cylinder 'fluting'

gotstolefrom

November 01, 2004 07:58

I was asked this, and had no answer...so here it is.

What is the basis for the 'flutting' on a revolver cylinder. (flutting may not be the right term, but all I have for the exterior indentations between each cylinder.)

My oldest has a Super Blackhawk, the cylinder is solid except for the 'timing' cuts.
We have a S&W in the same caliber and that cylinder is fluted.

Was this a 'styling' thing, or are there other reasons.
Thanks.



If we do not hang together,
We will most certainly hang separately.

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  agman1999

  November 01, 2004 09:01

  My best guess is styling and weight. The manufacturer might've saved between 10-20% of the weight of the cylinder by making it fluted.

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  captkirk3@dslextreme.com

  November 01, 2004 12:45

  I agree with AGMAN's assessment...........
  
  Captain Kirk, Tech Staff

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  v35

  November 01, 2004 15:06

  Weight.
  Ruger recreated the Dragoon style of unfluted cylinder in the New Model Blackhawk. The old Model had fluted cylinders.
  Elimination of flutes saves some costly machining time.
  The last in the succession of the percussion Colt Army pistols had flutes the full length of the cylinder. Army revolvers following the Walker Colt underwent a weight reduction program. The last of these
  had no unnecessary steel or brass that could be machined away to lighten it.

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  heavyiron

  November 01, 2004 15:41

  Hi GSF,
  
  The Dan Wesson website says flutes were necessary on the early revolvers to assist in cooling the chamber and cylinder also. Today with the modern metal alloys and synthetics the flutes aren't required. Weight must certainly be a consideration also.
  
  Flutes can weaken the cylinder of a revolver and some of the earlier design pistols were guilty of this. The flute rather than being cut in between the chambers (where the metal would be thickest) was actually cut on the or near the chamber, thus thinning (sometimes dangerously) the chamber wall.
  
  Take a look at well made but powerful revolver like a Bowen or Linebaugh which are specially designed. While these guns are custom made and can be had with or without flutes most will have a solid cylinder of 5 cartridges to leave as much metal in the cylinder for strength as possible. In addition, even the timing notches are cut into the thickest part of the cylinder between chambers to maximize stength. If flutes are cut they are cut between the chambers for the same reason.
  
  Hope this helps.
  
  Regards,
  
  Heavyiron[8D]
  
  
  
  
  "If I don't see you nomore on this world, I'll meet you on the next one, and don't be late!" - Jimi Hendrix

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