M1a Break in

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WillDe83

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What is the best way to break in a standard M1a? I am just wondering about the different methods and if one is better than another.

I know some like to shoot one round then clean, then another round and clean for X amount of rounds and then start shooting 3 or 5 rounds and clean for X amount of rounds,..., etc. And some guys just go out and shoot as many rounds as they want and then come home and clean it. I also read that both methods are acceptable and some have said they tried both methods with two different rifles and did not see any difference.

I just want to get opinions on this subject.
 
Clean it once to get any junk from the factory out of the barrel and action (though this is probably not needed, as most rifles are test-fired at the factory anyway), then just shoot it and clean it regularly. Most of the "breaking in the barrel" stuff is thought to apply to match-grade barrels, which yours is not, and there's serious disagreement about whether it is necessary even then.

Shoot and enjoy!

Mike
 
Yes, definitely clean it before firing...I have seen a lot of junk come out and even heard of small metal filings in some new barrels. :)
 
Clean it once to get any junk from the factory out of the barrel and action (though this is probably not needed, as most rifles are test-fired at the factory anyway), then just shoot it and clean it regularly.
Click to expand...

Yes, and you should definitely dry out the gas system before shooting. When I took the gas plug out and tipped the rifle forward to get the piston out for the first time, oil literally came running out of the cylinder- not pouring out mind you, but it was dripping out to say the least. I wouldn't have thought that much could've been in there since the cylinder is basically open in the back, but I guess the tail end of the piston was keeping it in pretty well.

Jason
 
I always use this method. I will shoot the rifle a few rounds and then run a wet patch of a good bore cleaner and run it threw untill no green of copper shows with a patch only. will repeat process untill I get no copper showing and that shows me the barrel is ready. I like to run the piston dry and make sure with the bolt locked back the piston will free float.
 
It's my understanding that the only real purpose of the shoot 1 and clean break in method is to keep copper from building up in the barrel until you've fired 25-30 rounds to smooth out any rough edges on the rifleing. This is said to be necessary on some rifles, Savages in particular.

I've never heard the M1A has a reputation for fouling with copper. I can tell you, I shot mine from day one and just cleaned it normally after each range session. Accurate from very first and stayed accurate the whole time I had it.

Chaz
 
On this one you will get as many opinions as there are people. Me: shoot and clean after each shot for 5. Then shoot and clean every 5 for 20 rounds, then shoot and clean after each trip to the range. Kind of a happy medium between the ANAL crowd and the crowd that says barrel break in makes no difference. Makes me feel better anyway! :)
 
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