woof
Member
Do you all think these are a good device? Are there any guns you would not use them on?
Bore Snakes
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DragonFire
Member
Bore snakes let you do a quick and easy cleaning of the barrel without needing a cleaning rod or patches. You can easily fit one in your range bag, and they do a decent job of cleaning.
I don't think they are the tool to use if you have alot of lead or copper fouling,and obviously do nothing for the other areas of your guns that need cleaning.
Since they are nothing more than material with a bronze brush embedded in it, I don't think there's a gun I would use it on.
I don't think they are the tool to use if you have alot of lead or copper fouling,and obviously do nothing for the other areas of your guns that need cleaning.
Since they are nothing more than material with a bronze brush embedded in it, I don't think there's a gun I would use it on.
Clemson
Member
Pull-through cleaning equipment has been used for years. The BoreSnake people just buried the brush in the mop! It is a great time saver for routine cleaning of the barrel on just about any type of gun. I highly recommend them.
Clemson
Clemson
eastwood44mag
Member
- Joined
- Oct 25, 2005
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- 1,027
I use them all the time. Gets the barrel cleaner than any brush/patch combo I've ever tried.
DavidVS
Member
Mine saves me a lot of time.
I keep it in my range bag inside a ziploc bag, with the cleaner and a snap cap. I use the snap cap to keep track of which cylinder chamber I'll be cleaning last as I go around the circle.
As DragonFire said they can't be your only cleaning tool. But what they do, they seem to do well and quickly.
I keep it in my range bag inside a ziploc bag, with the cleaner and a snap cap. I use the snap cap to keep track of which cylinder chamber I'll be cleaning last as I go around the circle.
As DragonFire said they can't be your only cleaning tool. But what they do, they seem to do well and quickly.
Kruzr
Member
That would take some serious user help to get a bore snake stuck. You would either have to use the wrong caliber (as has been done on this forum before) or half cut one and hold one end while pulling the other.
While they don't replace solvent and patches, we've used bore snakes at the range for 5 years now. We use them right after the gun has been shot. They will get any residue out of the barrel and keep the carbon rings from getting hard in revolver cylinders. We use them on every gun and every caliber we've got. Never had one get stuck and I can't imagine how you could break one in a barrel.
I use it all the time on my PS90 carbine and my Buckmark 22 - The buckmark has a post in the back, so I can't run a brush down the barrel - I'd have to run it up the barrel. So, I just use the boresnake.
And on the PS90, the borerod keeps banging against the bore as I push it down the barrel, and each screw piece hands or rubs against the edge where the seams on the bore rod are.
So, until I get one of those expensive borerods that are 1 piece, I just use the bore snake.
And on the PS90, the borerod keeps banging against the bore as I push it down the barrel, and each screw piece hands or rubs against the edge where the seams on the bore rod are.
So, until I get one of those expensive borerods that are 1 piece, I just use the bore snake.
MarineTech
Member
I generally use bore snakes a PART of the cleaning routine.
I've got a cat that makes it her mission in life to steal used patches as they drop to the floor. So, I generally scrub out the bore with brush and solvent, and then run the boresnake through to soak up the worst of the gunk. Then I run a single patch through to catch any remaining residue. Works like a champ.
I've also found that a .40 cal boresnake works GREAT for taking the rings out of the cylinders on a .38/.357.
I've got a cat that makes it her mission in life to steal used patches as they drop to the floor. So, I generally scrub out the bore with brush and solvent, and then run the boresnake through to soak up the worst of the gunk. Then I run a single patch through to catch any remaining residue. Works like a champ.
I've also found that a .40 cal boresnake works GREAT for taking the rings out of the cylinders on a .38/.357.
dfariswheel
Member
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- Dec 26, 2002
- Messages
- 6,656
Bore snakes DO break off in the bore.
One poster a few months ago broke one off while pulling it through, then when he tried to pull it back out, the OTHER end broke.
Last I heard, he still hadn't been able to extract it.
I wrote to Uncle Mike's, one of the prime Bore Snake makers about what method they recommend for extracting stuck snakes, and they HAD NO recommended method.
To be fair, the most common broken snakes involve either using an over-caliber snake, or a well used snake, especially one that's been laundered to clean it.
Broken pull throughs are why the military stopped using them many years ago.
They will ALL break soon or later, and your gun is out of service until you figure an extraction method that won't harm the barrel.
One hint: pouring oils to lubricate a broken snake seems to make it WORSE, and there is no chemical you can put in the barrel to "dissolve" the snake that won't damage the barrel.
Heating the barrel to melt the snake simply burns it onto the bore, making extraction nearly impossible.
