500 round break in period - fact or fiction? I say humbug!

[phill]

Yessir! And the gas station attendant, pumped the gas, cleaned the windshield and checked the oil and coolant too!

You better believe I did and still got shit because they wanted the headlights done. lol

[bigandy1966]

I run about 200-300 rounds through any pistol I plan on carrying for self defense, no failures. My1911needed the rails and slide polished, a ramp and throat polish, new recoil spring and rear sight fixed, runs good enough to trust my life on it now. It was a second hand gun too I would say you need those initial rounds to see if you trust the gun.
Just my opinion

[Hokkmike]

The question that must be asked is, what are you expecting of the firearm right out of the box? going to carry it immediately? if so I'd make sure to run the hottest ammo it's rated for to ensure it'll cycle correctly (for semi autos.) I can't imagine a revolver needs many break-in to run reliably. I'm discounting things like "feel" and "trigger weight", as they will change over time regardless.

mind you I'd probably never carry a never-shot-fresh-from-the-box gun, as I believe that it should be tested for reliability first. anything man makes, he can make improperly. it would really suck to have a lemon in your holster.

A wise precaution I'm sure.

[ar15jules]

I only every "had" to break in one pistol at the recommendation of the manufacturer. That was a Les Baer Custom 1911. He "required" running 500 rounds of Federal American Eagle 230 grain ball through the pistol before I could call and complain about any malfunctions. Had a fun day at the range with two friends shooting 500 rounds as prescribed seven rounds at a time. I might add that I didn't experience any malfunctions. Thousands of rounds later, and I still haven't had any issues. If you buy a carry piece and don't run the shit out of it (500 rounds) you are crazy. Any defects should show in 500. It helps loosen up the magazine springs, recoil spring etc....

[Hokkmike]

I only every "had" to break in one pistol at the recommendation of the manufacturer. That was a Les Baer Custom 1911. He "required" running 500 rounds of Federal American Eagle 230 grain ball through the pistol before I could call and complain about any malfunctions. Had a fun day at the range with two friends shooting 500 rounds as prescribed seven rounds at a time. I might add that I didn't experience any malfunctions. Thousands of rounds later, and I still haven't had any issues. If you buy a carry piece and don't run the shit out of it (500 rounds) you are crazy. Any defects should show in 500. It helps loosen up the magazine springs, recoil spring etc....

You with think that with that proviso that Les Baer would be willing to ante up on some of that ammo cost.

[Sgt.K]

Gas was 35 cents a gallon, and I used to help out the guy who ran the station across from where I lived. Pump gas, clean windshield , check out cutie driving, check oil, clean windshield (missed a spot), check out cutie driving! Only checked radiator on demand as this was before overflow tanks were common, and did not want to open a hot one. Did I mention this was when mini-skirts were in vogue? Lots of dirty windows...

Windows were always dirtier on the skirt side, yes?

[Sparks]

Yessir! And the gas station attendant, pumped the gas, cleaned the windshield and checked the oil and coolant too!

and wore a uniform with a hat and bow tie.

[WVBob]

Everything requires some form of break in, guns, cars and women. Maybe not 500 rounds or miles, but something.

[Twoboxer]

Gas was 35 cents a gallon, . . .

Pffft . . . a youngster

[cdi]

and wore a uniform with a hat and bow tie.

Always trust your car to the man who wears the star!

Oh, and break in periods are bullshit. Good guns run right out of the box.
But, I did say good guns. I am not addressing Tarus, Rossi, Kahr Etc., Etc.