Need new cleaning supplies

[natedog]

Some way or another, bit by bit, my cleaning suppliles (originally a sectioned alumminum cleaning rod, a general purpose shotgun cleaning kit multiple types of solvents, lubes, patches, boresnake, and hoppes orange bottle lubricant) has been worn down to just a .22 caliber Bore-Snake and that bottle of Hoppes #9 and orange bottle of Hoppes lube. My guns include: a K-31 .30, a Marlin 795 .22 (no access to breech), 10/22 .22 (no access to breach), Mini-14 .223, Winchester Model 12 (20 gauge, access to breech), .38 Colt Officers Model, and a Springfield 1898 Krag .30 (should allow access to breech, but doesn't- the aperature sights and raised cheek piece prevent it). For long guns, I shoot the Mini-14, the 10/22, and 795 the most- should I just continue to use the BoreSnake? I don't really know a "good" barrel cleaning job when I see it- I've always just ran the BoreSnake (with some Hoppes #9 on it) down the barrel, and I haven't noticed any loss of accuracy or anything like that. The K-31 doesn't get shot nearly as much as the others, and the Krag hasn't been fired (by me) yet. I think I'm just going to run a box through it and then put it up- it has more value as a sentimental piece than as a shooter. The Model 12 gets shot quite a bit when I got to the clay range- generally 100-200 rounds in a typical day. Since I've began shooting, the .38 Officers Model hasn't had a proper cleaning of the barrel yet- I've never had the right rod. It's only been fired 300 or so times though.

Based on these needs, where would be a good place to start with restocking with supplies?

 

[Clemson]

I have grown to really like the Bore Snake cleaning pull-throughs. I use one to clean my Garand barrel each time I shoot. I also have one in .45 that I use for a quick, no-takedown cleaning of my 1911's between major service teardowns.

That said, I have had a Midway cleaning kit for several years that I really like. It came with brushes and jags in varous calibers from .22 up to .45. It came with .22 and .30 caliber stainless steel rifle rods. I don't care much for the solvents and oils that Midway sells under their own name, but I guess they are OK. I just substitute Hoppes #9, Breakfree CLP, and a spray can of RemOil. I have a Dewey rod for my pistols that allows me to clean the long barrel for my Model 41 S&W from the breech without cutting my knuckles up on the barrel extension. I tend to use that rod for most pistol cleaning chores although I have several others. I use an adapter on the .30 caliber rod to push brushes down my shotgun bores when they need it, although I think I will get a bore snake for that work, too.

It probably matters less what you use than that you get something and use it often enough to keep your guns in good shape. Also, remember that more guns are worn out from over-cleaning than from shooting, but neglect will kill them faster than either one.

Clemson

 

[entreus]

I've found that a good heavy rod and sized jag will work the best. I used to use cheap supplies, but found better supplies shorten the time need to clean.

Look around at local ranges, I'm not a big advocate of Wallmart. I'd go to the local gun store or a gun show. That way you can find equipment and supplies that will last for years.

 

[Sylvan-Forge]

natedog,


A good link on cleaning:
http://www.exteriorballistics.com/reference/index.cfm

For supplies, check out:
http://www.midwayusa.com
Look at the top for the link to cleaning.
The site has a search function as well.
Take note of the Bore Guides, Ports & Chamber Plugs sub-section.


Here's a few product recommendations and suggestions:
>Use a bore guide.
>Dewey 1-piece cleaning rod 6" brass. Great for pistol.
>Rifle rods - I like stainless steel and carbon fiber.
>Iosso bore cleaning solvent and polishing compound.
>Any good gun oil. Oil bore, follow with compound. Oil to finish.
>Gunslick nylon jag and loop. Good if use undersize, too tight and may bend leading to crashing the rod into the bore.
>Tipton Ultra cleaning jag (nickel plated brass) - not used yet, but just got some. They seem promising.
>Iosso Eliminator bore brush (nylon).
>Dewey "no harm" bronze brush.
>Tipton cotton flannel patches.
>MTM cleaning jag and brush case.

Best of luck.

 

[mike_in_md]

My favorite tool for cleaning my pistols and rifles bore is a patchworm. Champions Choice sells it for about $4.50.