There's even been one confirmed case of an Otis pull-through breaking off.
Use the bore snake for quick field cleaning, but do so very carefully, use a proper caliber snake for the gun, and discard the snake when it gets used.
A bore snake cannot get a fouled barrel as clean as a standard rod, patches, and bore solvent.
One poster a few months ago broke one off while pulling it through, then when he tried to pull it back out, the OTHER end broke.
Last I heard, he still hadn't been able to extract it.
I wrote to Uncle Mike's, one of the prime Bore Snake makers about what method they recommend for extracting stuck snakes, and they HAD NO recommended method.
To be fair, the most common broken snakes involve either using an over-caliber snake, or a well used snake, especially one that's been laundered to clean it.
Broken pull throughs are why the military stopped using them many years ago.
They will ALL break soon or later, and your gun is out of service until you figure an extraction method that won't harm the barrel.
One hint: pouring oils to lubricate a broken snake seems to make it WORSE, and there is no chemical you can put in the barrel to "dissolve" the snake that won't damage the barrel.
Heating the barrel to melt the snake simply burns it onto the bore, making extraction nearly impossible.
There's even been one confirmed case of an Otis pull-through breaking off.
Use the bore snake for quick field cleaning, but do so very carefully, use a proper caliber snake for the gun, and discard the snake when it gets used.
A bore snake cannot get a fouled barrel as clean as a standard rod, patches, and bore solvent.
DWARREN123
Member
Good for quick clean or range use but there will always be a time for a rod, especially with a stuck case.
ocabj
Member
I'm sorry, but I call BS on any claim that says a Bore Snake will clean better than a cleaning rod. Unless you're cleaning that Bore Snake after each and every pass in the barrel, then how can it be cleaning the bore? That's akin to running the same dirty patch on a cleaning rod through a barrel.
glockman19
Member
- Joined
- Mar 16, 2007
- Messages
- 3,700
YES
NO
I use them on all of my guns & rifles
ogree
Member
I once did some work for the guy that invented them many years ago, I saw the manufacturing process and the materials he was using (which is a type of woven nylon cord). The thin pull cord with the brass weight are sewn on to the woven nylon cord that contains a bronze bore brush (typical bore brush with the threded end clipped off with a pair of wire cutters), the brass weight is simply crimped on to the thin cord.
He gave me a few to check out.
I then had a conversation with Gale McMillan after showing him the bore snakes thinking he may want to market them in particular for the .50's they build.
Gale looked them over and then asked me if I like to fish, I told him I have been fishing since I was very young. He asked, If I remembered the old lures that had the eyes that were made of pieces of carbide and I said yes, I did remember those.
Gale asked if I remembered that after a while, the nylon fishing line would cut grooves in the carbide eyes from the friction of the line.............I got the point.
Bruce (the guy who invented these) stated at the time that the friction of the nylon is what made the cleaning aspects of these unit so effective, come to think of it......Bruce had no answer when a friend asked him "how does the rest of the gun get cleaned after the bore has been done with his product".
No gadget will replace a cleaning rod and the appropriate brush, patches, solvents, etc. I don't use any of these things on any of my firearms since the day I had that conversation and 3 of the 4 bore snakes I have are still unused sitting in a drawer.
He gave me a few to check out.
I then had a conversation with Gale McMillan after showing him the bore snakes thinking he may want to market them in particular for the .50's they build.
Gale looked them over and then asked me if I like to fish, I told him I have been fishing since I was very young. He asked, If I remembered the old lures that had the eyes that were made of pieces of carbide and I said yes, I did remember those.
Gale asked if I remembered that after a while, the nylon fishing line would cut grooves in the carbide eyes from the friction of the line.............I got the point.
Bruce (the guy who invented these) stated at the time that the friction of the nylon is what made the cleaning aspects of these unit so effective, come to think of it......Bruce had no answer when a friend asked him "how does the rest of the gun get cleaned after the bore has been done with his product".
No gadget will replace a cleaning rod and the appropriate brush, patches, solvents, etc. I don't use any of these things on any of my firearms since the day I had that conversation and 3 of the 4 bore snakes I have are still unused sitting in a drawer.
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nrawling
Member
I use Boresnakes on all of my guns. I would not use them on someone else's gun.
Before this gets any more heated between the pull-cord folks and the cleaning-rod people... I think there is a time and place for both.
I use the Boresnakes on my firearms every time I shoot. Periodically, I field-strip use the patches and rod and do the rest. Theoretically, some day I will need to do a complete disassembly to clean the gunk off.
