nettlle
Contributing Member
What is done with a bore snake when it becomes dirty?
What's wrong with bore snakes??
- Thread starter milemaker13
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#15 gives a pretty good explanation....
nettlle
Contributing Member
So I have to clean the gun and then clean the bore snake? Disposable it is.
Good Ol' Boy
Member
Just recently started using them and I like them for my rifles. Don't really see the need for them for a pistol, much easier methods for them.
Absolutely nothing so long as they are used properly.
A bore snake is not a substitute for proper cleaning and lubrication of a gun. But, they can be very useful when used to clean the bore of dirt and fouling pending a more thorough cleaning.
Carl N. Brown
Member
I have never owned or used a boresnake.
But the folks I know who do own boresnakes and used them properly swear by them.
I guess the only thing wrong with boresnakes is I am stuck in my ways.
I have used pull throughs (I made mine with a lead fishing sinker crimped to one end of a strong synthetic cord with a loop for a patch at the other) but mostly I have used cleaning rods. For barrels that cannot be cleaned by push from the breech, I have cleaned by inserting the rod from the muzzle, screwing the brush or slotted patch tip into the rod protruding from the breech, and pulled.
If I shoot military surplus with corrosive primers or shoot black powder or BP substitute, I clean at the range or the field ASAP. I have a multi section cleaning rod in my main range bag.
Smokeless powder with noncorrosive primer can wait til I get home.
On .22 rimfire, people still clean their barrels after shooting? That's like, pre-1930s thinking, back when corrosive primers, primers with ground glass, Lesmoke BP and nitrocellulose hybrid powders, were common in .22 ammo. This is the 21st century. Once a year maybe, but not every outing.
But the folks I know who do own boresnakes and used them properly swear by them.
I guess the only thing wrong with boresnakes is I am stuck in my ways.
I have used pull throughs (I made mine with a lead fishing sinker crimped to one end of a strong synthetic cord with a loop for a patch at the other) but mostly I have used cleaning rods. For barrels that cannot be cleaned by push from the breech, I have cleaned by inserting the rod from the muzzle, screwing the brush or slotted patch tip into the rod protruding from the breech, and pulled.
If I shoot military surplus with corrosive primers or shoot black powder or BP substitute, I clean at the range or the field ASAP. I have a multi section cleaning rod in my main range bag.
Smokeless powder with noncorrosive primer can wait til I get home.
On .22 rimfire, people still clean their barrels after shooting? That's like, pre-1930s thinking, back when corrosive primers, primers with ground glass, Lesmoke BP and nitrocellulose hybrid powders, were common in .22 ammo. This is the 21st century. Once a year maybe, but not every outing.
the only time i would ever clean .22 rimfire on the range would be the situation where i was using a ceiner kit in a 223 upper. i would definitely clean before running a 223 through the barrel, and a bore snake would be the perfect tool to accomplish that
Creature
Member
I had a properly sized bore snake break at both ends. It was a SOB to dislodge. Never again.
Anyone ever seen a Benchrest shooter or F Class competitor cleaning with a boresnake?
I'll bet not.
I think they are a nice "field expedient" as we would say in the military, but NOT the best way to thoroughly clean a barrel. I'll stick to a bore guide, a coated rod, etc.
I'll bet not.
I think they are a nice "field expedient" as we would say in the military, but NOT the best way to thoroughly clean a barrel. I'll stick to a bore guide, a coated rod, etc.
Yes!
mcb
Member
Not everyone is cleaning a gun that expensive.
Bore snakes are awesome for cleaning revolvers IMHO. Same with shotguns. Bore snake seems to do shotgun barrels faster and better than a cleaning rod in my experience. The only time I get a cleaning rod out anymore is if I have to deal with leading issues.
I have a competitor to Bore Snake that made a system that uses two pull-throughs. The one is the bronze brush the other is simple the sock (similar to bore snake) that mops the bores (not sure they are still made). With no brush on them I find they never get stuck and they are awesome for that final wipe down. I use that a lot in my 22's that rarely if ever get a brush run through them. I simply put some oil in the bore and pull that brush-less bore snake through it. Get the crud out and leaves a nice protective coating of oil in the bore.
Bore snakes are awesome for cleaning revolvers IMHO. Same with shotguns. Bore snake seems to do shotgun barrels faster and better than a cleaning rod in my experience. The only time I get a cleaning rod out anymore is if I have to deal with leading issues.
I have a competitor to Bore Snake that made a system that uses two pull-throughs. The one is the bronze brush the other is simple the sock (similar to bore snake) that mops the bores (not sure they are still made). With no brush on them I find they never get stuck and they are awesome for that final wipe down. I use that a lot in my 22's that rarely if ever get a brush run through them. I simply put some oil in the bore and pull that brush-less bore snake through it. Get the crud out and leaves a nice protective coating of oil in the bore.
ClickClickD'oh
Member
Which makes me wonder if you understand what a properly sized bore snake is. In addition to being the proper caliber, you need the proper length. Yes, bore snakes come in a variety of lengths. You "can" use a pistol length one to clean most rifles, but run the risk of it getting caught in the barrel because the lead and cleaning elements aren't each longer than the barrel. The cleaning element on a properly sized bore snake will stick out the muzzle and the chamber at the same time, making it virtually impossible to get stuck in the barrel.
Glockula
Member
Just like anything else bore snakes have their strengths and weaknesses. I have bore snakes for darn near every bore diameter I own. I don' use them for an outright cleaning per se. Here in NC we have fairly Long rifle season and I will give the bore a couple of pulls if a rifle has been in the field a few times. Especially if its been raining. Better to hunt on a fouled barrel, right? Like a lot of other members here I only deep clean my ARs every 500 to 1000 rounds. So go to the range, fire 100 rounds, couple pulls with the snake when I get home. The old Swedish Mauser I rarely fire, run the snake down the bore before I go to the range to get the dust out. Real deep cleanings use rods, patches, solvents and oil. Not bore snakes. Never had one break at all and I have used them for at least 15 years.
Sav .250
Member
Nothing. Just another tool for cleaning. To me it`s not a "better mouse trap." It`s just different.
Everybody mays a choice on things . I`ll stick with the tried and true . Rod and patch.
Everybody mays a choice on things . I`ll stick with the tried and true . Rod and patch.
Creature
Member
It was a brand new, out of the package Hoppe's Viper. Pretty sure that their 'advertised' to actual bristle size QA is subpar.
Creature
Member
Wonder no more. It was a rifle length snake cleaning a rifle bore.
Thanks for the feedback - poor QC would sure explain a premature failure!
illinoisburt
Member
I had a name brand 12 gauge bore snake with the built in brush scratch the bejeepers out of the forcing cone on an old Remington barrel of 1950s vintage. Not a happy camper from that experience. I like the concept of just the sock portion to get dust/dirt and general crud out. Definitely will not ever use another the the brushes.
mcb
Member
How did a bore snake scratch the forcing cone? I am having a hard time seeing how a bore snake would scratch forcing cone in a shotgun. Everyone that makes them uses bronze brushes and the steel core that hold the bristles is under the sock so it cannot come in contact with the barrel.
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