A different break-in question - really!

Ok, Ok, I know barrel break-in has been discussed and debated ad nauseum.

This is NOT another should-a-barrel-be-broken-in thread.

Assume for a moment that a standard factory barrel (Rem/Win/Sav/etc) has some burrs and etc and that it will fire better (less fouling, possibly better accuracy) when these get smoothed.

That being the case, for a brand new never fired rifle, would it make sense to pre-polish the bore, say with JB, or perhaps even a mild lapping (starting with 400 or 600 grit) and then polishing, prior to ever firing it? Would this help smooth the bore much like firing it does, but without having to go thru the fire/clean cycles? If so it could save much time and money (a little polish is cheaper than 50 rounds).

I admit it - I'm one of those who can see the benefit of shoot/clean/shoot/clean for a new barrel. IF we can agree this may be a good thing, then why not pre-break-in via mild lapping or polishing? Seems to me that would be easier than the myriad cleanings needed in the "standard" break-in procedures.

And if you were to pre-break-in, how would you go about it? Hand lapping starting with 600 or 800 grit, or just go with something like JB?

As stated, this thread is not another debate on whether break-in makes sense. so please, lets not get into that debate. Just curious, for those who think break-in makes sense, whether it could be accelerated and simplified by first polishing or mild lapping.

I am going to use the Tubbs "final finish" break in bullets for next rifle. davidtubb.com
for a factory barrel I think it's worth speeding up the process of smoothing out the throat and barrel if you want to be shooting bullseyes right away, but either way you are going to get there just by shooting.

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How much benefit does Mr. Tubb promise for non-world-class shooters if they use his magic break-in product?

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Have a look at the following link - an attempt to objectively quantify various steps to improve accuracy, including the Tubbs fire-lapping system.

http://www.chuckhawks.com/affordable_accuracy.htm

From the aforementioned link http://www.riflebarrels.com/support/...aintenance.htm
"For an effective break-in the barrel should be cleaned after every shot for the first 10-12 rounds or until copper fouling stops. Our procedure is to push a cotton patch that is wet with solvent through the barrel. This will remove much of the powder fouling and wet the inside of the barrel with solvent. Next, wet a bronze brush with solvent and stroke the barrel 5-10 times. Follow this by another wet patch and then one dry patch. Now soak the barrel with a strong copper removing solvent until all of the blue mess is removed from the barrel."


This is what prompted my initial question - wouldn't minor lapping with, say 800 grit, and/or bore polishing with JB/Flitz/etc actually be easier and faster to initially smooth the bore than the above-described cleaning process that has to be repeated many times over?

Since time is money in the US of A, and familiarization/execution is key to success in the army, I would tend to think your time and money would be better spent on shooting the weapon to break it in, YMMV. Shoot, shoot, shoot, a man can never shoot enough!

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And if initial bore polishing would be faster and easier than the shoot/clean cycles, I'd save time and get to real shooting sooner. And I'd think a little JB or Flitz would save significant $$ over 50-100 rounds of, say, 30-06, plus the cost of cleaning fluids/patches/etc.