Questions About Bore Snakes

[Kestrel]

I've never used a bore snake to clean a gun. Can anyone answer a couple of questions for me?

I've wondered about a bore snake picking up particles, copper, shavings, etc., while being used. It looks like it would become like a mild sandpaper abrasive, as the fabric loads up with material. Is this not the case?

Also, how do you clean a bore snake. As the fabric loads up, how do you clean it between cleaning jobs?

Do they clean as well as a rod and patch?

Thanks for any tips.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

I've wondered about a bore snake picking up particles, copper, shavings, etc., while being used. It looks like it would become like a mild sandpaper abrasive, as the fabric loads up with material. Is this not the case?

They do pick up crud -- but unlike a cleaning rod, they're not hard. There is nothing for the crud to press against when you clean.

Also, how do you clean a bore snake. As the fabric loads up, how do you clean it between cleaning jobs?

You can swish it around in solvent -- a small can of stoddard's is fine. Between jobs, I clean mine in a bowl of hot water and dishwashing liquid, and hang it up to dry.

Do they clean as well as a rod and patch?

Some would say better. For some things (like scrubbing a badly metal-fouled bore, or polishing a rusted bore), they're not so good.

 

[grimjaw]

In my limited experience:

- Mine don't seem to be impregnated with anything, although granted I haven't used them excessively.

- You can run then through the washing machine, in a washing machine bag. Alternately, you could clean them in the sink.

- I don't use them as a replacement for cleaning rods, but they are handy to have at the range when I just want to run something through the barrel to get the major gunk out. Easier to pack than a full rod.

jmm

 

[grizz]

I also just use mine to get the major junk out. I've found that they do a good job to a certain point and you 100% for sure have to use a standard rod and patch also... My typical usage:

After range session:
1. Run bore snake 3-4 times w/ Hoppes #9
2. Run standard copper brush on cleaning rod 2x
3. Run standard cleaning rod & patch 2-3x w/ Hoppes #9
4. Run dry patch on cleaning rod 2x
5. Run oiled patch on cleaning rod 2x

95% of the time this works to produce a 100% clean barrel (for me at least).