Pistol Barrel Fluting - worth it for weight savings?

[Doubledog]

I took delivery of a Ruger Mark IV Competition stainless 6.88" barrel. For a rimfire, its a pig at almost 4 pounds but I like it and it shoots very well. Would a gunsmith be able to reduce a noticeable amount of weight, especially from the barrel area with extensive fluting?

Also, I'm in Richmond Hill, GA (south Savannah) and would like a recommendation for a good shop.

 

[DickyRivers]

Just to provide a data point: the “hunter” version is 1.8 oz lighter (45.8 vs 44 oz), though I bet a little might be from the grips thumbrest and they have a fluted barrel from the factory. Same 6.88” barrel length. So, based on that, I think you probably don’t stand to gain much. I have a MkIII hunter and have never tried removing the barrel, but if it’s possible, swapping a factory MkIV hunter barrel might be far cheaper than custom work.

Just a suggestion to consider. Best of luck to you.

 

[basstracker89]

That's a beautiful weapon. Keep it stock. It'll be worth more money down the road

 

[jpm2953]

It won’t be cheap to get that done and you won’t notice much of a difference

 

[alexs2006]

Just to provide a data point: the “hunter” version is 1.8 oz lighter (45.8 vs 44 oz), though I bet a little might be from the grips thumbrest and they have a fluted barrel from the factory. Same 6.88” barrel length. So, based on that, I think you probably don’t stand to gain much. I have a MkIII hunter and have never tried removing the barrel, but if it’s possible, swapping a factory MkIV hunter barrel might be far cheaper than custom work.

Just a suggestion to consider. Best of luck to you.

The barrel and upper reciever are one piece. Buy a lite upper for it or get on VQ website and order one that’s got a 3” barrel

 

[7pt62THOR]

Get a Tac-Sol barrel and rec.

 

[Doubledog]

Appreciate the insight. Picked it up new at PSA after wanting one for many years.... though the Hunter was my first choice, it was out of stock and the stainless is just banging in my eyes.

Will do more research as I've read various pricing on the machine work depending on the style and I have something in my head thats simple without all the fancy twist work.

 

[BHPSteel]

The upside of it being near to 4lb is that it'll tame the savage felt recoil.

More seriously, two is one, one is none. Get a brand new Ruger 22/45 Lite to go with it.

 

[brownbmo]

Definitely go with the Tactical Solutions barrel.
I have a smooth one on my Buckmark and fluted on my Mark 4. I bought them mainly to have the treaded option, but the weight difference is amazing. Very accurate and I paid under $200 each. I believe I bought one of them on ODT for $100.

PAC-LITE IV® Pistol Barrel Upgrades | For Ruger® Mark | TacSol

TacSol is known for in the .22LR aftermarket barrel industry; easy-to-install, match-grade performance barrels. Hand-chambered for .22 LR.

www.tacticalsol.com

 

[StuP]

I very much doubt you'll get any significant weight saving, and it's not going to help with resale. If it really doesn't work for you I'd go and find a model that does, or go the replacement upper route.