Can a Dirty Rifle be Accurate?
This expert-level analysis from a Lead Firearms Instructor investigates whether a dirty rifle barrel can remain accurate. The test involved firing 100 rounds through a new Thompson/Center Encore Pro Hunter in .308 Winchester without cleaning. The results indicate that while point of impact shifts due to heat and fouling, the rifle's accuracy actually tightened, suggesting barrel break-in improves performance and that excessive cleaning may not be necessary for all shooters.









