Badger barrel break in procedure

[Gunlaker]

Hi Jim,

I dug out the break in instructions that C. Sharps sent with all of their Badger barreled rifles since I saw that you were looking for them.

Chris.

[Old Jim]

Thx Chris. I have purchased a few Badger barrels over the years, but for the life of me I don't seam to find that paper-work anywhere !

Must have put it in that safe place ... again!


Jim

[Flash Pan Dan]

I’ve read the instructions and I am puzzled. If I pay for a barrel that is hand lapped it seems odd to me to have to “break in” the barrel. Terms like “Seal the barrel, not keep in agitated” imply that something was not done and am I sealing the barrel with what, copper fouling? And if I’m not to use abrasives because I don’t want to “not keep in agitated”, why this statement; “This is simply insurance that the burnishing process has been completed.” Doesn’t burnishing imply polishing?

I don’t want to be argumentative but instructions like this make me wonder about the efficacy and intent of the manufacturer for recommending such a process.

[Old Jim]

After about 150 or so shots down the tube, the Browning (Badger) barrel is starting to come around.

I started out shooting 2 shots, clean, three shots, clean, 5 shots, clean (YAWN), etc. No tight spots, no loose ones. My starting loads were the same as my last ones, and as time has gone on, the groups are shrinking, a little at a time. Five inch groups at 200 are now 2" groups .Next week I will move the targets out to 400, 500 and beyond. Its comin' around, just in time to have some fun at the Quigley.

Jim

[Don McDowell]

Glad to hear that rifle is coming around for you.

[craneman]

Glad to hear it's working for you Jim. They can be a very good shooter.
You should come up to Milan, Illinois the 31st and 1st for their midrange match. Would be some good practice for the Q.
We went over there this last weekend for their buffalo shoot and had a great time. My son Daniel shot his Browning 45-70 into 6th place out of 20 shooters. Not too bad for 12 year old that hasn't been on the rifle since last fall. Just about out shot Dad!
He has spent the last few nights having me give him sight corrections and then wanting me to verify.
Wants to make his own corrections on the line at the Q this year!
(Wish I could get him that excited about his homework! )

Todd