AR Sponsor
Posted: 9/28/2005 6:07:53 PM EDT
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It is my understanding that fluting a barrel on the AR15 will reduce the weight as well as offer improved cooling, but may reduce the strength of the barrel. Cosmetically they look pretty cool, but can anybody share stories pro/con about using fluted barrels? http://www.bushmaster.com/shopping/barrel-assemblies/Images/fluted.jpg http://www.gunblast.com/images/AR15_HBARs/MVC-008F.jpg |
Just to clarify, a fluted barrel will be more rigid than a barrel of the same mass, but will be less rigid than a barrel of the same diameter. If you have a barrel fluted it will not become more rigid. I think it's worth it though I love my fluted barrel. Fluted 16 inch HBAR-34.3 oz 16 inch m4 profile- 32.7 oz For about the same weight you get a much more rigid barrel with better cooling. 
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Not sure about how much weight it saves, but my 16" fluted barrel seems to heat up faster than my fathers 20" HBAR, both chrome lined. Basically the same amount of rounds over the same time period. He could carry his rifle by the barrel and I would get a serious burn. Now that might just be the heat beign drawn off faster but I am not sure.
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With less mass, the 16in fluted HBAR would be less of a heat sink than an 20in HBAR, but with a greater surface area it would radiate the heat quicker. I know my fluted HBAR radiates a lot of heat, but it's a good thing. Cools down much quicker than my old M4-style barrel. I really notice when it's time to go home and fluted HBAR is pretty well cooled off. The old-M4 barrel would have to be handled with a towel during the ride home. |
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Fluting can decrease accuracy if done after the tube has been rifled. Fluting is an HBAR means its still heavier than a govt profile. Fluting is expensive. Fluted barrels dont cool much faster. The effect is so small its next to undetectable. Fluting weakens the barrel compared to the previous HBAR profile it had. If you want to reduce the weight and improve cooling get a carbon fiber wrapped barrel. It lighter and cools faster than fluted. If you just want to remove weight turn it to govt profile. Its cheaper and lighter than fluted. |
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