Technical Tuesday: The why behind a break-in period

Hey guys, we've heard a few folks express frustration over the idea of breaking in their new gun. Here's some details on why this is important and what it is.
IIf you have any questions, let us know: shadowsystemsc...

[@BanditApache-nd6lu]

I will admit. I was new to Shadow Systems about 8 months ago. Since that time, I have bought, an MR920, XR920P, and the new CR920XP. I have used many different ammo brands, grains, and FMJ and JHP. I am happy and proud to say that I have not had one malfunction. Each one if those pistols is passed 1,000 rounds. 🇺🇸👍

[@NoogaMarc]

I picked up my new MR920 combat model from my FFL on Wednesday and was able to get 125 rounds through it today at the range with zero malfunctions. What a comfortable and great shooting pistol!

[@ESMorg]

Just ordered mine yesterday! How u liking it now after 9 months?

[@boris2873]

I just got a DR920 Combat, brought home cleaned & lubed it. I only put 120 through it but I had Zero malfunctions also.

[@JasonColdham]

I had a brand new Honda Civic Type R with a Vtech engine which redlines at 9000 rpm. Honda tells you not to take it above 6000rpm for the first 500 miles. Many cars have an engine break in period and a gun is no different. This video shows just how knowledgeable and forthcoming this company is about their product and this totally just sold me on getting one. Thank you Trevor and the Shadow System team. I am now a fan!

[@axelreyes2935]

I have the same car.. & I feel you but why doesn’t Glock need a break in period? No malfunctions out of the box till it drops. And this is supposed to be a upgraded Glock clone. I don’t get it. & no I don’t like or own Glocks but I’m envying the reliability especially since my Cr920p has been thru 1k rounds and just chocked on some defensive loads when I was trying to test which ammo to run and to see what can run (Winchester 147, federal 124 (not hst) & hornady 115. Failure to go in battery on each of these. So disappointing man. Gonna run some more defensive loads tomorrow and if it still having problems then Ima see if they can look at it and if something is off

[@twdunn9]

As a BS Mechanical Engineer from 1991, I know you speak 100% truth my brother. This is the Way!

[@cavidicusdurtisness5238]

A bullshit mechanical engineer?

[@RobbDzzz]

Probably 500 times racking the slide and dry firing before i took either of my 920s to the range and both have been flawless. You could feel springs and mating surfaces change from day one till the went to the range, then after a little range time it’s even more smooth.

[@reggaenotoriousreggaenotor519]

I do that and just polish the feed ramps a lil on every gun before first time to the range snap caps and dry fire even my cz 97b

[@bigredstar3377]

I did exactly what you stated. Filled a mag, cycled a few rounds and had feed issues. However, I didn't call customer service but I did find this video. Thanks.

[@Coffee1776]

Did you fix your feed issue? I have a DR920 with the same issue.

[@M-TEK1]

I bought a CR 920 this year. when I got the gun home. I took it apart oiled everything up really good, put it back together. Shot my first 225 rounds through the gun. Zero feed issues. Gun ran perfectly!

[@DDDarkz]

Even my STI has casing stuck from time to time, that's because of its tight fit. For the money you pay on the shadow system, top quality and best looking pistol you can get in its price range, keep up the good works.

[@kensnyder2340]

I think all 1911's have a definite break in period. I consider it normal for anything mechanical. Great video, thanks.

[@ACGBLR]

That is true.

[@medicchester]

Most 1911s, 2012 era Sig Tac ops Extreme series held together tightly and I thought, as usual, it would require 300 rounds to mate. Nitron finish I think is why it never had a problem or me with it. My SCAR 17s had metal shavings in the extractor or its polymers gunked the extractor edge flush. It would extract around after 40 shots it's the first time to the range. After thorough cleaning before shooting it the first time to after 40 rounds, I found a bunch of metal factory shavings and polymer substances. I haven't been to the range again. I think the weapon is mating okay on the friction areas. Yep, most handguns or rifles require a break-in period. There should be a break-in period oil to mate the surfaces better. A slightly higher viscosity grease or thick oil. Both will gunk up a weapon, and make it fail out of the box. Fail isn't a thing under 400 rounds. As I said, my extractor became a metal shaving hideaway. It happens so we need to make sure springs are kept oiled. Springs have micro-cracks that rust can set in within hours. I stretch my magazine springs twice a year, then slightly oil them up to retain their tension. This is why I'm a believer in Magpul products and tip my hat to Kevin here for using Magpul products. It was night and day difference in Iraq using Magpul products, especially our Big Red One lives depend on the magazine of choice. Shadow systems didn't use a Glock magazine because they care if you live.

[@waynecastleman1363]

@@medicchester Chester that's good information, I've always said to people that buy a new gun period, pistol, rifle, shotgun, take it home and give it a good breakdown and cleaning, Lube the firearm. I brush or use compress air to blow out loose shavings and no one can tell me they don't have shavings in their guns, they will especially all forged frames, steel frame pistols. A good cleaning and lube are necessary and will cost you less in ammo to smooth out the gun. New car engine, break in and first oil change are vital. Same with firearms ! Good call on your part.

