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5/17/2007 5:41:33 PM EDT
Taking my new M4A3 bushmaster (iron sights) to the range tomorrow to fire it for the 1st time. I broke the rifle down, cleaned and lubed it up, got my range bag together, and will be shooting outdoors in bad weather (forcast is rain & wind) I'll be shooting from a covered bench. Anyway, how would you approach the breaking in of the new rifle?

Should i shoot a few rounds through it just to break it in a bit before trying to sight it? I heard of some people shooting 3 rounds, then cleaning the barrel, then shooting another 3 rounds.

In other words, what would you guys do to break in a new rifle and sight it in?
5/17/2007 6:02:10 PM EDT
[#1]
i never shot 3 then cleaned... i just shot the hell out of it and  mine still groups pretty good... i would make sure everything is lubed well, and have a blast.. literally
5/17/2007 6:09:01 PM EDT
[#2]

No need to clean the bore in between rounds...  Just shoot it.

For a new rifle, I usually start out by loading 1 round into a magazine.
I make sure that it feeds, fires, extracts, ejects, and the bolt locks back
on the empty mag.  Then I start loading more rounds into the mags...

Once you see that you (and the rifle) are shooting consistently,
I would start adjusting the sights.

5/17/2007 6:11:03 PM EDT
[#3]
Your Bushy barrel is chrome lined, forget the shoot and clean method. Put a couple hundred rounds through it to break in the rest of the friction surfaces. Sight it in after you fire 20 rounds, just to make sure it dosen't short stroke or anything. If your zero wanders it won't be much, and you can adjust easily for that later.
5/17/2007 6:12:09 PM EDT
[#4]
Take it to the range, zero @ 50 yards from a good prone position, done.  
5/17/2007 6:12:41 PM EDT
[#5]

Quoted:
Your Bushy barrel is chrome lined, forget the shoot and clean method. Put a couple hundred rounds through it to break in the rest of the friction surfaces. Sight it in after you fire 20 rounds, just to make sure it dosen't short stroke or anything. If your zero wanders it won't be much, and you can adjust easily for that later.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      +1
5/17/2007 6:22:51 PM EDT
[#6]
a lot of people will tell you that barrel lapping is not necessary.  I've lapped only one of my barrels.  Reason being is that the reset of the AR's I've had were used and there was no use to lap them since it was used.

Google/Yahoo barrel lapping and decide for yourself it it's worth it. If you're building a semi auto sniper system, yes, it's worth it.  If not, its up to you to decide.

Hardwarz
5/17/2007 6:30:58 PM EDT
[#7]
Clean AFTER Brake in 1000rds

Chrome lined barrels  RULE


Also My 2 LMT M4`s are Super accurate for chrome lined Machine gun Barrels
5/17/2007 6:34:51 PM EDT
[#8]
Ask Bushmaster, this what they say

What is the proper "break-in" procedure for a chrome lined AR barrel?   (published: 7/25/2003 12:56:52 PM)
Article # 167
Title What is the proper "break-in" procedure for a chrome lined AR barrel?
Abstract
After firing a couple hundred rounds, the chrome lining will "polish out" from its light, flat gray, factory-new look to a brightly reflective, polished appearance. During this break-in period, excessive cleaning with solvent or brush should be avoided as that will only prolong the time (and number of rounds) it takes to achieve the final "bullet polishing" of the barrel.
5/17/2007 6:47:00 PM EDT
[#9]
Thanks for the advice guys. As far as the "shoot 3 then clean method", i wasn't keen on that. Glad it's not a needed break in thing.

I only bringing 150 rounds with me tomorrow. Figure i'll be burning some time fooling with the sights after i run some ammo through it.

As for the days end....do i just break it down again and clean it with "Break free" and lube? I think i have the upper cleaning down but, what about the lower? Do i spray the lower trigger assembly down with cleaner and run a tooth brush in there?

EDIT: I just saw the last 2 replies....but i'm so anal about having a clean gun.
5/17/2007 6:53:42 PM EDT
[#10]
break it down again and clean it with "Break free" and lube

a few drops in the lower is all you need. the lowers don't really get that dirty.
5/18/2007 1:19:15 AM EDT
[#11]
are you new to rifles, or just ARs?

Pake sure you clean from the chamber end; don't wreck your crown first time out.  Even CL barrels benefit from a bore guide.
5/18/2007 1:57:30 AM EDT
[#12]
You need to read this thread: www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=16&t=327691, my comments are there, essentially the same question.

mike
5/18/2007 2:03:15 AM EDT
[#13]

Quoted:
are you new to rifles, or just ARs?

Pake sure you clean from the chamber end; don't wreck your crown first time out.  Even CL barrels benefit from a bore guide.


YOU are RIGHT

CROWN should be protected   (I THOUGHT the Flash Hider protected the crown)

I never use a BORE GUIDE

But I do pull my Otis or Dew    (usgi works just as good)

Works pretty easy


I use 7 or 8 PATCHES after a LONG DAy at the range

I never use the Brush in my Bore  ( Maybe after 6ooords I might see copper build up)

I use the chamber brush ALOT ALONG with BRAKE CLEANER NON Chlor
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