Gunsmithing Fluting after the fact

[18Echo]

I have a 27" Rock 7mm blank coming to me in Rem Varmint contour. I've been toying with the idea of getting it fluted.

I've read several different things though on the internet (go figure). some smiths say that you shouldn't flute your barrel after it leaves the manufacturer because it can change the stress or some such thing in the barrel.

some have said you don't have to worry about it in a cut rifled barrel, only a buttoned.

What is the definitive answer on this one? Thanks

 

[jasonk]

Re: Fluting after the fact

LOL....good luck on a definitive answer.

I'd say you're fine, I'd send it to Rock or to a shop where they know what they are doing (aka GAP, APA, etc).

I'm fairly certain that Rock flutes barrels after all the other processes are done. Called one day and they had a blank I wanted in stock (well I settled for something close since it was in stock), I ask about fluting, "Sure we can flute it and send it out tomorrow". I'm certain they didn't do anything special to this "finished" blank except flute it and box it up, so it's really no different than yours.

 

[BLAWTON]

Re: Fluting after the fact

<span style="color: #000099"><span style="font-size: 26pt">Caution!</span></span>

And if you think it has to be done it will need lapped afterwards to ensure that it will be fine. The fluting can change the internal dimensions no matter how its rifled.

To exlain a little it a bit more it completely depends on how much stress was in the piece of steel. It doesnt matter how good the heat of steel is if there even a small amount of stress in the barrel before you start the fluting it will effect the bore.

 

[19Scout77]

Re: Fluting after the fact

Time for a contrary experience. I just had a Bartlein AMU contour fluted after the factory and I have a Border likewise fluted. NO ISSUES WHATSOEVER.

For every question, a bunch of answers...

 

[jasonk]

Re: Fluting after the fact

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jasonk</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Called one day and they had a blank I wanted in stock (well I settled for something close since it was in stock), I ask about fluting, "Sure we can flute it and send it out tomorrow". </div></div> <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: NotAGuru</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

And if you think it has to be done it will need lapped afterwards to ensure that it will be fine. </div></div>

I guess it's possible they lapped mine after fluting, hmmm, maybe we can get Paul to chime in.

 

[Glen Seekins]

Re: Fluting after the fact

I have done a few after the fact and my 7wsm that was spiral fluted after the gun was built might be the best shooter i have.

Call Karl @ kampfield and he can fix you up. kampfeld custom

 

[cut rifled]

Re: Fluting after the fact

We usually flute before rifling but it is fine to do it after, also if we do it after rifling we always make sure to lap it after it is done to make sure nothing changes in the bore. That being said I have NEVER noticed a change in any barrel I have fluted after rifling on a cut rifled barrel. James that does all of the rifling here deep fluted his bench rest barrel after it was chambered to make weight on his Hunter Class rifle and has won 5 state championships and the Nationals last year with that barrel if that doesn't ease your mind I don't know what will. If you want it fluted send it back to us and I will do it and check it after it is fluted and send it back to you. $110.00 for fluting and $15.00 shipping.


Paul Tolvstad
Rock Creek Barrels

 

[Pete Lincoln]

Re: Fluting after the fact

Guess it depends on any stresses still in the barrel.
I wouldn't be keen on garantie for no change with a hammered barrel, but wouldnt worry about a cut or buttoned barrel.

I'd take Paul up on that if I where you,

Pete

 

[jasonk]

Re: Fluting after the fact

Thanks for chiming in Paul!!

 

[Dsparil]

Re: Fluting after the fact

is it safe to flute it after shooting one of your barrels. I bought a blank from you guys that is going to be chopped to 18" but I know will still be somewhat heavy.

 

[cut rifled]

Re: Fluting after the fact

We can do it send it up.


Paul

 

[nashlaw]

Re: Fluting after the fact

There is a local 'smith that has built several accurate varmint weight rifles on M98 actions for me. They are consistent .75" shooters and usually shoot a bit better. On one of my builds, he turned the entire blank down on his lathe.

It shot like a hammer.

I am no gunsmith, that was just my personal experience.