What's the story on S&W's interior barrel profiles?

[MuthaFunk]

I have a 686 that I purchased new. When viewed down the barrel the rifling lines are not defined and sharp. They are ramped / smoothed over on both sides. When I first got it I thought it must be a S&W thing. It shoots very accurately with both home cast lead and factory rounds.

Then I bought a very used S&W Model 15 to shoot 38 spl rounds with. It has a more traditional looking internal barrel to me with sharp defined rifling.

Can anyone offer some insight? Iv'e tried doing a search but couldn't find anything...

Thanks in advance

 

[domyalex]

As in this? http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1980-present/266101-smith-wesson-rifling.html

 

[MuthaFunk]

^^^ I guess that sheds some light on it. Thanks! There's a lot speculation in that thread.

It still has me wondering what the full story is.