03-07-2012, 05:55 PM
noone Wrote:Everyone so far has been accurate with their information. The only thing no one has written back about is barrel break in. Barrel break in is a hotly contested item. Some manufacturers recommend it, others require it, while still other manufacturers say no break in is required.
If a manufacturer requires break in, I'll do it grudgingly. It is my belief that manufacturers have far more skill at finishing out a barrel than I do. They also have the equipment which I don't have that will allow them to look into barrels and examine throat quality.
It is my belief that any manufacturer who wants the end user to finish up on a rough throat that they didn't properly polish or finish might be better avoided. Buying a barrel I have to finish is sort of like buying a boat that includes instructions on how to fix the leaks that the boat comes with from the manufacturer.
Some very noted gun makers have written articles stating that barrel break in is a myth that helps barrel makers sell barrels. If a high end barrel on a high pressure rifle (like my 300 win mag) is only good for about 1000-1200 rounds, and the manufacturer wants you to spend 100 rounds breaking in the barrel, it seems sort of self serving in that you have to burn up that much barrel life just so you can shoot it accurately...then of course, you have to buy a barrel about 10% faster...
I agree. I've discussed this with my gunsmith at length and looked at a number of barrels through his bore scope. He is a highly decorated match shooter as well and says breaking in a barrel is a waste in his experience, especially on a good quality barrel.