[cdbeaver]

I guess I've always been the type to clean my guns regularly, perhaps too often on occasion. Maybe it's because I just like to "fondle" my guns and cleaning them gives me the opportunity to indulge my fetish.

But what is the proper equipment to use so the gun's rifling is left in no worse condition than before the cleaning process began? I currently use a steel one-piece rod for my .22 rim- and centerfire guns, a three-piece brass rod for .30 caliber and above; and three or four aluminum rods for shotgun cleaning.

The in-thing today seems to be some sort of fiber rod, plastic coated, with rod guides. I own none of those. Am I in trouble?

Please tell me your equipment preferences and procedures to maintain a clean bore.

[Standing Wolf]

I use plastic-coated rods, but doubt there's anything wrong with aluminum. The only necessity I'm aware of is that the rod needs to be softer than the steel of the barrel. It's a good idea to wipe the rod every few passes, since crud from the barrel can accumulate on the rod, and can be abrasive. I've seen stainless steel brushes, but have never used one on a gun: I prefer softer bronze.

[4v50 Gary]

Most all my rods are sectionalized brass rods. I also have a one piece brass rod in 22 and it's used for anything that is 22 caliber. I have a sectionalized aluminum rod for shotguns. However, for precision 30 caliber rifles, I have Dewey rod. For blackpowder, I have a solid 3/8" brass rod with a screwdriver type handle affixed to it. It's about 48" long so as to be able to clean the longest "long rifle" or any rifled musket I may have. Other black powder enthusiasts look at envy at that rod.

[CTI1USNRET]

Yesterday I used a Hoppe's BoreSnake for the first time. I thought it was a bit expensive, but I am very happy with the results. One pull through my .22LR rifle and the bore was CLEAN. I ran a patch through afterward and I have never seen a patch come out cleaner. And there's no worry about a rod affecting the rifling at the muzzle.

I'm going to get them for all my calibers. What used to take 30 minutes now takes about five.