Fluting

[Duey]

Pretty sure my winmag is 6 flutes if that’s any help

[TRG-22]

6x6mm does it for me.

8 gets my vote

How does an odd number look?

[TRG-22]

I have a barrel to flute and am dithering over patterns and there is no point asking the customer as it is me!

Thoughts anyone?

Get some machinable wax and run off a few mock-ups?

[Dark Skies]

Depends what you're hoping to achieve. Some sort of harmonics advantage? Personally I wouldn't bother. You'd think fluting would stiffen a barrel - I'm told it doesn't. Not significantly, anyhow.
It does lighten the barrel so maybe you could calculate the balance to suit your needs.
A fluted barrel does cool quicker - but then it heats up quicker too. Hmmm.
It looks pretty. And that's all I got to say about that. Oh, but five would be quite neat looking. And less work.

[ovenpaa]

This is to reduce front end weight. No other reason.

[bradaz11]

I'd go with 6, looks less busy. don't know if you can screw it at the same time (not sure on your mill setup), but a nice gentle spiral I think looks good. depending on barrel length, maybe one rotation for the length?

[glevum]

I think 8 looks good, but I agree with TRG.

If you have time run a few test pieces to see what you think.

[Ralph]

I'd go for number 2 but think 3 as more wow factor.

[Pete]

It's all about "bling"............

Pete

[Pippin89]

This is to reduce front end weight. No other reason.

If you have a CAD model you can send me then I can give you a full center of gravity analysis. Plus some rendered images if you want to see what they look like! haah