[@joefuentez7232]

Good 1911’s are tight and tight 1911’s need to be broken in. Period.

[@Murphy82nd]

I had a number of failure to feeds through roughly 500 rd with my MR920 Combat. I contacted Shadow Systems and they sent me a shipping label the next day. I sent it in and had it back to me in about a week and it's been smooth sailing since. Good communication throughout. Would I prefer not to have to do that, sure, but I've had to send a number of pistols back to manufacturers over the years. They stood behind the product.

[@moisesllamas146]

Was it the ammo maybe?? Or the way you were gripping? I just saw a video of someone who had same issue because of gripping

[@Murphy82nd]

@@moisesllamas146 I tried various manufacturers of ammunition at the time, or as best as I could given the ammunition shortage at the time. The fact that the pistol came back working would seem to suggest to me that the issue was the pistol, not me or the ammunition.

[@moisesllamas146]

@@Murphy82nd so what’d they fix? Was the guide rid spring? Im looking to buy one. Am consuming as much info as i need to purchase. And yes your time we only had what he had to work with. The pandemic had everyone gathering what little ammunition their was. No worries

[@Murphy82nd]

@@moisesllamas146 in my case there was apparently a small burr on the underside of the slide right near the breach face. This was slowing down the slide just enough that it very infrequently wouldn’t go into battery. They removed the burr and I haven’t had a malfunction since, even in a course where I was prone in a sand and gravel pit and there was plenty of external debris to cause a malfunction if the pistol was still problematic.

[@travishuffman8680]

I just got the mr920 elite and I’m having feed failure as well, I won this pistol in a raffle, do I fight through this issue by putting some rounds through it? Or should I try and contact someone? I literally haven’t even shot it yet. I’m a new firearm owner so I don’t know much about anything yet so any advice would be appreciated

[@Scott-op2ry]

Bought the XR920 Elite, range today, 10 failures to feed in first two mags. Stuck with it. Next 150 rds not one failure. Shot great, accurate and great feel. After watching this video i couldn't agree more. Look forward to shooting again.

[@BrianR-ML]

The best 12 minutes I've spent at looking to a video for a long time. THANK YOU for that awesome explanation. Makes me want to sell one of my Glocks to get one of your products! 😉👍

[@pjp7259]

I just traded one of my 19’s and 43 for a MR920, It’s an amazing shooter and feels amazing in the hand

[@jasonbailey9302]

Never, ever, EVER have I had to clear a stoppage after EVERY round. EVER!

[@robross3531]

Same until I bought a CR 920xp. I had a malfunction and every single round for the first four magazines

[@kphinney5704]

I was on the fence about my CR920P, until I saw this video. Around the 7-8 min mark explaining the trade off between accuracy and break-in helped the most. I have 500+ rounds down range and have used 114g range ammo, 124g FMJ, 90g and 145g self defense all in a hope to break this in. Yet #1: it fails to eject once or twice per 50 rounds, on any ammo. And #2, it is WAY LESS accurate than any "new" compact/subcompact I've owned. To be clear on that, even from the bench at 10 yards it will throw 25% of rounds outside a 4" group. So thank you - this video helped me quite a bit. The CR920P goes.

[@ARluvr1]

I picked up a MR920L elite, and man I couldn’t be happier, it’s such a killer piece and shadow systems seems to be a top notch company. Thanks for dropping facts like this.

[@timothyherrick7077]

This gun is on my wishlist and I appreciate the sentiment behind this video because I watched part of a review that showcased frustration over the gun's performance out of the box. Explaining and owning the possible reason behind that kind of thing is admirable. I was leaning back toward a factory Glock, but I'm now back on the wagon to save a bit more for this gun. Thank you for the up-front, honest approach to explaining this issue!

[@ficklepickle2495]

I would love to see a cleaning / lube / maintenance video on technical Tuesday!

[@globalvision9036]

We have to clean these?

[@stevestrawmatt4738]

I have a 918 elite and 920 War Poet, both took about 3-4 mags to settle in. I also found running a mag of 124 +P helps accelerate the break in

[@2008Epidemic]

I purchased my MR920 a couple days ago, I absolutely love this gun. The operation of this pistol is absolutely amazing, far exceeded my expectations. I agree 100% with your statement on the break in process and I honestly can see how one could disagree with it. I will say I had 3 failures back to back in the first three initial attempts. First two was failure to chamber the initial round (sticky) the third was a light primer strike. After I ran the initial mag through the gun, it performed flawlessly. I’ve now ran 1,000 rounds through this gun and I’ve had zero issues. Groupings are amazing and is one of the best shooting guns in my arsenal. Great system 💯

[@wlg31x]

Bought an XR920 Foundation yesterday from a local gun store and took it to the range today expecting some issues after reading the numerous comments re. the "break-in" period. Prior to the range, I gave it a quick cleaning and lubrication prior to shooting as I do with every new gun I get. Shot over 350 rounds with 4 different ammo types (Federal 124g HSTs and 3 brand name full metal jacket range ammo). Not one failure of any kind. Ran flawlessly as I hoped it would. Very accurate and smooth. Very pleased with the gun. Will be ordering a tritium front sight tomorrow from Shadow Systems.

