How advantageous is polygonal rifling?

[RogerP9fan]

Glock and H&K use it, I'm not sure about Sig? My research is showing it is very advantageous. What's your take on it? I spent $170 more for the P9 as compared to the CW9, I guess I'm trying to feel better about it. Oh, but I do like the machining and detail work of the P9........but just like everything else in life, looks aren't everything. Anyway, here's a brief summary on the advantages of polygonal rifling. See if you agree.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b4/Hammer_forged_6-right_polygonal_rifling_pattern.png/220px-Hammer_forged_6-right_polygonal_rifling_pattern.png (http://kahrtalk.com/wiki/File:Hammer_forged_6-right_polygonal_rifling_pattern.png) http://bits.wikimedia.org/skins-1.5/common/images/magnify-clip.png (http://kahrtalk.com/wiki/File:Hammer_forged_6-right_polygonal_rifling_pattern.png)
Hexagonal polygonal rifling.

A number of advantages are claimed by the supporters of polygonal rifling. These include:

Not compromising the barrel's thickness in the area of each groove as with traditional rifling.
Providing a better gas seal around the projectile as polygonal bores tend to have a slightly smaller bore area, which translates into more efficient use of the combustion gases trapped behind the bullet,[3] (http://kahrtalk.com/#cite_note-Kasler_138-2) slightly greater (consistency in) muzzle velocities and slightly increased accuracy.[4] (http://kahrtalk.com/#cite_note-3)
Less bullet deformation, resulting in reduced drag on the bullet when traveling through the barrel which helps to increase muzzle velocity.
Reduced buildup of copper or lead within the barrel which results in easier maintenance characteristics.
Prolonged barrel life.

[jocko]

both are just as accurate, but if I had my choice, I would pay the difference for polygonal rifled barrels and nickle plated barrels along with it. Probalby most of your advantages stated is probably more hype also. I am sure there might be some advantages with standard riflednon plated barrels also. I don'tknow of the military M9 (Beretta) os polygonal rifled or nit but I do know it is nickle plated...

Had my PM9 came with a standard barrel, I would have still bought it. I certainly don't know the difference over either one when in my shaking hands...

[rkirk]

My understanding is this rifling technique creates a better seal around the bullet thus increasing the velocity and accuracy. I read that somewhere and thats all I know. Oh and I read that standard rifling is better for shooting lead bullets. It seems like an advantage to me, I bought the CW9 because it was less money.

-- Richard

[ripley16]

The advantages I look to in the polygonal barrels are;

* increased velocity because of the tighter seal
* easier to clean
* long life
* they are just cool :cool:

I do not think there are any accuracy gains

My favorite polygonal barrel picture gratuitously plastered here.:photo:
http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i186/ripley16/Pistols/Heckler%20Koch/P7Chamberandbarrel.jpg

[jocko]

My understanding is this rifling technique creates a better seal around the bullet thus increasing the velocity and accuracy. I read that somewhere and thats all I know. Oh and I read that standard rifling is better for shooting lead bullets. It seems like an advantage to me, I bought the CW9 because it was less money.

-- Richard

can shoot lead in a polygonal rifled barre, but you just need to clean it more often than you would a none polygonal rifled barrel shooting lead. Many shoot lead in their glocks and have zero issues. that disclaimer is normally posted for a reason, but many shoot lead and take the proper cleaning precautions. I certainly don't mean either that you can only shoot 50 rounds of lead and then must clean. talking to good lead shooters willgive you better insight into that than I could, as I have not shoot lead in years..

[jeep45238]

Definatley worth it if you're shooting long distance rifle matches.

Not worth it in a handgun. Spend the $170 on a spare mag or two and ammo.

[jocko]

It certainly should not decrease the value of ones gun, so if the extra bucks in not a problem.,Indeed go for it..some people like to buy things with all the bells and whistles on it, even though they may not use or need the "bells and whistles" Cars are a great example. One just hardly ever sees a car at a dealership that is 100% basic with no bells and whisltes. as this is where the mfg-er and dealer makes those big extra bucks, probably the same thing for the gun industry to..

[rkirk]

jocko,

That makes more sense that what I said. Thank you! Great forum I learn more every day.

-- Richard

[O'Dell]

Personally, I could care less. I have one of each in my two Kahr's, but if given the choice, I wouldn't spend $1 for a polygonal barrel in a pistol.

[RogerP9fan]

The grooves most commonly used in modern rifling have fairly sharp edges. More recently, polygonal rifling (http://kahrtalk.com/wiki/Polygonal_rifling), a throwback to the earliest types of rifling, has become popular, especially in handguns (http://kahrtalk.com/wiki/Handgun). Polygonal barrels tend to have longer service lives because the reduction of the sharp edges of the land reduces erosion of the barrel. Supporters of polygonal rifling also claim higher velocities and greater accuracy. Polygonal rifling is currently seen on pistols from Heckler & Koch (http://kahrtalk.com/wiki/Heckler_%26_Koch), Glock (http://kahrtalk.com/wiki/Glock) and Kahr Arms (http://kahrtalk.com/wiki/Kahr_Arms), as well as the Desert Eagle (http://kahrtalk.com/wiki/Desert_Eagle).

[ripley16]

Supporters of polygonal rifling also claim higher velocities and greater accuracy.




Better accuracy? Not in long range rifles. Almost all premium rifle barrels are rifled. There's a reason for this.

[mr surveyor]

My thoughts on the Polygonal vs Non Polygonal barrels:

1. Neither you nor your "target" will notice any difference in accuracy at self defense distances (and most likely not even out to 25 yards)

2. The small additional fpe you "might" gain with polygonal rifling would most likely be insignificant in the event of a SD use.

3. Most high quality barrels, no matter the rifling style, will last for many more rounds than the average shooter will ever put through them.

I have Kimber, Sig, S&W, Ruger and others without polygonal rifling (including my CW9), and I don't consider any one of them inferior.


surv

[RogerP9fan]

Surv,
As always, your perspective is appreciated.

[jeep45238]

Better accuracy? Not in long range rifles. Almost all premium rifle barrels are rifled. There's a reason for this.

Lothar Walther is starting to go away from this ;)

[ripley16]

Lothar Walther is starting to go away from this ;)

Cite your source?

[jeep45238]

LW customer support when I was looking for a new barrel on my AR.

[jfrey]

+1 on what Surveyor said. I've shot the P9 right next to my CW9 and I can tell you, in my hands, there ain't no difference in accuracy at normal SD ranges. The groups were about the same and any difference in velocity was not noticeable on target. I doubt a BG is going to notice any difference either. Shoot good ammo and both models will serve you well.

[ripley16]

LW customer support when I was looking for a new barrel on my AR.

Does that mean your AR now sports a polygonal barrel? :cool:

[RogerP9fan]

In the final analysis I arrive right back where I started. CONCLUSION: Roger is a P9 fan.

[recoilguy]

I have weapons with both types of grooves. I shoot the CW9 very well if I say so myself. Will I get another polyganal barrel......sure. Would I pay an extra 170 bucks just to have it. No but I would pay 300 extra for a list of items I would want that would include the polygonal barrel. Even whe I know the differance I can not tell it and I shoot a lot of rounds a month.

RCG

[jocko]

actually oe is not paying $170 for the polygonal barrel on kahrs. Those models offer also a extra magazine, forged slide lock lever, and dovetails front and rear sights.......

[recoilguy]

Then it may be worth the 170 bucks...........It then becomes how much money do you have and what is it important to you to spend your $$$$$ on

RCG