Boresnake vs rod and patch?

T

Trapper Luke

New member
Been looking into gettin a decent gun cleaning kit built for myself and was wondering what everyone's take is on the whole boresnake vs rod and patch deal? Seems to me with the boresnake you dont have as much metal to worry bout scratching your bore or messing with the rifleing like you have to with a metal rod?

Thanks
Luke
 
Buy yourself a GOOD cleaning rod, a good bore guide, plenty of cotton patches, several brushes, & some copper killer (a carbon killer like MPro 7 would be helpfull also). The boresnake is an EXCELLENT tool for cleaning shotguns but next to worthless for rifles!

To properly clean the bore of a rifle you need some aggressive copper softner and a good brush. This would pretty much ruin a boresnake when the "gloop" comes out. Unless you buy two different snakes (one for solvent, one for cleaning); for each time you clean (or you find a good way yo wash it). Scratch the boresnake on a rifle idea.
 
Was told by a barrel manufacturer not to use a boresnake. Reason being that they don't swivel and follow the rifling and they never exit the bore straight every time. They said get a good coated rod like a Dewey and a Parker Hale style jag and cotton patches and use a good bore guide.
 
I'll go along with these guys. I'd never use a boresnake on one of my rifle even though they seem to be the rage on many forums. You'll won't see too many boresnakes at benchrest matches!
 
I am not obsessive about cleaning my rifles...I use bore snakes for occasionally wiping out the bore...But, as noted, when its time to clean, you need to get busy with a cleaning rod...

For keeping bore snakes clean, just get one of those little net bags that your wife washes her flimsies in, stuff the dirty boresnakes in and toss them in the washer..
 
Aside from not being able to thoroughly clean that nylon rope can ruin
a muzzle crown right quick. It's tough and abrasive so pulling the snake directly out of the bore is a must. Ok for a quick clean on a hunt or the like
but no replacement for the right tools. jmho.
 
Guess im the odd one. Ive got snakes for every caliber I own, never had an issue with them. The only guns I have that get a full breakdown and clean are pistols and ar. They're the only ones that will see enough rounds. All my bolts get a snake and quick wipe down unless its wet and nasty when I had them out.

#9 in front of the brush, 3 quick passes and then some oil on the rear end for final pass and in the safe it goes.

 
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I do have good 1 piece rods and a cleaning kit the size of a toolbox(I know that's how big it is, because its a toolbox) just rarely use most of it anymore.
 
If you think nothing of using the same patch over and over, then I guess a bore snakes fine.

Only reason I can see for one is maybe a quick pass through a wet or dirty barrel at camp.
Other than that, I wouldn't waste my money on one and never have.

Do whatever common sense tells ya though.
To each his own.
 
Originally Posted By: ARCOREYWas told by a barrel manufacturer not to use a boresnake. Reason being that they don't swivel and follow the rifling and they never exit the bore straight every time. They said get a good coated rod like a Dewey and a Parker Hale style jag and cotton patches and use a good bore guide.

Yea,,, but what do they know?
They just make the things, Right?
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No Bore Snake for me. As already stated when I clean I want to do a complete and thorough job of it. IMHO the best way to do that is with a proper one piece swiveling stainless rod, bore guides, jags, properly sized patches, nylon brushes, and the right chemicals for the job. I wouldn't buy this in "kit" form. Pick up quality pieces and assemble your own for your particular rifles and needs. It will be less expensive, better quality, and better fit your exact needs.
 
The best thing about the bore snake is, it made someone alot of money.

Tried one for my shotgun and got rid of it after the first time. Wouldn't clean all the powder residue out of the chamber and the choke wouldn't come all the way clean.

Only wish I would of kept it for in my ammo box just incase I drop the gun in the slew. But hey it's an 870, it can take it.
 
I will use boresnakes with Kroil at the range for "in between strings" or "after a few groups" cleanings, but that's it. They do not get a bore thoroughly clean, nor do I expect them to.

My boresnakes seem to twist with the rifling when I pull them through. Either way, as infrequently as I use them, I don't worry about them damaging the bore.

In my bores that have been ultra bore coated, I do not use them......
 
Ill add fuel to the fire, I only clean when I see cause to clean
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I have gotten some dandy deals on rifles needing new barrels over the years.
 
I take the brush out of the snake...then when I am done cleaning the correct way, I put a bit of oil on the front of the snake and pull it thru.
 
With a good coated rod like Tipton you're not going to damage the bore.Closest I get to a snake is the Otis kit I carry in the field in case I need to clear the bore.
 
One thing that was not mentioned is that if you have a really nice barrel such has my Krieger or even one of my ER Shaws is that they are so easy to clean that all you really need (if you have fired less than a box or so) to clean them is a shot of metal protector spray (I like Amsoil) and a coupla passes with the snake and presto! You done. I like that. Like it a lot.
 
Originally Posted By: NdIndyIll add fuel to the fire, I only clean when I see cause to clean
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I have gotten some dandy deals on rifles needing new barrels over the years.

I'm in your camp. I clean when accuracy begins to degrade, or reliable functioning is affected, if the firearm has been subjected to harsh environmental factors such as rain, snow, heavy blowing dust, ect. or before long term storage. Otherwise I happily just keep banging away…
 
I think I clean the bore of my AR about 1-2 times a year and that is a foam and patch deal. Usually when the groups open up. My 243 seemed a little pickier and had to be cleaned every 50rnds or so. My 7mm08 doesn't get anything other than a quick patch once a year and it shoots great. I also shoot it about 5 rounds a year. My rimfires get the shoot till their clean method
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. Muzzleloader every 3 shots in a row at the range and after every kill when I get back to camp while hunting. Everything else gets wiped on the outside and cleaned on the inside if accuracy is bad. The only rifle I even brush anymore is my muzzleloader.
 
You know those carbide eyes on your fisihing poles, check out a few somtimes. Ones that have been used have grooves in them, from what little ole' fishing line. Think of your barrel as the eye and the snake as the line. There's no way you pull a straight line from the bore and as such you'll damage your barrel. No Bueno. ADam
 


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