I think there are different levels of cleaning based on the amount of usage and the character of that usage. I've had to clean unfired carry guns because of accumulate pocket and holster lint. I've also gone several range trips without a cleaning.
I would propose an analogy to working on your car. You do oil changes on a schedule, but after a while, you need to do more to keep it running. Sometimes you have to do a complete tear-down of the engine or transmission, but you don't do that every time.
I think the Boresnake is a great time saver, but I don't think it replaces all of the other cleaning tools, it just means you might not need them as often.
Oh, and cleaning rods, brushes, jags, and patches can break, jam, or stick just like anything else.
Before this gets any more heated between the pull-cord folks and the cleaning-rod people... I think there is a time and place for both.
I use the Boresnakes on my firearms every time I shoot. Periodically, I field-strip use the patches and rod and do the rest. Theoretically, some day I will need to do a complete disassembly to clean the gunk off.
I think there are different levels of cleaning based on the amount of usage and the character of that usage. I've had to clean unfired carry guns because of accumulate pocket and holster lint. I've also gone several range trips without a cleaning.
I would propose an analogy to working on your car. You do oil changes on a schedule, but after a while, you need to do more to keep it running. Sometimes you have to do a complete tear-down of the engine or transmission, but you don't do that every time.
I think the Boresnake is a great time saver, but I don't think it replaces all of the other cleaning tools, it just means you might not need them as often.
Oh, and cleaning rods, brushes, jags, and patches can break, jam, or stick just like anything else.
I'm not worried about it breaking in any of my guns - In my Five-Seven Buckmark and PS90, even once the weighted thread is pulled thru, I still have enough of the boresnake sticking out the end to pull it back out. And, if it's all the way in the barrel, then part of the boresnake itself is already out the other end.
So, it works fine
So, it works fine
jrhines
Member
The guy that had one stuck was me...
... a client brought it in with both ends broken off. He broke one end and then tried to reverse the brush in the bore and that broke the other end. There he was with a snake stuck in his Marlin 336. Yes, I tried all the usual suggestions, weld screws onto rods, lubes,... Nothing worked. Then I tried a different method and was successful. It took a little clock time but no labor on my part. I reviewed it here on THR and was chastised for using dangerous cancer causing chemicals (none of which was true). The snake is out, the gun and bore are fine, my client is happy, 'nuff said!
I use Bore snakes from time to time, especially if I don't have a bore guide to protect a particular muzzle.
... a client brought it in with both ends broken off. He broke one end and then tried to reverse the brush in the bore and that broke the other end. There he was with a snake stuck in his Marlin 336. Yes, I tried all the usual suggestions, weld screws onto rods, lubes,... Nothing worked. Then I tried a different method and was successful. It took a little clock time but no labor on my part. I reviewed it here on THR and was chastised for using dangerous cancer causing chemicals (none of which was true). The snake is out, the gun and bore are fine, my client is happy, 'nuff said!
I use Bore snakes from time to time, especially if I don't have a bore guide to protect a particular muzzle.
DavidVS
Member
Durby
Member
Pulling a boresnake is about the only cleaning I do to my Glock. When I first got it, I would take it all apart, just because it was new (to me, I bought a police trade in). After the initial excitement wore off, I bought a boresnake and that is all I do to clean it now. Maybe I will wipe down the exterior for storage too. I understand that guns need more than just a bore cleaning, but its all my Glock gets for now. Other guns of mine get better cleaning, but I still have a boresnake for all my pistol calibers. I use a sharpie to write the caliber on the brass weight, I can't remember the color coding at all.
sm
member
Bore Snakes:
I never cared for the idea from the get-go and have never bothered to even use one.
I have assisted others in removing them.
Just never made sense to me, to run a dirty something back through the bore.
Growing up, pretty neat when a Mentor makes you "thong", a pull through made of rawhide with a slit to hold a loose patch, and little vial of oil in a shoe polish tin.
If we got caught out in rain, a loose patch to run a little oil to hold until we got back in.
Kit & Kaboodle came out, with a cable version, in a Shoe Polish tin, later became known as Otis.
Now for range use, and not knowing what all calibers we had, handy, messed with it, and even knocked out a few stuck cases...with the Otis.
Works for lever actions and revolvers
Again proper use had to be followed and we were NOT running a dirty patch over and over again. Clean one from T shirt or whatever to hold.
NOT tight, just a "get by" until a quality rod could be used.
Range : Got tired of the Otis, and while some of us still have one - the quality rod is still best with proper method.
I have no idea where my Otis went, knowing me, I gave it away to someone I was assisting with , or going on a neat hunt somewhere.
