Bore Snake

I used a bore snake today on both the buckmark and the mossberg and was very impressed. There is even a loop at the back that can pull patches. Now I am wondering what the bore snake can't do. In other words, when do I need to use cleaning rods and why.

 

I really like bore snakes, quick and easy. The only thing I've found they can't do well is scrub out any copper build up. That shouldn't be a problem with a properly maintained weapon.

 

So you are saying as long as I clean it after each use like I'm supposed to, I'm golden.

 

I use bore snakes often, they work fine. My long guns get the Dewey rods when they need it.

 

I've never tried them. IVE had to run 30-40 patches through a 338 lapua to get all the copper out after 30 rounds or so.

 

Bore snakes are great! The only draw-back is the price if you have several different calibers to maintain

 

In my experience, a bore snake won't remove copper like you'd want it to. Standard cleaning will be the norm for long guns. But for a quick powder wipe and light fouling, the bore snake works fairly well.

 

what beetle-kill said. Copper build up after some extended target/sight-in work is not uncommon in long range calibers. Good cleaning technique along with a good copper solvent should be part of a busy rifle's extended maintenance. It's a back-and-forth motion that removes the copper, and the snake's not good at that. At least, that's my experience. Maybe I'm missing something, I usually do.

 

For a .22 and a shotgun, you won't have to worry about copper fouling. Maybe lead fouling with the .22, but you'd have to shoot it a lot without cleaning before that'd be an issue. So the bore snake will be fine, especially if you clean it each time you shoot it. The only thing I don't like about bore snakes, is I think they have a section with wire bristles on it. I rarely use a wire brush in my bore, as I think it does more harm than good. You really only need a brush if you've let the bore get too dirty, or if you shoot high powered centerfire rifles.

I have seven .22 rifles and three .22 handguns, and there's only one that I've had to use a wire brush on to get rid of lead fouling. And that was a rifle I just picked up made in 1949. The pawn shop I bought it from must have swabbed the bore with some patches because most of it was clean, but the rifling just past the chamber needed a number of passes with wire to get it cleaned up good. I'm sure it sat for years in somebody's closet after after having thousands of rounds shot through it without being cleaned.

 

The 12 gauge snake has wire bristles built in, but the .22 doesnt. I was going to ask about some of those cleaning brushes. I have a copper one that I have been cautioned could mess up the rifling, and a big shammy type one. I assume the shammy is for your solvent.

 

I use the bore snakes on 22,223, (same one) and 44.
I use solvent on it and then use a rod and patch to lightly oil once clean.

Lately I've been using clp on the snakes and no oil afterwards. Seems to be just as good as normal oil treatment.

 

Ur correct on the shammy/ squeegee Adam. Nice dry surface to oil up is what it gives you.

 

Should I be concerned about using the metal brush with the rifling, is there a different type I should be using instead (on the occasion that it is needed).

 

I honestly can't see you needing a metal brush. I've shot a couple of my .22's close to 3000 rounds between cleaning, and a few rounds of swabs soaked in solvent followed by dry patches was all I've ever needed.

 

I doubt you will need it as bassjam said. If you feel like you have to brush it, a copper brush or nylon brush wont hurt your rifling at all. They are much softer than steel.
The thing that will jack up the rifling is an el cheapo steel cleaning rod if used improperly. I prefer brass rods.

 

I don't use metal brushes on any of my rifles, and only rarely have I used one on a shotgun, but that's just my preference. If I can't get it clean, the weapon gets a trip to my gunsmith. Since I'm fanatical about clean gear, the only times I've had to have a deep cleaning is when aquiring a new weapon. After saying that, I think one really has to work at screwing up the rifleing with a wire brush attachment. However, Murphy is everywhere and I'm not taking any chances.

 

For shotguns, the bore snakes are the "cats dupa" IMNTBHO!!!!