How many new 1911a1's need to be broken in?

[1911crazy]

I wonder how many 1911a1's need to be broken in when they are brand new right out of the box?
(what brand is the best trouble free 1911a1 right out of the box)

Whats the longest it ever took you to break in a brand new 1911a1?
(how many rounds)

Did you ever have to work on a new one to make it right?
(what was wrong)


Any opinions or advise?

[Hunter]

I usually figure from 500 to 1000 rounds to break in any of my new auto loaders. I am not positive how much good it does but it is to some degree needed to break in a new pistol as is breaking in any new precision mechanical device. I have never had to do anything to any of my new 1911s to get them up and running. I will take it upon myself to polish the feed ramp and some minor throating of the barrel for my own reasons. I have had the least (no) trouble out of Colts. I have shot Springfield 1911s (a fine 1911) with great luck but out of all the major manufactures that make 1911s I would say Colt is at the top. Springfield would be a very close second. Usually within a few hundred rounds everything is as it should be but before I would trust my life to a 1911 of any make I will run a thousand trouble free rounds through it.

[warmrain]

What Hunter said! I had no trouble with my Colt stainless Officers from NIB. One Kimber never broke (1500+ rounds) in and was replaced with one that broke in around 550 rounds. Another Kimber was no failure from NIB.

I loose gun is more likely to be reliable (and less accurate). A tight gun is more likely to be accurate (and more troublesome).

Manufacturers like Kimber machine for tight and expect the purchaser to to wear them in.

My 3-1/2" Colt was initially more reliable than my Kimber (until the latter had 1000+ rounds), but the (3") Kimber out shoots the Colt.

[wlambert]

My Rock River Bullseye Wadcutter ran fine right out of the box. Now over 4,500 rounds without a jam.

wlambert

[stans]

Service grade 1911's might not need a break in, but I still think it is a good idea to prove the reliability and accuracy of any new firearm. 500 rounds is usually sufficient to wear in any tight spots and to turn up any problems.

[John]

We have to be a little careful here. There ARE 1911s which work perfectly right out of the box, no question about it. The issue however, is "Do you trust such a pistol?".

I mean, you get a new pistol and it works find, first 100, 200, 300 rounds. Do you trust your life on it?

Personally, I wouln't until the pistol reaches 1000 troublefree rounds. Then I pronounce it reliable, and reliability is my No 1 concern, on something I rely on to save my life.

[warmrain]

Have a 2002 and a 2004 Kimber Ultra CDPs. One has had 700 rnds. through it and is approaching the point where I might be ready to test it with carry ammo. I had one FTF in the last 200 rnds. The other (2002) has had 600 rounds through it and it has not had a single failure...

Yes John, I think that 1000 mark is a good one, but you don't burn that much boutique ammo...!?

I like to see about 1000 rounds of ball followed by about 100 rounds of chosen carry ammo before I'm ready to place that bet.