Sentimental reasons for my old rawhide deal, put up and in storage...
I would /do use a 3 pc GI rod for field use...Mentors kept one while in the field when I was a kid, always one in a truck, duck boat, blind, wherever.
I dunno, some of this shooting stuff is like fishing stuff, not made to catch fish, instead fisher-person's wallets.
I never cared for the idea from the get-go and have never bothered to even use one.
I have assisted others in removing them.
Just never made sense to me, to run a dirty something back through the bore.
Growing up, pretty neat when a Mentor makes you "thong", a pull through made of rawhide with a slit to hold a loose patch, and little vial of oil in a shoe polish tin.
If we got caught out in rain, a loose patch to run a little oil to hold until we got back in.
Kit & Kaboodle came out, with a cable version, in a Shoe Polish tin, later became known as Otis.
Now for range use, and not knowing what all calibers we had, handy, messed with it, and even knocked out a few stuck cases...with the Otis.
Works for lever actions and revolvers
Again proper use had to be followed and we were NOT running a dirty patch over and over again. Clean one from T shirt or whatever to hold.
NOT tight, just a "get by" until a quality rod could be used.
Range : Got tired of the Otis, and while some of us still have one - the quality rod is still best with proper method.
I have no idea where my Otis went, knowing me, I gave it away to someone I was assisting with , or going on a neat hunt somewhere.
Sentimental reasons for my old rawhide deal, put up and in storage...
I would /do use a 3 pc GI rod for field use...Mentors kept one while in the field when I was a kid, always one in a truck, duck boat, blind, wherever.
I dunno, some of this shooting stuff is like fishing stuff, not made to catch fish, instead fisher-person's wallets.
Samuraigg
Member
Yeah I always see a TON of hate directed towards the bore snakes. I happen to really like them. I have one in 30.06 for my Garand and one in .45 for my P220.
I've liked them so much that I'm going to get one in 7.62x39 for my two other rifles.
I have to admit that I don't know what I would do if the cord snapped off while the bore snake was completely inside of the barrel. Maybe I'll try to sew the cord further into the boresnake to reinforce it... but I don't want to mess up the borensnake. Hopefully since I'm using the correct caliber I won't suffer a snap anytime soon.
I've liked them so much that I'm going to get one in 7.62x39 for my two other rifles.
I have to admit that I don't know what I would do if the cord snapped off while the bore snake was completely inside of the barrel. Maybe I'll try to sew the cord further into the boresnake to reinforce it... but I don't want to mess up the borensnake. Hopefully since I'm using the correct caliber I won't suffer a snap anytime soon.
So, what do all you BoreSnake haters do when you break a cleaning rod off in the bore?????
I use BoreSnakes for general cleaning and rod/brush/patch combos for serious bore cleaning.
I haven't ever broke a rod or a BoreSnake or a standard pull through in 30 some years of cleaning firearms so I must be doing something right but I have also had to remove broken pieces of this and that from plenty of customer weapons over the years.
Never call anything 'unbreakable' because somehow and somewhere there is a goof who can manage to break it.
I use BoreSnakes for general cleaning and rod/brush/patch combos for serious bore cleaning.
I haven't ever broke a rod or a BoreSnake or a standard pull through in 30 some years of cleaning firearms so I must be doing something right but I have also had to remove broken pieces of this and that from plenty of customer weapons over the years.
Never call anything 'unbreakable' because somehow and somewhere there is a goof who can manage to break it.
boresnakes are basically only good as one HUGE patch. I wouldn't call it a cleaning device. If the wimpy little brush can get it out of your bore, you didn't need to clean it in the first place.
Get some hoppe's, a cheap kit at walmart and you're set. bore snakes are one of those things that a fella buys because "it's just easier" but turns out it's easier because it's doing less. I can't see getting lead fouling off with a boresnake.
As a tip though, after you've used your boresnake to patch your bore (not scrub it, you need an actual cleaning rod, brush and solvent for that) put it in a sock and throw it in your washer (don't let your wife see) and it'll be cleaned up and ready for hte next time.
by far, the most expensive patch I've ever bought at $20.
Get some hoppe's, a cheap kit at walmart and you're set. bore snakes are one of those things that a fella buys because "it's just easier" but turns out it's easier because it's doing less. I can't see getting lead fouling off with a boresnake.
As a tip though, after you've used your boresnake to patch your bore (not scrub it, you need an actual cleaning rod, brush and solvent for that) put it in a sock and throw it in your washer (don't let your wife see) and it'll be cleaned up and ready for hte next time.
by far, the most expensive patch I've ever bought at $20.
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