Break-in New 1911 Barrel

Hi All,

Just got a new barrel installed on my 1911. How many rounds should I put through it to break it in before ransom resting for an accuracy test?  Also, does anyone condition a new barrel?

Best,

Joe

Hiya,

Pistol barrels don't need to be "broken-in" like a high power rifles, especially if you're shooting lead, the more important aspect to a new barrel fitting is if the pistol is 100% reliable. Take it out to the range and put some rounds through it, make sure it runs, if it doesn't, take it back to get it fixed. 

As far as Ransom testing, a properly fit pistol should go thousands of rounds before the group size degrades so you shouldn't have to worry about when you test. However, I say that only if it was fit and timed properly so that parts aren't binding, wearing abnormally and opening up clearances that may affect group size. 

I have a LB made 1911 that shot 1" at 25 and about 3" 5 shot groups at 50 in a Ransom when I got it. Problem was it couldn't fire 10 rounds without a stoppage. I ended up giving it to Mike Larocca to refit the barrel as when he inspected it he found the barrel bushing was binding, the lower link hole was oval, the lower lugs were not fully contacting the slide stop pin and were peining, the hood was too short, the crown wasn't properly done and the upper lugs were too shallow. After he welded and refit the barrel, replaced the link, adjusted the break-over angle and recrowned, the pistol slides in and out of lockup with no hint of binding but it also has no slop, it shoots better groups now and it functions all the time, which is better than alibis and saved rounds. Proper barrel fitment is critical.

My experience with rifle barrels.... it's nothing but copper fouling.

Bad chambering jobs.... ugly rough throats because they don't take the time to clean the reamer ...

'Time is money'

The ones I do for myself... no blue blue patches... no copper.

lanjo wrote:Hi All,

Just got a new barrel installed on my 1911. How many rounds should I put through it to break it in before ransom resting for an accuracy test?  Also, does anyone condition a new barrel?

Best,

Joe

Test it now, but use high quality ammo.

BE Mike wrote:

lanjo wrote:Hi All,

Just got a new barrel installed on my 1911. How many rounds should I put through it to break it in before ransom resting for an accuracy test?  Also, does anyone condition a new barrel?

Best,

Joe

Test it now, but use high quality ammo.

I would agree with Mike, but use high quality ammo that you would actually shoot in a match. It makes no sense to test Atlanta/Zero factory ammo if you only plan to shoot reloads.

I usually put 3 to 500 rounds through a new gun before testing. During that time zero the sights , function test ,etc.