Electro-Chemically Machined Barrel ( lemmy.world )
The tools required to manufacturer rifling in traditional ways are highly cost prohibitive. Electro-Chemical Machining (ECM) is a method where it can be done for very cheap.
ECM is used by employing saltwater, an electric current, and conductive material to rust groves into a blank barrel in a controlled manner. This conductive material is wrapped around a jig (like shown below) which is then placed into the blank to guide the oxidation, and form rifling.
https://lemmy.world/pictrs/image/c1d30aca-51dd-41d9-933a-eab9dd76b5a7.jpeg
Traditionally barrels are made by cutting, forging, buttoning, or broaching.