Thread: How to break in a new gun?

Hi,

So a couple of days ago I bought my first ever centrefire - a Savage Axis 7mm08 stainless.

I know it's a cheap gun and heaps of people probably think they are crap but it's all I can afford as I am a full time student...

So, being a brand new gun, I've been looking into how to break it in and the process to do so, holy crap there is so many different ways people recommend.

I was wondering what you guys reckon? What's the way you guys do it??

Cheers!

Go 'sight it in' then clean it....done!

Thanks mate!

I didn't realise it would be that easy! I was reading for the first 5 shots I would need to clean the barrel after each one, then clean after each 5 shots after that.

Some people do that, other people don't bother. Whether it makes any difference is up for debate.

I'm not sure if Savage give any specific advice in the wee booklet/manual that comes with their rifles but I can have a flick through one if you don't have a copy to check yourself?

Originally Posted by Rawiri

Hi,

So a couple of days ago I bought my first ever centrefire - a Savage Axis 7mm08 stainless.

I know it's a cheap gun and heaps of people probably think they are crap but it's all I can afford as I am a full time student...

So, being a brand new gun, I've been looking into how to break it in and the process to do so, holy crap there is so many different ways people recommend.

I was wondering what you guys reckon? What's the way you guys do it??

Cheers!

@Rawiri,
As you mention, "everybody or every manufacturer has a different way to do it", as Scouser mention, you can just go and sight in and clean up and "done" or, you can do it in the way many people and manufacturer recommend. If you have the time and can do the "long" way,do it, it will give you peace of mind and "better accuracy" in the long term.
I have done both ways with two of my rifles, so far i can tell you any difference, but, when you do in the way they call "proper way" you will have the feeling of mission accomplish or "you did the right way"(peace of mind).
Take your pic, cleaning your rifle and keep it clean, it is "a great thing to do", go for the way you feel comfortable.
All the best and good shooting/hunt.

Mac

Thanks guys.
Yea GravelBen, I didn't get a booklet or manual when I purchased it, which I didn't even think about at the time!!!

Cheers

With a new rifle, give it a clean before you fire it, just to get any packing grease/other manufacturing crap out.

Then the rest is up to you, i believe the whole break in thing is so the manufacturers can sell more ammo and barrels!

But each to their own, i have never done it and my rifles shoot and clean just fine!

Originally Posted by Rawiri

Thanks guys.
Yea GravelBen, I didn't get a booklet or manual when I purchased it, which I didn't even think about at the time!!!

Cheers

Had a flick through, couldn't see anything about barrel break-in.

I 'broke mine in' the long way. No idea if it is beneficial or not but I slept well. One thing my rifle likes is to be pretty 'unclean'. Im sitting here looking at her now and she just said to me ' i am a dirty girl' so i will probably just give her a quick wash
She likes some fouling left in her

Gibo, "you are a legend"! Love your post.
Like I said on my post, whatever you do, do what will make you feel good and peace of mind.

Good luck!

Good question. I found my own answer after I found out the reasoning of why I'm doing it first.
I cleaned at each shot for the first five. Then between again at number 10, 20, 30 then 40.
Peace of mind really Only but I did it.

Ive done this too, but after hearing/reading so much about it, i wouldnt bother now....

I agree with all the above.
Your barrel is what it is, a mass produced part that did cost probably less than $us60 to make.
It is not a $300/600 custom barrel.
None the less it is a good habit to take care of it , specially as it is your first rifle.
Get a good cleaning rod, bronze brush, jag, and patches.
A good bore cleaner like bore tech eliminator(copper remover) and bore tech c4( carbon remover).
I ,myself favour the gunslick foam (available from the ex gunshed/sport ways guys) as it is none toxic , none smelly and works very well.
Neutreulise the cleaner with a gun oil or some crc long life ( do not use the usual crc5.56 ,it will ruin the bluing of your gun).
Always remove excess oil from your barrel before heading to the range.
Practice your shooting in different positions, at different distances, shooting 2 to 3 shot groups, letting your barrel cool down between groups.Try to give a clean between each range session and with in 40 to 60 rounds your barrel should stop copper fouling.and you should be getting a good feel of your rifle :-) that will also help you try some different Amos and see what your gun like to diggest best.
This is just some suggestions, every body will have its own opinion on the matter.
If you can, get this book:The Practical Guide To Bolt Action Rifle Accurizing and Maintenance
There are some interesting points in it.
Good luck. I wish I have had the knowledge of nowdays forums when I started 20 years ago! I would have avoided a few mistakes.

Friwi

Most interesting barrel break in I've ever seen:

AR10 Noveske Match Barrel Break In - YouTube

I find that guy a bit of a dickhead. I have seen other videos of him to make my opinion.