Handgun Barrel break-in silly?

Canadian_Eh

Canadian_Eh

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I did a few searches here on CGN and found most of the info on barrel break-in procedures / myths / anecdotes in the Precision Rifles forums like this thread. The consensus is that there is no large body of evidence for its merit, but lots of anecdotal support to help condition the new barrel to reduce fouling.

Do any of the precision shooters here break-in your new handgun barrels?
 
How about cleaning a new handgun before the first range visit? I'm not sure how Smith & Wesson pack their M&P handguns, but my last rifle was a sticky mess - definitely not range ready.
 
Canadian_Eh said:
How about cleaning a new handgun before the first range visit? I'm not sure how Smith & Wesson pack their M&P handguns, but my last rifle was a sticky mess - definitely not range ready.
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Rifle and handgun are two different beasts.
Rifle, especially precision type needs breaking period depends on barrel type. Handgun is a different tool, it needs a breaking period, but not for barrel, more for slide to frame and trigger.
Clean before you take it to range. Get yourself a lot of ammo and just shoot and learn sights, trigger...
IMO average handgun needs around 1000-2000 to break in.
 
PeterPan said:
Rifle and handgun are two different beasts.
Rifle, especially precision type needs breaking period depends on barrel type. Handgun is a different tool, it needs a breaking period, but not for barrel, more for slide to frame and trigger.
Clean before you take it to range. Get yourself a lot of ammo and just shoot and learn sights, trigger...
IMO average handgun needs around 1000-2000 to break in.
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I agree with the above... Though, the Average's for the break-in are probably a little on the high side by 20-30%... Still... I think 1-2k rounds for a break-in period is a good goal. By that point all the springs, slide, etc are going to be broken in really well.
 
What has only just dawned on me is something that all you crafty CGN'ers already know. Ammo is going to bankrupt me - willingly. The break-in on this $750 handgun is going to cost about $500. That said, I'm going to enjoy every single BANG in the process.
 
Canadian_Eh said:
What has only just dawned on me is something that all you crafty CGN'ers already know. Ammo is going to bankrupt me - willingly. The break-in on this $750 handgun is going to cost about $500. That said, I'm going to enjoy every single BANG in the process.
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Well... You dont have to do the break-in in one session... For many shooters it's something that takes a year or more. :)

Heck, a LEO Buddy of mine is still doing the break-in on his G22... Still after 3 years :p
 
Canadian_Eh said:
What has only just dawned on me is something that all you crafty CGN'ers already know. Ammo is going to bankrupt me - willingly. The break-in on this $750 handgun is going to cost about $500. That said, I'm going to enjoy every single BANG in the process.
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Reloading is an option. Buy Dillon SD or any progressive press. At first it will be an investment, but it will allow you to shoot more and for fraction cost. It will only pay back if you interested in volume.
I budget myself for 15K/year and all ammo I shoot is made by me.

Good Luck
 
I believe that a proper cleaning and lubing of a new pistol is all that is required before the first trip to the range. The less "grit" present on the moving bits means less premature wear on those bits :)
 
subneural said:
I believe that a proper cleaning and lubing of a new pistol is all that is required before the first trip to the range. The less "grit" present on the moving bits means less premature wear on those bits :)
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I've come across some advice to use gun grease, and not oil, when lubing to prevent the lube from leaving the area you lubed. Any thoughts on this? Are there advantages to oil over gun grease?
 
Clean the shipping preservative off of your new gun and shoot it, be it pistol or rifle. There is no need for any special break-in procedure.

Grease is good stuff; it stays put on sliding surfaces. I bought a tube of automotive grease from Canadian Tire for my M14 and my auto pistols and it will last me a long time.
 
When you get your new M&P, clean it and let me know once you have 10,000 rounds through it. :D If you want my load data let me know and I will search my log. I haven't really looked at it since I developed the load. I just keep loading and loading and loading.

Yep you're going to be bankrupt.
 
Canadian_Eh said:
I've come across some advice to use gun grease, and not oil, when lubing to prevent the lube from leaving the area you lubed. Any thoughts on this? Are there advantages to oil over gun grease?
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So far I've been using CLP with good enough results - on both my bolt action and semi. I might try some "slide glide" if I ever happen to find some.
 
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