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Certain firearms manufacturers recommend a "break-in" period when a pistol, rifle, or shotgun is new from the factory. This may be as simple as conducting standard cleaning and maintenance during the first range session or as extensive as firing a minimum number of rounds through the gun to ensure all parts are functioning together as intended.
Guidelines for exact round count will vary between manufacturers (and sometimes, even different models from the same manufacturer), so it's always a good idea to read the manual that ships with your firearm and take the recommended number of shots. Additionally, some guns are set up to perform best when loaded with specific types of ammunition, such as full metal jacket or high-velocity rounds.
For example, Heckler & Koch advises owners of P30 and VP9 pistols to use 124-grain ammunition or above for at least the first 100-200 rounds because the springs are tuned for hotter defensive loads. Using regular 115-grain rounds could result in sub-optimal performance and a longer break-in period before those stiff springs start to wear properly.
The simple answer is no, not all guns require an extensive break-in period before they can be considered reliable. Glock handguns are famous for performing flawlessly right out of the box and can be expected to do so with regular cleaning every ~500 rounds.
Unless stated otherwise by the manufacturer, most modern firearms should be ready to use from the factory. Any additional "breaking in" is left to the discretion of each shooter, with a few exceptions. Specifically, 1911-style handguns and semi-auto shotguns will often require a degree of break-in and testing to unlock their full potential - as will some precision rifles.
After following the manufacturer's break-in instructions, we recommend firing an additional 100 rounds (including at least one mag of defensive ammo) to make sure that your firearm performs without malfunction. This will help you determine whether additional steps are necessary before your gun is ready to carry. Once you are confident that the firearm will feed and function reliably, you're good to go.
The efficacy of break-in periods is still hotly debated in the firearms community, particularly when it comes to precision shooting platforms. There are those who feel it is not strictly necessary, while others are adamant that breaking in the barrel on a new rifle is essential for achieving peak accuracy. To learn more, watch our video on break-in periods for barrels below.
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