[@dennisl4000]

Well said, valid points. Some folks do not believe there should not be a break-in period with modern handgun designs, ok that is on you. For decades I carried 1911s that cost 4 or 5 times what a MR920 does and they all had a minimum break-in period of 500 rounds without failure before they went into the carry rotation. My MR920 round count stands at 2,000 + without a single failure and now is my regular carry. Furthermore, anyone who has a gun for self defense should not only break it in, but also verify functionality with the defensive ammo that is going to be used. Is all this absolutely necessary, no it will probably function fine. But I choose not to settle on probably if my life maybe on the line.

[@Alarmond007]

Well said.

[@rajsteint6487]

This guy did a really good job of explaining the break in period of a gun and why it's necessary. Many of us knew this already but I will definitely be forwarding this to people I know that don't know.

[@daves5765]

This company is outstanding. By far one of the best in my opinion. They truly understand engineering. From the way the optics mount under slight pressure from the back plate, the use of full length mounting screws, amazing trigger feel and function, and the inter-changeable grip design, brilliant. Oh yea, and it looks freakin cool too! Just bought my second MR920!

[@siprebcard561]

I have purchased 3 Shadow Systems the last 2 months. Great pistols. I have all three models and one is with me everyday. Thanks for making a great product. I shoot my long slide better than I have any competition gun in the last year.

[@ShadowSystemsCorp]

Glad to hear the MR920L is treating you well at matches. It's my go to for production and SSP. Trevor

[@roberthutchinson2856]

@@ShadowSystemsCorp do you folks plan on making a g34 model?

[@Jasondranoff]

I literally just picked up the mr920 Elite from my FFL, took it to the range and put about 300 rounds thru it with not the best ammo... I had ZERO malfunctions not one. I used my Glock 19 mags because I'm in a shitty State and can't have more than 10 rounds so I had to buy the gun without magazines. I didn't believe the hype about how flat and soft this gun shoots. At the range, the range master came in and asked to try it, he said he saw me putting rounds down range so quickly with great recoil control he wanted to know what I was shooting. I've been shooting for about a year and today by was the best range session I had to date.. this gun makes me such a better shooter no joke ... thank you very much for an awesome product!!! Just wish it shipped with 10 round mags but that's just a small nitpick for otherwise a fantastic pistol.

[@michaelgeorge542]

I picked up my MR 920 combat 3 days ago and followed this process: 1) field strip and cleaned (clenzoil CLP) 2) soaked barrel in clenzoil CLP for 10 minutes 3) wiped down barrel 4) followed Trevor’s lube process but instead of lube in slide rail I applied clenzoil gun grease but lube in all other areas 5) loaded mags and carefully cycled them (10 mags) and in between worked slide repeatedly 6) before going to range I cleaned and properly lubed gun with clenzoil lube. When I went to the range I put 170 rounds down range with 2 different grains of ball ammo (Winchester winclean 124 gr, Blazer brass 115 grain) every round fired without a single issue, slide release chambered round reliably when applied. The MR920 combat performed amazing, easy to control and great feel for me with high backstrap. This process can save you some rounds for break in period.

[@MikeA817]

I just picked up an MR920 Combat a couple months ago and it's already my EDC. While I thought the 200rd break-in was odd to state, it was already in line with my own personal belief in break-in. You came out and said it; I appreciate that. It didn't like Hornady Critical Defense at the beginning (was trying to initially zero my Holosun 507C), but it cleared up by 100rds in.

[@arsenbazy]

My Staccato was very accurate and reliable right out of the box.

[@brandonkallio1215]

I thought this video was a joke at first!!! I guess not everyone knows ALL NEW guns have break in period. He is doing his part to educate so good for him!! Not to mention the influx of new shooters who maybe went for a mr920 or guys who just bought their first NEW gun. Moving parts on anything = break-in period, that's a fact! Beside who would complain when they get told they have to shoot a few hundred round?

[@dexm2010]

A gun and its components are either within tolerance, or not within tolerance according to a print. It either functions how it is supposed to after being manufactured, or it does not. A clean, unobstructed, newly manufactured firearm from the factory should load, fire, extract and eject properly unless there is some sort of *specific* user error involved. Ammo isn't exactly cheap anymore, either.

[@comeauxjc]

Not to argue or disagree, I can only tell my experience. Got my WPS MR920 in May. From the paperwork that I read, I expected some break-in issues to arise. But, I never did have any issues with it. It has never failed to fire and never failed to eject in at least 1700 rounds. I’ve taken two combat handgun classes with it. 450-500 rounds each and had no issues. This is my favorite pistol.

[@ShadowSystemsCorp]

haha! Glad your experience has been a positive one. Shoot the heck out of it!

