Cleaning rod question

When cleaning revolvers, I am more concerned with the tip of the brush hitting the firing pin hole so I use a small scrap of pegboard to protect it as I move the rod and brush through it. I do not manhandle anything, so I do not worry about the crown.

I use my finger thumb for a bore guide on revolvers. I pinch the rod at the muzzle to keep it centered and let it slide through my fingers.

If your really worried about it, why not use a boresnake?

A boresnake will never do the job a brush will.

Otis cleaning kit. It's a pull through kit with brush, and all you need. It'll fit in your hand.

https://otistec.com/

Apparently no one here uses a bore guide on their revolver. I have been wondering about a bore guide or even a plastic cleaning rod.

Bore guides are usually used on long guns and hark back to the days of steel cleaning rods or coated steel rods. Concern about scratching the bore or the crown of the muzzle. Some shooters are also concerned about leaving traces of aluminum in the bore with an aluminum rod.

No one that I know uses a guide rod on a handgun. There is no need.

I simply use an aluminum rod, with plastic tips, on my handguns. On my rifles I use the Tipton carbon-fiber rods. No bore guide necessary.

When I used a steel rod I always used a bore guide now I use a carbon fiber rod.

I bought a kit at Walmart for my 22 rimfire pistols. It has three short sections that can be assembled i different lengths for short to long barreled guns, and it came with a loop, a jag, and a nylon brush, all of which are contained in it's handle with a screw on o-ringed top. It is inexpensive and works well. I made up two different length rods from 3/16" bronze brazing rod for my center fire guns with a simple piece of oak dowel for handles. I find no need for a handle with bearings for a pistol barrel. Bronze won't damage steel and they are stout enough for lead removal if you need it.

FWIW, a pull through can damage a muzzle over time unless it exits the muzzle straight out.
Inspect enough WW1 era Mausers and you'll see what I mean.

I've never used a bore guide on a pistol because its pretty easy to keep the cleaning rod off of the muzzle with your fingers.

People obsess over cleaning rods needlessly. I've been using the brass segmented rods for years with no ill effects. The cleaning rod is MUCH softer than your barrel so it's not going to damage the crown.