fluting

[C.G.]

It actually adds stability to the barrel, but it is not for everyone. I would just buy a new barrel and have what you need already made. Machining a barrel after the fact will change harmonics and balance. Depending on the process it can change the trueness of a barrel. When a barrel is tapered it is dificult to see.
I own 2 rifles with fluted barrels The 22-250 is the one that gets used the most. I like the heat dispensation qualities of the fluting. It has a bull barrel so weight is not the reason I have a fluted barrel at all. The other is a 10-22 and it just looks nice, it is no more accurate than its 2 brothers in my safe.

It can add stability, but generally with a larger diameter barrel. Harmonics is a certainly important and should be taken into account (last link). The reason I am skeptical is that even the best barrel makers disagree (Krieger will flute, Shilen will not. for example). The way I see it, there hasn't been enough research done to be conclusive, but as pointed in the third article by Gale McMillan:
"I always felt that they shoot
in spite of being fluted but as long as shooters will pay a barrel maker
$1.50 a minute to flute one you will see them on the line."

http://www.snipercountry.com/Articles/RealBenefitsBarrelFluting.asp

http://www.fulton-armory.com/fluting.htm

http://yarchive.net/gun/barrel/barrel_fluting.html

http://www.shilen.com/faq.html#question8

More technical:

http://www.varmintal.com/aflut.htm

[ivanimal]

I am genuinely impressed C.G.

[PIRATE14]

Fluting cuts down on weight.....

Increased cooling maybe.......maybe not....

Stronger...yes

If done properly it has no effect on accuracy.

Now, I normally tell people if you have a barrel and have been shooting it don't mess with it ie., cut, thread, flute.....more than likely it will shoot a little bit worse than you started off with.....sell it and thatn get what you really want.....you'll be much happier in the end.