OT: Question About Revolver Barrels

[Michael A. Ball]

So far, your reply best matches what I've been taught. However,...

My S&W Airweight is a five shot, .38., and my S&W .357 in stainless steel both have fluted cylinders. Of course, there are far more powerful handgun calibers.

I realize the fluting geometry differs between barrels and cylinders; but, if fluting makes a barrel more rigid, wouldn't it also make a cylinder stronger?

Fluted barrels dissipate heat better, by virtue of increased surface area. That's a great benefit, but I don't understand the logic of making a barrel lighter.

My AR-10T, .308, is very heavy, but I consider that a major plus.

________________________ A day without recoil is like a day without sunshine!

[C & E]

Oooo, oooo. My turn, my turn! "I used to have a scooter too".

Does that help? Sorry, OP. Just playing around because this is all getting kind of funny.

[Eigenvector]

I'll assume that's decoration, as old revolvers had smooth magazines and existing revolvers have smooth magazines as well - not all of course. It may have originally had something to do with the way the action works but unless you see wear in those grooves I'd doubt that.