The A-Bolt was new-unfired. I broke it in with 50rnds per instructions in Tubbs kit. Cleaning after each of the 1st 10, then after every following 5(which were finer&finer grits from the kit).
I did not do any before hand testing of this gun. I assumed that it would copper foul like any other factory rifle.
My confidence in FinalFinish stemmed from use in an NEF Handi rifle I have, which could not hold a 5shot group due to excessive copper. 3-4 shots, nice group(for an NEF). My 5th shot and beyond would walk right off paper(regardless of barrel temps & shot timing). I had to scrub copper out constantly at the range. "Handi-rifle" my ***! So I tried Moly. Every form and method in existence. All that got me was copper AND Moly! Both were a nightmare to get out. Last, with nothing to loose, I filled the barrel with every concoction and scrubbed it for several weeks to start over clean. Then used FinalFinish, followed by Tungsten coating for all bullets, from that day forward.
Well that was the trick. The groups tightened to from 3/4" to 1/2". I have not seen the groups open with over 200rnds between a cleaning. I get no blue on patches soaked with Wipeout. And, the tungsten comes right out(it doesn't layer, like moly).
Did I damage this barrel?
I don't feel like there is any reason to worry about hurting a factory barrel. Do you think you can cause it to be worse than it already is? It's factory!
