Bore snake type cleaning systems?

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Big Bill

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I use traditional methods for cleaning my rifles. But lately, after talking to a couple of my friends, I am considering trying some bore snake type cleaning systems. How do they work for you? What brand/brands are best?
 
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I use the original bore snakes. I think there're kind of expensive but they seem to work pretty darn good. I like how they have the wire brushes built into them, saves time.....
 
Depends what you mean by boresnake. I got a the BoreSnake (Hoppes?) for .22 because that would cover the .22 & .223. It is not the end all be all but I like it for what it is. It is very convenient to bring to a range. Run it through immediately after shooting, leave a little cleaner in the bore & then clean with a rod when you get home. On the .22s I run it through at about halfway through a bulk pack.
 
I like the Hoppe's. I too started with one in .22 as it made finishing the cleaning easier. Now, .223 still gets a torpedo brushing, and patch-n-jag to break the crud out. Snaking just makes the finishing easier.
Have larger caliber snakes for at-the-range cleaning of long guns if they need/warrant it.
 
I've used them for rifle and pistol after being introduced to the concept a couple years ago. I like them a lot. Easy to use, definately.

The Doc is out now. :cool:
 
Best thing since sliced bead, especially for shotguns. I keep them in my range bag & run them once through the bore before shooting just to remove dust & oil that might have accumulated. I still use a traditional bronze brush & Hopps #9 (or copper solvent) on rifles & handguns after shooting, but I finish up with a boresnake rather than patch after patch. Makes the job MUCH faster & more thorough IMO.
 
Thanks - when I get some more money, I'm going to buy some. So, Hoppes are the best?
 
I love the snake, I have a typical set up with brushes and patches as well.... but its real handy. Between me and housemates we have a couple different ones... I know I have one for the .357 and .22, there is one a fam member got for at 12ga... haven't used that one yet though, but its giagantic. I'm happy so far, but havent had them real long. Anyone had any bad experience or managed to snag it bad on something or ruin them somehow? Never had any issue, but I'm still pretty much a noob. It doesn't seem gimmicky, and it wasnt that-that bad pricewise.... I think it was like $15 or so I paid on ebay. edit- I bought the hoppes brand ones.
 
Boresnakes = the best cleaning tool for a shotgun, hands down - 1 pass and its good to go!

For rifles, I still only do 1 or 2 passes. I almost never use a conventional cleaning kit anymore but I don't shoot all that often either currently.

I gave my brother my .22 boresnake as he joined the Canadian forces... In basic training he used it to clean his rifle, 1 pull and it passed inspection when it used to take him 15 minutes to get it nice and shiny before. I'm sure him and the guys just passed it around and were done in no time - especially in the field. It would come in so handy vs pulling out that entire kit/assembling rods/patches etc..

I'd definitely get a hobbes. I got like one for every caliber I own, and there is no going back!
 
Do you guys run em dry, or add solvent to them? Been just using mine dry, work great!
 
I spray mine with WD-40 and run it through a few times right after shooting and then clean as normal later that day. It seems to decrease the number of patches I need to send through to get a clean patch.
 
I run it dry, but I normally only use it after running a patch of solvent and a few dry patches. It does a good job of polishing up the bore when you could end up running a lot of patches through.
 
Only one problem, I had a friend whose bore snake broke off in the bore. Heck of a time to get it out. The more you push the tighter it would jam in. I love them, but you need to replace them when they get wore.
 
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