I would certanly want the half pound reducton un weght but flutng does more. From Varmnt Al's web page-
http://varmintal.com/aflut.htm
CONCLUSION ON BARREL FLUTING....
When comparing two barrels of equal weight, length, and material but one is solid and other is fluted, the fluted barrel will have:
-A larger diameter
-Greater stiffness (depending on how the extra diameter/weight is distributed)
-Vibrate at a higher frequency (depending on how the extra diameter/ weight is distributed)
-Less muzzle sag (depending on how the extra diameter/ weight is distributed)
Fluting a solid barrel will:
-Reduce its weight
-Reduce its stiffness
-Increase its natural frequency of vibration
-Decrease its muzzle sag.
Reducing the weight of a barrel by fluting makes a stiffer barrel than reducing the weight by decreasing its diameter.
A shorter barrel of the same section, solid or fluted, will sag less and vibrate at a higher frequency