weight on the cylinder will cause parts to wear faster.

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

Why the Flute??

So over 100 years later someone would log on to the internet and ask "Why the Flute"?
At least that would be the reason if SIp was the designer.

 

[DDDWho]

I think all of the previous responses are valid. My reasoning would be... If flutes did not serve some important and useful purpose manufacturers would not go to the trouble and expense of doing it.

 

[jdh]

Aesthetics

 

[Babalooie]

So over 100 years later someone would log on to the internet and ask "Why the Flute"?
At least that would be the reason if SIp was the designer.

If Sip answered the question, "Why the Flute?" he'd probably say, "Because it's lighter than the Trombone."

 

[one eye joe]

Sir, a couple reasons. Cylinder flutes originated in the days of black powder as a place for the fouling to go where it wouldn't tie up the gun. Flutes also reduce overall gun weight a little bit, but more importantly reduce cylinder weight, which makes it a little easier (faster) to cycle the action.

Hope this helps, and Semper Fi.

Ron H.

WELL STATED, RON..........

 

[williamlayton]

Well Now, if someone was really interested in reducing wieght, instead of flutes I would go with hormonica's.
Blessings

 

[handejector]

If Sip answered the question, "Why the Flute?" he'd probably say, "Because it's lighter than the Trombone."

or......
I couldn't find a piccolo.............