Thread: Thoughts on new barrel ' break-in '

Two theories on extensive barrel break in procedures, both for gunsmiths benefit.
First to get you to wear the barrel out faster.
Second to give the smith an alibi for the odd bad barrel that turns up from time to time.
Who knows. I tend to clean them a little more frequently and not let them get to hot for a start.
Both of my T3 rifles shot great from the first round. If the rifle is stringing I would check that the stock is not touching the barrel or suppressor. Tikka's are usually free floated. And that the guard screws are not loose or too tight.
Regards Grandpamac.

Originally Posted by grandpamac

Two theories on extensive barrel break in procedures, both for gunsmiths benefit.
First to get you to wear the barrel out faster.
Second to give the smith an alibi for the odd bad barrel that turns up from time to time.
Who knows. I tend to clean them a little more frequently and not let them get to hot for a start.
Both of my T3 rifles shot great from the first round. If the rifle is stringing I would check that the stock is not touching the barrel or suppressor. Tikka's are usually free floated. And that the guard screws are not loose or too tight.
Regards Grandpamac.

Hi again @grandpamac
I gave the barrel a clean before we went to rid it of any residual factory lube. I fitted the carbon stock myself and checked the barrel clearance and that the screws were done up and snugged tight....so if it turns out that was the issue no one to blame but myself.
We were shooting alot faster than I wanted and the barrel was getting hot to the point it would burn my fingers if I held them there so pretty sure that was the issue. We spent to much time playing with the wife's 7.62 x 39 and were rushing with mine.
Hopefully next time we can shoot mine first and spend a bit more time fine tuning the scope and let the barrel cool properly.
It's taken me a while to get the wifey keen on shooting so tend to prioritize her to keep the interest up.

I’ve owned a few tikkas by now and I’ve only ever cleaned before shooting then away you go! Then clean when accuracy is not as usual.. I’ve just picked up my custom hardys build made from my tikka action and with csrbon barrel and they give you paperwork with the rifle and it tells you to break it in the shoot one, clean for 5 then shoot 3x 5 time etc... and for the price I’ve payed all up I’m not taking any chances!

I know what you're saying... I really wanted to do the same with the carbon barrel but I couldn't afford to be without an arm and a leg....

Very nice rifle though....