[@tims_4x4_garage]

Love my MR920 and it broke in beautifully

[@bpmou9230]

Got my new MR920 over the weekend and took it out to shoot. I experienced quite a few failure to feeds and a couple failure to return to battery. After the first 175 rounds the issues worked themselves out. I shot another 100 rounds and had no other issues. Seems like a great product and have a WP version on order as well with tentative delivery in late December. Keep up the great work!

[@huntinonabudgettexas4695]

100% agree. Break-in is not only for the new firearm, it is also for the shooter who has never fired that particular gun. 10 of the same guns may feel and fire different for the end user. Break-in allows the shooter to learn the characteristics of that firearm as well. I would argue that buying a used firearm with 5000 rounds fired requires break-in for the shooter to learn it, the functionality, sights, quirks, and etc.

[@Generation2434]

I agree with you whole heartedly. I'm glad yall make it tight... makes for an AWESOME pistol in the long run. Don't change. Loving the MR920 Elite (and love that yall are local). God bless!

[@arthuroubre7562]

I own a 920l and have owned a 918. Both worked a 100 percent right out of the box. I own several high end 1911s. They needed break in . Kimber will tell you don't call us until you have fired 500 rounds through your Kimber pistol. Every day my 920l rides in my duty holster. That the best endorsement , I can give.

[@jcfindley380]

My Glock 19 gen 5 had THREE failure to feeds during its break in. My MR 920 had ZERO malfunctions. I pushed past the break in and did a full pistol vetting range day and still zero malfunctions. I shot better with the 920 day one than I have ever been able to with the G19. Damn fine pistol!

[@benbowden-9002]

Bought my first Shadow Systems pistol (CR920). Took it to the range and right out of the box not a single malfunction. It ate 300 rounds of Speer Gold Dot 124 grain +P flawlessly without a single hiccup. Maybe my pistol was an anomaly but thanks Shadow Systems. I can't wait to pick up my next SS, a War Poet MR920. 😁😁😁

[@alexplechash7560]

I agree. Even the Mercedes’ and BMW cars I’ve purchased have had break-in periods per the manufacturer’s instructions.

[@ShaneSellsRealEstate]

Finally, someone is talking about this. I don't know how many people say they just bought an XYZ and in the first 200 rounds I had 3 or 4 malfunctions and I won't buy any more XYZ because of that reason.

[@ferristhoughts2186]

Fact: The break-in period for most pistols is more rounds than most people have ever shot in their lives. ;) Come on, folks!

[@khentai9015]

How many is that ?

[@brassteeth3355]

How many rounds you talking? I don't think the barrel will last that long.

[@mitchellwilliams9170]

If a samurai didnt train with his sword he'd be dead before the first dual lol

[@seanc2699]

Don’t think this applies to anyone buying shadow systems. Not exactly a very first gun buy.

[@treefitty937]

@@seanc2699 ya it is

[@nodekapunk]

Both my MR920s broke in great. I cleaned it every 50 rounds and put a drop of oil on in “the sweet spot.” The guns are flawless. I noticed the trigger has gotten way better than right out of the box

[@worstcasescenarioch]

under the 'hook' of the connector

[@mrdark9916]

Cleaning after every 50 rounds is retarded. Break it in, and then Shoot a whole 2 day pistol course without cleaning it... then you can trust it and label it reliable.

[@nodekapunk]

@@mrdark9916 I only did it for the first 300 rounds.

[@primalj_2a433]

Always issued glock from my department and thats what I bought. Never did anything but trigger upgrades. I took a DR920 elite on a trade..... DAMN these things are Supreme. I ran our qual course with it and my time and score was night and day. Just messing around I was hitting clay pigeons at 50yds. You've made a customer for life

[@tomayers1876]

Love my MR920. But I have to say, I had some issues for the first 500 rounds. I was expecting a break in period and did t worry too much about it. After about 500 rounds NO issues. Was able to shoot a couple of IDPA matches with it before and after COVID. Great gun!

[@davidmonnette1578]

100% agreement with your comments at the end about “duty/responsibility” to shoot a few hundred rounds through any gun even with todays ammo prices🙈I recently purchased your Dr920P Elite and dry-fired about 1,000 rounds through it before taking it to the range and fired 100 rounds. Have numerous Staccatos, Wilson Combat guns for several years and carried Glocks for half of my Federal LEO Service. Was AMAZED with the ease of recoil management, tight shot placement, and quick follow-up shots after first 100 rounds. Frankly….. I only had that same feeling during the first time I shot my Staccato XL that cost me three times more for similar performance. Still love my Staccatos and Wilson Combat weapons, but must admit this is the best bang for the buck😂that I’ve ever purchased. Good Job 🤠 with your creation👍

[@rorinthelarpdad120]

The simple fact is, even before shadow systems said it we armorers and gunsmiths were talking about break in periods as we all discussed how many rounds should be fired through it before you can really call a gun broken in. Seeing a whole bunch of people freak out about this breaking. With Shadow systems really reminds me how uninformed the average shooter tends to be.

