I don't think that's it's dangerous to flute a barrel that's lighter in contour, I was just stating that his choices might be limited as to what he could get fluted. Guess I should have stated that more clearly. Just my personal preference that if I went with the flutes, I would only have it done by the barrel maker so that any heat treating needed would be done by the maker and final lapping as well so that the barrel meets spec and proper stress relieving as well.
Regarding the stainless and minimum contours, I think that's a bunch of BS as even Crucible states that their 416R is safe to use in temps as low as -40F in sporter contours.
