How bad did I mess up?

[garrettbragg12]

I'm in the process of building a retro m16a1 clone, and I recently completed the upper, using a brand new 20" barrel. Being uniformed, I wanted to make sure it functioned correctly and shot 4 shots at the range. Later on I found the paper stating I'm supposed to shoot, clean, shoot, clean

For the first 10 rounds.


Is this going to affect accuracy later on?

Information

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[CINDERS]

There should not be any real issues as you did not go off and burn a 30 round mag straight up, just clean it and start again allowing ample time to cool off between shots use a good copper/carbon solvent like Pro-shot, Bore Tec Eliminator or Hoppes No.9 works well.
If you use Sweets solvent it is very high in ammonia, do not leave it in the barrel too long especially say a stainless less than 8 minutes, however the Sweets oil after cleaning will still work on copper whist the weapon is stored just patch out as per normal pre-shoot practice.

[browningautorifle]

I have to clearly state...bunk. Not needed for a simple grunt rifle. What Cinders says is of course for a match rifle, if you're building a grunt rifle then the same start procedure is about un-needed. To further prove this, I'll bet your new assembled rifle shoots as well after 3000 rds as it does now. Don't sweat it.

[garrettbragg12]

Thanks for the reassurance guys. Out of curiosity, what is the reasoning behind the rigorous cleaning after every shot?

[browningautorifle]

That's to reduce build up of material and ensure smoothness of the steel as bullets break it in. It takes all the excess out...for a match rifle, yes...take the time.

[imntxs554]

I'm guessing they do this at the factory first before selling it. I put 3- 30 Round mags through my new M4, but brought it home and gave it a good clean then when I took it out again it still performed great hitting POA just fine and the Barrel looks great inside and out. I don't think you have anything to worry about.

[imarangemaster]

I was a military and Law Enforcement armorer. Maybe that is necessary for match rifles, but for anything else? BS!

[Brian Dick]

If the barrel is chrome lined, it's a waste of time. If not, it has is practicalities as BAR says in post #5.

[browningautorifle]

Yes, chrome is hard as a Ba*tard and comes already polished. Don't know of many that aren't chromed now(ARs)...there are a few I guess...

[imarangemaster]

My PSA Mid-length is Melonite (harder than chrome, I believe), and my retro 1/7 pencil barrel is chrome lined.

My Saiga AK has a chrome lined barrel, also. BTW, Russian use the hardest steel I have ever seen on their barrels, trunnions, and forged gas blocks and FSB . Threading the muzzle was a miserable job, and drilling and threading the trunnion for a bullet guide broke two 6/32 taps! I think they use melted down German tang steel left over from the war!