Interrupted vs. Straight flutes on a barrel

[VjjR]

I was browsing the rifle pictures today and noticed a large number of interrupted fluted barrels. Could possible be more than straight fluted barrels.

Is there advantages to a interrupted flute as opposed to straight?
I would assume they would be only a little bit stronger since there is a staggered area where there is no fluting. Is this the case?

 

[Kevin Cram]

There's really no major advantage to any fluting other than aesthetics. The weight loss is minimal and strength advantage using a larger contour and fluting is just as minimal. I do several interrupted fluted barrels just because it's a different look and makes your custom rifle stand out from the crowd.