[@dexm2010]

They're "freaking out" because they're paying somewhere around $1000 (maybe more) for a handgun that in their cases is having reliability issues out of the box. For some sub $300 plastic pistol from certain manufacturers, fine...such things often (not always, but often) can be expected. For a gun this expensive most people don't want to go through 4 or 500 round "break in" periods, because the perception is that since they are paying more for something like this, the gun should be good to go from the factory.

[@rorinthelarpdad120]

@@dexm2010 but that's just it the part they don't understand is all firearms do have a break-in period. People freak out because Shadow systems admitted it. I'll get BCM AR-15s Glocks Kimber 1911s you name it come into the shop cuz people think something's wrong with them when really they're just not broken in yet. All it is is that shadow systems was willing to admit it

[@dexm2010]

​@@rorinthelarpdad120 Before I go any further, let me just say this, because I think it is important to clarify a bit. I do not generally believe in a "break in" period, but I'm also not saying that because a new pistol or rifle has a single misfeed, failure to extract/eject, or some other kind of malfunction here and there initially that it is necessarily a problem, or that the gun is junk. Sometimes these "malfunctions" aren't even "malfunctions" at all, but just the operator making some simple mistake (not seating a magazine all the way in for example). I honestly would not be surprised if more often than not, most "problems" or "malfunctions" were operator induced somehow, rather than caused by the firearm or the ammo itself. I have no way of proving that, but it wouldn't surprise me. Also, I am somewhat more forgiving personally of handguns that don't feed or cycle very well certain types of JHP rounds, just because there are so many out there now, and with that a lot of variables in play. People need to try their defense ammo in their particular gun to ensure it feeds and cycles properly, that is their responsibility...there's only so much the manufacturer can do on their end in making barrels that will ensure proper feeding with an assortment of so many different JHP rounds. What I tend to call BS on is stuff like when fairly conventional FMJ rounds cannot consistently feed, fire, extract or eject from a modern manufactured handgun ( especially if it is either a "full sized" service pistol, or a "compact" version of such a gun that is nearly the same size). With few exceptions, there really is no reason most modern handguns should have a problem even brand new cycling most brass cased FMJ rounds from vetted, quality manufacturers like Winchester or Federal. A "hiccup" on one or two rounds, for one mag, that *possibly* was even due to user error, and then no problems for 500-1000 rounds or more later...something like that's ok. Failure to feed or extract 9 or 10 times out of a 17 round magazine *consistently* , or having a nice, new, clean gun *consistently* every mag throw every 3rd empty ejected casing back right into your face (*cough late Gen 3/Early Gen 4 Glock 17/19 cough*) despite using a proper grip with no "limp-wristing"...that is a different story. A gun with issues like those, those are not "break in" quirks that will get better on their own or through more rounds through the gun , those are guns that came from the factory unfinished somehow, were assembled improperly, or assembled with one or more nonconforming parts (out of tolerance parts). I'm not saying Shadow Systems does this, and I don't believe they would do something like this, but some manufacturers will purposely machine a "good", in tolerance part in order to get it to fit or interface with a "bad", out of tolerance part in order to avoid scrapping the "bad" part out. I don't know how widespread the practice is in the industry, but whenever a gun like that is shipped from a manufacturer and put on a shelf somewhere, if a functional problem does show up later on, it can be a real pain for someone sometimes to figure out what is causing it. I guess what I'm saying with all of this, is that I believe you that probably most of the guns you see people bring in to the shop are basically fine, and are probably the result of people panicking prematurely over a minor issue that they might have even inadvertently caused themselves...but on the other hand, there are also very real cases out there today where the manufacturer has clearly dropped the ball and put out a plain lemon as the result of poor machining, assembling and QC before a gun gets shipped out.

[@oreostogo]

Mine is sitting in my safe as it is my b-day present (in Dec)... Thinking of convincing my wife break-in should be done within the first week of purchase. Any chance you could put up an update video for me???

[@ShadowSystemsCorp]

Matthew, wish we could help but that's going to be a hard one to sell! Trevor

[@MUMZZ400]

Broke in my new XR 920 this past weekend and not one issue with the first 125 rounds. I’m very happy with this purchase!! Great product!!

[@nmichaud1]

I am not a glock type person but I really want one of these. Every manufacturer need to follow these guys example

[@ssways]

Absolutely correct. Even when you buy a Uninterrupted Power Supply Unit, You will smell off gassing from it for a few weeks and after being used a little bit, it stabilizes and stops and breaks in. Goes with anything.

[@Dallas_the_III]

Great shooting pistol! Love my War Poet MR920! I want to buy another one I like it so much. Best shooting pistol I have ever shoot.

