I have no ax to grind with Kimber or any other firearm for that matter but I have always wondered why, when one has to pay so much for a "High End" gun and then have to go through a Break In Period. I can understand a "Getting Used to " period but "Break In" has always sounded to be like they didn't go through the final fit and finish at the factory to insure flawless operation from the first shot.
I have "built" a few fiireams for my own collection with lots of time and effort spent with stones, files, lapping compound, and just plain patience, in order to make sure every part "plays well with others".
Honing and/or lapping of triggers, slides, bolts, locking lugs/surfaces, all take timeand contribute to the smoothness and reliability of a firearm. High end rifles have hand lapped barrels and are usually able to stack bullets in the same hole while "Sporting Goods Store" production rifles have machined barrels and often require lots of "break in" in order to get groups one wants to talk about.
Yes, you get what you pay for but almost everyone I have talked to scratches their head over the number of "Kimber Stories" where they need this much break in, considering how much they cost. That goes for both pistols and rifles made by them.
Things requiring a break in period:
new jobs
new bosses
new girlfriends
spouses (never ending)
cars: especially extended wear issues on Chryslers
Here's exactly what the SRT engineers said:
(question)
I have an '09 R/T with the 6-speed and wanted to hear your take on proper break in for the engine. I've heard everything from "drive it like you stole it, break it in how you want it to run" to "baby it for the first 1000 miles and change the oil" and everything in between. set me straight please!
that leads me to another question. i've heard there is special oil from the manufacturer that allows the coatings on the pistons and other internal parts to cure completely so its important to keep that oil in there for the first couple thousand miles. is that true and can i switch to synthetic, say after I put my first 1000 miles on it?
thanks!
(answer)
We typically recommend that you simple avoid hard, red line launches for the break in period, at least 400 miles. Normal city and / or highway driving is fine. Break in is realy more more critical for your differential than your engine. Your engine will likely continue to loosen up for up to 2500 miles, with performance improving.
Follow your owner's manual for fluids. A premium synthetic is an option as long as it meets specs. Original fluids are not unique to commercial oils.
As far as your first oil change there is no break in oil in these cars. Read these:
http://www.challengerforumz.com/show...3&postcount=55
Just don't buy anything made on a Monday, Friday or the day before a long weekend, including Kimbers, Glocks and Sigs