Fluting Question

[gmar]

I've been thinking of having my 18" AA Hunter BBL fluted to reduce some of the weight but I was concerned it may affect the BBL accuracy. What do you guys think? Is it worth it or not?

[ARMANIAC]

IMO fluting should be done prior to rifling. The process stresses the steel and can cause issues with accuracy. For the little weight you'll lose you might want to go with a lighter handguard, stock etc. rather than fluting. Just my opinion.

[philmurphy]

I've been thinking of having my 18" AA Hunter BBL fluted to reduce some of the weight but I was concerned it may affect the BBL accuracy. What do you guys think? Is it worth it or not?

Gmar,

If a barrel is to be fluted, it needs to be stress relieved after fluting. IMO, the previous poster is correct. Flute prior to rifleing. Fluting looks cools and reduces some weight. But, it induces stress, and allows the barrel to flex more. A fluted barrel will flex more than an unfluted barrel of the same length and profile.

Phil