[@jpdesimone]

I own a MR920 and an MR920L. During the "break-in" period across both firearms, I had just one single malfunction. That was the second round of the very first magazine of the MR920 failed to feed into the chamber after the very first round was fired. A whack to the rear of the slide and the round chambered and not a single malfunction since. The MR920L had zero malfunctions. This includes not only the break-in period, but also every round fired since then too. It also encompasses (intentionally) a very wide range of ammunition makes and models. I do understand the "controversy," though. Ammunition is very expensive and, currently, difficult to find for purchase. I am admittedly fortunate to a point where this hasn't been a controversy for me personally, but I have a high level of respect for millions of gun owners who are not in that same position. Shooting 250 rounds for "break-in," including testing of one's carry ammunition, is a time-consuming, expensive, and potentially ammo inventory depleting endeavor. And it is a tough decision to make when you read story after story from other SSC pistol owners talking about how there gun never malfunctions, even during the break-in. So I get it. I appreciate Trevor saying the true "break-in" period is really more like 100 rounds (a few magazines). That should help ease the controversy a lot.

[@TheAcfallejoseph]

Absolutely. I break in all my weapons. To me it's also about getting to know the machine. Learn alot from weapon care.

[@TheAcfallejoseph]

Hell when it comes to my rifles I don't even pay much attention to how tight a group I can get until the copper is in the barrel good. Good break in helps speed that up in my opinion. Lead and powder removed as layers of copper build.

[@davidfrye7713]

I broke in my new CR 920 Warrior Poet pistol today. I put 205 rounds thru it. No issues, functioned perfectly with various ammo including two types of carry ammo. Very accurate, it is easy to make accurate hits at 40 yards.

[@bassyboii]

Just picked up my mr920 elite with the holosun and it is the best pistol I’ve ever owned. I’m a convert

[@andrewcowie6436]

Definitely the only ones willing to talk about it!!!❤❤❤❤ love you guys!!

[@akamanonthemoon]

My War Poet MR920 has 350 rounds through it without issues!! Great tack driver!!

[@akamanonthemoon]

Just put it through 700 rounds with Modern Day Samurai RDS course and ran great! I would say that the trigger has improved but still a lot of over travel so will be changing it out for Overwatch Precision Falx trigger. Someone had commented to me about rattling and then removed their comment so no it doesn’t rattle!

[@TacticalConsiderations]

Cars, motorcycles and just about every other mechanical device has a break in and fluid change schedule

[@BBQandAaron]

I'm at 3,500 rounds and I've had the gun for 3 months. No issues yet. I do think the brass ejection path is odd. But, I love the gun.

[@ElMarko6994]

I’m in maintenance/construction and I completely agree with your break in statement. But great video I’m getting my mr920l next week super excited!

[@ryangarrett725]

I have had a xr920 for a few months no malfunctions and it shoots great I didn’t really feel a break in period my gun it shoots fantastic even from distance I’ve maybe put 50 through it

[@bendtondover]

I love mine and I love these videos! Every question I’ve had has been answered by these videos!

[@johnstuhlmiller6317]

I am an engineer although not mechanical and this is common sense. I own 2 DR920s and had zero issues in either break-in period.

[@jeffreywoods3544]

Bought mine week before last and shot it last weekend. Shot 200 rounds for the break in. Shot flawlessly.

[@murrayjthompson1893]

The Springfield Armory Custom Shop advises to run a minimum of 300-500 rounds of .45 ACP through the HRT .45s before attempting to dissemble the firearm. All the SWAT guns needed at least 300 rounds to remove the barrel bushing. The other requirement is to run them wet during the break-in period. I recall many FBI Agents complaining about how tight the guns were. However, they shot lights out right out to 50 yds. I broke mine in with 185 to 230 gr. in JHP and FMJ. Look at any older car manual, and you were required to put 300-500 miles on the vehicle by alternating speeds, never going above certain speeds, no towing, etc., in order to season your engine. Running the Shadow guns through a break-in period is just another one of those things you do to get the best performance from your gun.

[@a.d.c7941]

This just cannot be argued with. This is good learning.

[@michaelm1564]

Just saying... I have two Shadow Systems Pistols (DR920P and CR920P) and I put them through their recommended break in periods. I experienced a total of 2 FTE's total for both on the first magazines. After that and about and many range visits and now thousands of rounds on both guns - I have had ZERO malfunctions on any type of ammo. I LOVE these GUNS. Just go through the break in, it's no big deal.

[@wellsbibo6175]

I bought a brand new Harley last year. Manual recommended not pushing the tach past 3,000 RPMs, going above 50 MPH, or shifting through the gear box quickly for the first 500 miles. That’s a $20K bike with a break-in period. I’m ok with a $700 pistol needing a break-in period if it translates to improved mechanical accuracy.

[@leeroyjenkins1127]

Bro, You guys knocked this out of the park. I've had my MR920 Combat Optic for about 2 weeks and i'm 200 rounds in. This gun is FANTASTIC. I love what you did. You FIXED the "innovative" Glock that hadn't sen true innovation (minus the gen 5 / mos) in almost 20 years. All Glock does is try and play catch up. YOU GUYS gave the user WHAT WE WANT right out of the box. Thank you. I really hope departments start picking these up as duty guns. The component and holster interchangeability is going to be the niche I think.

