Author Topic: should I flute my handi's stainless barrel? (Read 516 times)

Good Keen Man · « **on:** October 26, 2004, 10:39:34 PM »

I have just purchased a stainless synthetic handi in .243 and the only barrel available was the standard heavy barrel (no ultra light available as of the moment in stainless). It seems a little unbalanced (it wants to slip around my shoulder and point at the ground when I sling it over my shoulder). Should I flute the barrel to remove weight? Are there any downside in fluting the barrel? :?

Brett · « **Reply #1 on:** October 27, 2004, 01:50:38 AM »

Look into it closely before you do it. I have heard that fluting done improperly can drastically change the 'tension', 'harmonics' whatever you want to call it of a barrel and really screw it up. The other down side of coarse is money. Fluting doesn't come cheap.

Mohawk · « **Reply #2 on:** October 27, 2004, 02:22:14 AM »

Brett is right. I don't see any point to flute the barrel to remove weight in a deer gun. Too much at stake for what you get out of doing it.

Donaldo · « **Reply #3 on:** October 27, 2004, 05:57:56 AM »

I agree with what has been said, another thing to consider. What you gonna do about the fore end lug. Got to figure out how that fits in with the fluting. I think it would set up unusual stresses in the barrel and probably would not take off more than about 6-8 oz. Just my .02.

Mac11700 · « **Reply #4 on:** October 27, 2004, 07:49:23 AM »

Unless your just wanting an ultra-light rifle...I would try to balance it better by adding weight to the stock...till it didn't tip on you...but then I'm kinda wierd that way

I prefere a heavier balanced rifle to a whippy barrel unbalanced one anyday...no-matter how far I have to carry it...while it may be a pound or two more...my supersling speads the weight out nicely and I hardly notice it till towards the end of the day anyway.....the heavier rifle will steady your shot better as well.......

Mac

bull b 25-06 · « **Reply #5 on:** October 27, 2004, 10:19:46 AM »

You can get about a pound of lead shot into the hole in the butt section. I did this to balance out my 45/70 which now weighs about 9 3/4 pounds. My other rifle weighs 12.5 pounds. Yes you can hold a balanced heavier rifle much steadier than a lighter one. Don't be a girlie-man add some weight to the butt. :-D :grin: :-D

later bull b 25-06