Breaking in a barrel

[tigrr]

I bought a STI TargetMaster in 45ACP and shot 1000 plated factory rounds through it, before switching to lead 200gr LSWC. I did the cleaning after every 10 rounds for the first 100, then cleaning after every 50 till 500. It shoots very accurate.(8/8 @ 100yrds at a 10 steel)
I have a STI TrojanSS in 9mm coming and want to break it in properly.
Is there any literature on how to break in a pistol barrel. I even have access to molly coating plated bullets, if it will break it in smoother.
I haven’t done a whole lot of research on this topic, so how have you done it?

 

[prproulx]

I didn't know there was any such thing as a handgun barrel break in.

 

[TDC]

Barrel break in is a myth. The action might be tight which will require several hundred rounds to loosen up and/or wear in the mating surfaces. Shooting plates at 100 yards is kind of pointless for a handgun. Although impressive, it is less than useful in determining the inherent accuracy of the firearm. That being said, you and your pistol appear to be very consistent. I strongly doubt it had anything to do with your break in process and more to do with your marksmanship ability. Shoot the pistol and never look back.

TDC

 

[ian_in_vic]

Pistol break-in procedure - Load magazine, chamber round, pull trigger. Repeat until ammo runs out. Clean pistol, repeat.

 

[Squirrley11]

I follow with ian_in_vic there except i change the last step. Lock in safe clean on day off future date tbd.

 

[curtmg]

Maybe it's just the glock owner in me, but you clean pistols?

 

[TDC]

Maybe it's just the glock owner in me, but you clean pistols?

Just because its a Glock doesn't mean you shouldn't clean it.

TDC

 

[7.62mm]

Just because its a Glock doesn't mean you shouldn't clean it.

TDC

SSSHHHHH!!!!!!! Don't talk so loud! My Glock might hear you and get some strange ideas! Sheesh

 

[blasterbailey]

Didn't some one from a barrel manufacturer say once that barrel break in is just a myth to get you to put more rounds through it, so you have to buy one sooner.

If anything the first day you take it out, your barrel will be at it's best. No lead/copper fouling, no scratches in the riffleing from cleaning, Ect.

 

[1bigrn]

The mistake is obviouse

You said you shot 1000 rounds. Big mistake you should of shot 2000-3000 quickly. Without aiming.

All the ammunition manufactures recomend atleast 2-3K if not more!!!

 

[Trigun]

The terms of pistol break in is more of the action than the barrel.
Trigun

 

[novan3]

Just because its a Glock doesn't mean you shouldn't clean it.

TDC

I run mine through the dishwasher every now and then.

 

[Trigun]

I run mine through the dishwasher every now and then.

You can also see many OTHER way to clean their glock at you tube. I saw people pour coke to cool down their over heated glock barrel and soak the barrel into the coke, they said this will desolve the lead? I dare not try.

Trigun