Abstract: A method for forming and a carbon fiber barrel sleeve resiliently bonded to steel liner includes providing a rifle barrel having thickened walls and a mandrel blank. Each of the barrel and blank are turned to form a barrel liner and a mandrel, respectively, such that each has a substantially identical contour. The barrel liner is stress relieved to eliminate stresses within the molecular structure of the barrel liner. A plurality of flutes are cut into an exterior surface of the barrel liner; the depth of each flute being at least equal to the depth of the flute. A plurality of layers of carbon fiber fabric are laid up on the mandrel to form a sheath which is cured and bonded to the barrel liner with a continuous bond of high temperature adhesive at tips of the fins. The bonded sheath and barrel liner forming a rifle barrel.