[@ShadowSystemsCorp]

Kevin, sorry! I saw this comment a while ago and loved it, but I forgot to respond. We are so happy that you like your MR920. We really try to give our customers the most out of the box in a package that works day in and day out. Thanks for the comment. Keep us posted. Trevor

[@rangerfliqpy5517]

Got a DR920 E and put 250 rounds through it out of the box of steel case and didn't have any issues. Feels great!

[@MosbyRingo]

I've bought 2 Shadow Systems pistols this month. First the DR920 Combat, flawless through 200 rounds. Tonight the MR920 Combat had a rough start. The gun flat out refused to chamber a round from the magazine. The round would be half way up the ramp and the slide would not go into battery. The slide was, "Slingshotted" the side release was not used. No amount of tapping the back of the slide or dropping the magazine would allow the slide to go into battery. The magazine would have to be dropped and slide drawn back to allow the live round to fall out the bottom of the magazine well. For the first 3 magazines I had to, "Barney Load" the first round into the chamber, release the slide, then insert the magazine and then the gun would function flawlessly. After those first 3 magazines the gun would function with an enthusiastic slingshotting of the slide to chamber the first round. Glad I read the manual and watched some of these videos before heading out to the range.

[@stayvigilant7856]

I have the xr920 foundation model put 100 rou ds dow range with 2 malfunction buring first 25 rounds.. after that it was flawless

[@kinch613]

Usually failing to go fully into battery is the most common break in problems! It will clear up as more rounds are fired through the gun. The springs, mating surfaces will clean up nicely! My MR920 is a tack driver!

[@Mike_The_Hog_A_Nator]

So true, every Glock or Gen 5 w/ a Gen 3 slide on it that I've owned has never failed me once but it just gets a better feeling to it. Whether that's a trigger, springs, etc. I've been lucky & never owned a rifle or pistol including 1911's fail once on me. I'm sure it may happen but I'm 52 & hasn't since I was 9yrs old. 👍

[@jt654]

I was able to pick one up recently and iv never been happier iv owned alot of other guns an this is my favorite by far never have one issue with it an im alot more accurate with it then all my other guns best buy hands down

[@michaelschaffer9165]

The first 1911 I ever bought the salesman, who carried a 1911, cautioned me to not expect best reliability until after 200 rounds or so. The first Kahr I ever bought the owner manual recommended 200 rounds for breakin period. Both guns smoothed out in this time. Since then I break them all in. It develops confidence in the gun and my ability with it. If you intend to carry a gun to defend your life with then you should shoot it extensively before doing so. This will break you and the gun in together. That is smart. Breakin periods are smart.

[@campriole5410]

Great video, definitely true, especially when a gun is made of different materials, polymer and steal. I am saving up for the MR920. I started out with Caniks because of price and value. I was unaware there was a break-in period I should have known better. I changed out springs and tried all kinds of ammo when I should have just shot the hell out of it. Too many people buy guns and have never shot them and expect the gun to protect them. Your a company I want to do business with, appreciate your honest.

[@xstugee]

You name the high wear product from autos on down...your message is INCONTROVERTIBLE!!

[@patriotgunner]

I totally understand what he's saying and agree mostly BUT I will say that I've never had a Glock that needed a break-in. Albeit I'm fixing to buy a dr920.

[@Bulldog75stp]

I agree. The Agency Arms NOC even advertise a 500 round break-in period using a combination of 115, 124, and 147 gr 9mm ammo.

[@normwilson117]

Would you carry, or compete, with any gun you haven’t practiced with first? Practice, realistically, means several hundred rounds focusing on consistent presentation, point of aim, etc. Appreciate you making this video, but it seems unnecessary to me. For the record, I’m researching the MR920 and now all but convinced that’s the platform I’m moving to.

[@03xl883c]

There’s a difference between “needs” a break in and no break in required. For example Kahr pistols state ~200 rd break in before you can expect reliable function but the pistol you went out of your way to not mention, the very pistol your design is based upon doesn’t. It is what it is but you can rock a Glock right out of the box.

[@billdrill22]

G17 and G23 I own both had issues on the first couple mags.

[@Midwestgunmen]

You can, but it doesn’t mean any responsible gun owner should, without some kind of reliability testing before you bet your life on the gun. At least in my opinion. I would never just buy a gun slap it in a holster and assume it had no errors when my life depends on it.

[@doc_johnholliday9642]

Glock has always said they have a 100 round break in. My 19 is 3000 round in with no malfunction. My 48 on the other hand had 2 stovepipes in the first 250 rounds so I’m still not convinced it’s broke in yet

[@03xl883c]

@@doc_johnholliday9642 Never seen any documentation from Glock mentioning a 100 round break in. Currently my 19x has over 700 rounds never cleaned and zero malfunctions.

[@djwhiterhino]

@@03xl883c why would you never clean a gun? Not something to brag about

[@kyvguinto]

Love my MR920! No problems with the first 200 rounds. Really pleased with these kinds thoughtful decisions you guys made!

[@jmuraidajr]

You are correct about the break-in! Kahr Arms has a 200 rd. break-in period and use the slide release to load it! Ed Brown 1911's have I think a 500 rd. break-in period!

