[John G]

I like the look of a non-fluted cylinder on certain revolvers. I understand the fluting is there for cooling. Is there a difference between fluted and non-, besides the look?


I don't see many revolvers with the "smooth" clyinders. Can you special order them that way, or replace them with after-market parts? Thanks for the info!

[Robert inOregon]

Its only "cool factor" and the illusion of strength. Nothing more, nothing less.

Best to just keep a revolver cylinder as is. Average retrofit is over $200.

[popeye]

Many a gun shop know it all has told me unfluted cyls are stronger. The truth is most cyl failures occur in "web" area around cyl pin. Correct me if I'm mistaken. I do like appearance of certain revolvers as in Ruger Super Blackhawk, and I had a blue American arms .44 mag.

[Baron Holbach]

I prefer the non-fluted cylinders. They are aesthetically pleasing to the eyes. Why does Freedom Arms and Ruger equip their most powerful revolvers with non-fluted cylinders?

[9mmepiphany]

as stated already the non-fluted cylinders may look stronger but they are not. the thinnest portion of the chamber is usually at the bolt notches...remember that pressure always seeks the weakest point.

a great use for an unfluted cylinder is engraving

[dairycreek]

with exactly the same question some time ago. Their answer was (as many posters have already indicated) that there was absolutely no difference between fluted or unfluted cylinders as far as strength is concerned. The difference was purely aesthetic. Good shooting;)

[Standing Wolf]

I like he look of unfluted cylinders, especially after they've been engraved. It would be interesting to know how much weight fluting saves.

[caz223]

There is a difference.
They add a little weight.
On some guns, a good thing.

[bountyhunter]

There is another difference: the fluted ones are easier to take off the gun for cleaning. The flute slides past the frame and lets the cylinder and crane come off easily.

[J Miller]

I like the looks of the UN-fluted cylinders on old cap and ball revolvers. With the engraving they are neat.

But on modern revolvers, I just can't like them.

Even the engraving on some of the Rugers and S&W's just doesn't do anything for me.

Since there is no strength factor, it all boils down to personal preference.

[tracecom]

My S&W 610 is easier to clean than my guns with fluted cylinders - easier to scub the smooth surface than those concave flutes.