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Services - Barrel Fluting

LongRifles, Inc. offers a broad range of barrel fluting options.  Straight, helical, diamond, and helical-interrupted fluting patterns are available.  Our cutter geometry delivers a unique "industrial appearance" to a finished barrel and eliminates the razor sharp edges common to deeply fluted barrels.  The use of CNC machining centers, modern insert cutter geometry, and rock solid work holding allow us to deliver inclusion free surface finishes for an exceptional presentation when left "in the white" or coated with Cerakote.

We've performed this service to hundreds of barrels made using both the single point and button rifling methods of manufacturing.  It's been demonstrated over and over again that our process has zero effect on accuracy.

Barrel fluting is largely cosmetic.  Because of this we prefer our clients to allow us some "artistic freedom" with the flute count and depth.  Because of the cutter design, sometimes it's beneficial to increase or reduce the number of flutes so that the finished appearance is symmetrical.  This is one of the rare cases in machine work where "if it looks right, it is right." 

Weight reduction.  Probably the single most asked question regarding fluting a barrel.  We recognize the need to lighter weight guns when the application involves extreme duty such as a high alpine sheep rifle where every ounce counts.  Our online fluting calculator accurately estimates the amount of weight reduction you can expect from your barrel. You will find the fluting calculator on any of the barrel product pages of this site.


You can choose from one of our plans, the difference being in the tool that we use. You can see from our diagram below:



Straight Flutes

The industry standard elevated to a fresh look with our exclusive cutter style.  The finished piece emulates the appearance of a splined axle. (Depth and flute count may vary depending upon caliber, cartridge selection, and barrel contour).

Helical Flutes

"Straight with a twist." Some additional CNC code transforms the industry standard straight pattern to a whole new look.  The rate of twist is almost infinitely variable.  If you want to "twist it up", just tell us how much to go!  (Depth and flute count may vary depending upon caliber, cartridge selection, and barrel contour)


Helical Interrupted

The most complex fluting we currently offer.  Helical fluting involves additional programming time to ensure correct indexing of the flute across the length of the barrel.  Done correctly, it offers a unique appearance that very few custom shops are able to replicate.  (Depth and flute count may vary depending upon caliber, cartridge selection, and barrel contour)


Diamond Flutes

Diamond fluting delivers a radically different appearance unique to itself.  We currently offer two distinct versions.

Standard Diamond:
A style that features the flutes starting and ending on a common point around the barrel's circumference.  This is generally reserved for lighter contoured barrels in 30 caliber or larger.  It adds more flutes without going as deep into the barrel to preserve the critical wall thickness dimension between the bore and root of the flute.  (Depth and flute count may vary depending upon caliber, cartridge selection, and barrel contour)



Heavy Diamond:
Deep robust flutes beginning and ending on individual points around the barrel's circumference gives this pattern a bit of a sinister and medieval appearance.  It's most suited for medium contour barrels in lighter calibers (below 30) or heavy contours in any caliber. (Depth and flute count may vary depending upon caliber, cartridge selection, and barrel contour)


 

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