Smooth twist barrels changing the game?

[Zzyzx]

I read with interest the article at     http://www.scribd.com/doc/27463087/FX-Smooth-Twist-Article    

It really sounds like a good advancement in rifle barrels. Might change the face of firearms in the cost area and have a big effect on military purchasing if it goes as well as it looks now. We'll see in the future.

One thing that might be a problem for law enforcement. A lack of rifling might make it difficult to match up slugs with the weapon that fired them. Ballistic testing might take a hit and cause prosecutorial problems for law enforcement in the future. Could be very interesting as we go forward.

Any other ideas as to how this might effect our future with air rifles and firearms?

[Progun]

Well Joshua, with air rifle pellets that are sorta' shaped like a badminton birdie, I can understand how this concept can deliver good accuracy.As for a good advancement in rifle barrels, we get to wait and see.Similar methods have been used to shoot shotgun slugs from smooth bores but for the most part that technology has been eclipsed by fully rifled shotgun barrels.As far as law enforcement problems concerning lack of rifiling on projectiles, for airgunners it's a non issue. Cartridge guns and muzzle loaders likewise have been shooting saboted bullets that don't impart rifiling(to the bullet) for years and remains legal to do so.At least where I live.As far as the future is concerned, there will always be a at least some champions for any cause. The market place and it's principles will bring cream to the top if it proves to really be a better idea.But it is interesting.

[crazyhorse]

Yep..not a new idea..FX is leading the way by introducing those barrels on airguns...some of their rifles with smooth bores are in circulation now...AOA just had a 'special" on the TX Whisper..$599...with the new barrel...

[RedFeather]

This sure sounds like some of the old designs from the late 1800's like polygonal rifling. One thing - these are NOT smoothbores. Even though they don't have conventional lands and grooves, they are still rifled bores. Such might work well in an airgun but I'm not so sure in a powder burner. At high speeds, you need something to grip the bullet and impart spin. Not sure if a spiral bore will provide enough friction, especially with jacketed rounds.