[@garywinkel1831]

My MR920 Combat is wrapped and under the tree! Stoked for Christmas day. I plan on field stripping, cleaning, oiling and dry firing for a while. Then, to the back yard to shoot some steel! Great video!

[@ShadowSystemsCorp]

Nice to hear! Hope you enjoy your pistol. Wish I had a range in my backyard!

[@reptileguy8458]

100% AGREE WITH THIS! ESPECIALLY WITH FIREARMS AND VEHICLES!

[@fred2228]

I'd never consider carrying a gun without shooting a couple of hundred rounds through it. That being said, I fired 330 rounds of ball and HP through my new CR920, and had over 20 failures to feed, on five different magazines. With each failure, the nose of the bullet became lodged at the bast of the feed ramp. There was no pattern to failures. I fired 150 Federal AE 147gr ball (flat nose), and had a little over a dozen failures including up to round number 328. AE 147gr was the first 100, and last 50 fired. I also fired 50 Blazer Brass 124gr ball and had five rounds lodge on the feed ramp. I fired 50 rounds of Federal HST 147gr and had five rounds lodge on the feed ramp. Interestingly enough, I fired 30 Gold Dot 124gr and 50 Federal HST 124gr, and had no failures with either. As I said, the last 50 rounds were AE 147gr, and I had at least three failures to feed in different magazines. Needless to say, I'm very disappointed with this purchase. The gun was cleaned and lubricated before I fired it.

[@mikemellon80]

I’d say this. Wait 2 years to buy a new pistol from shadow systems. Not because they aren’t a good company. But just to get the growing pains out. Same with new model cars. New tundra for example. Toyota made amazing trucks for a long time. Then they made something new and had lots of problems. They seem to have fixed that 2 years later

[@samsnyder4433]

Love my MR920 … works great

[@duckyboy53]

High quality materials always have a break in period. Especially for mechanical items or objects that have specific internals that are completely new. Agreed.

[@evanmartinez2049]

ZERO malfunctions in my first 300 rounds through my MR920 with FMJ & hollow points, 9mm and 9mm +P. Solid start.

[@Jnoons2117]

Great vid, honest company that is realistic about their firearms and proper break in. Just picked up my first shadow systems firearm. mr920L.

[@Sinakal619]

unboxed my DR920 Elite added some lube to the key areas of a striker fired pistol. Went and put 300 hundred rounds through it not one failure. Great feel and well manufactured pistol!

[@jeebugorn]

my tale of two shadow systems: i had purchased a MR920 Foundation pistol a couple weeks back as a birthday present to myself. last weekend i finally got to go to the range to shoot it. while walking around the gun shop they had a CR920 Combat (blue label) in stock and i bought that too. so, had 2 brand new Shadow Systems pistols fresh from the box. MR920 Foundation: LOTS of failure to lock fully into battery. had to keep hitting the back of the slide to seat it. fired around 4 mags cause i was zeroing the holosun optic so was kinda taking my time to get it right. at the end of shooting i had a box of 100 9mm 124gr, so i loaded every mag i had and just ran through that 100 rounds as fast as possible. by the time i was finished, it was running a lot smoother. CR920 Combat: i dont think i had a single issue with this one (using the same 9mm 124gr ammo). it just worked straight from the box.

[@feija0zinh0]

Just bought my mr920. Can't wait to break it in

[@JonathanPerez-nf3ik]

I recently purchased a CR920P and have put over 400 rounds through it. I'm still having minor feeding and ejection issues. I really like the CR920P, but I just don't feel confident enough trusting my life to it being a Criminal Investigator. I will be doing some polishing to it and see if that would finally make it worth carrying on a daily basis.

[@MrJbrew69]

Getting my mr920 in all black this week. It’s taken almost a month to come in. Super excited, first shadow pistol. I’ve always bought ruger, Taurus, Glock.

[@iowabowtech1]

Couldn't agree more. I'll take tighter beginning tolerances every single time.

[@jmg221]

I have the CR 920 and it took 400 rounds until it was flawless. I also purchased the DR920P and it took 100 rounds for no malfunctions.

[@jameseason9949]

Bought my wife a Kahr once. Printed in the owner's manual - "Do not use this weapon for personal protection until you have fired at least 200 rounds through it."

[@ShadowSystemsCorp]

Hi James. I remember reading the same thing when I bought my Kahr back in 2005. It is a good thing to do for any new gun, in our opinion. Trevor

[@chadholpin2201]

Never had ONE complaint about my mr920 elite! I have thousands of rounds through it without ONE malfunction what so ever....!

[@crocholiday]

I was surprised to see the difference between how smooth the action on my well used (3000+ rounds) 918 vs. my brand new 920. The 920 isn't bad by any means, just a little chunky for the first hundred or so rounds. It's broken in now and the difference between it and my 918 aren't as dramatic. Now it's just spring and trigger are a little stiffer but just a little. Nothing some trigger time won't cure. Can't wait to break in my DR when they hit public market. Hoping to break in a G34 size shadow in the future too...