Alternate AR 15 Cleaning kits

[msimonds]

I spent 8.5 years in the Army and used only the standard cleaning kits that the arms room provided. Back then I broke the rods like they were going out of styly but did not care if I did because I could always get a new one.

Now that I own an AR15 (M-4), I have gone through 4 cleaning kits and I keep breaking the rods

Does anyone have another solution? Is there something else out there on the market, these things are getting expensive?

Thanks,
Mike

 

[cameron.personal]

I think you might be doing it all wrong. I use a GI kit and have never broken a rod.

Switch to a bore snake quicker and cleaner!

 

[SnakeEater]

I swear by the Otis kits. The flexible cable and panalopy patches are easy to use and do a much better job than the "old" way. Boresnakes are good for a quick field expediant cleaning but they are not a replacement for patches and brushes.

 

[glockman19]

Try a boresnake. Doubt you can break it.

 

[MMcfpd]

I broke a couple of Hoppe's aluminum rods, and had a Kleen-Bore one piece rod start pooping red paint all over my guns' innards. I'm now using two Dewey one piece 36" brass cleaning rods. $27.99 at Midway.

 

[geekWithA.45]

If you're breaking military 4 section rods, you really need to review your technique. Those rods are pretty tough, and there's no action in the cleaning technique that would result in them breaking.

My off hand guess is that you're pushing, not pulling.

 

[DWARREN123]

Otis is the way to go if you are breaking rods. Should not be breaking rods.

 

[msimonds]

Is this the right BoreSnake > http://www.gunaccessories.com/BoreSnake/BoreSnakeCleaningKit.asp

which one do I get, I don't see one specifically for a .223 > the .22 ?

Also on the standard GI rods, I am pulling and pushing the bore brush, I have always done that from the front of the barrel near the flash compressor. Is that wrong? If so, please do tell me

 

[DMK]

I have always done that from the front of the barrel near the flash compressor. Is that wrong? If so, please do tell me

That's no good. It's a good way to damage the crown. Clean the bore from the chamber side.


If you are breaking rods, you're doing something wrong. You shouldn't be that rough with it. If the patch won't go through, then something is jamming up. Don't force it. Use a smaller patch or a smaller jag. Make sure you have the right equipment for your caliber.

Get a good one piece Dewy rod. The sectioned rods pretty much suck.

 

[UKarmourer]

as has been said, pull from the chamber end.
45x45mm patches are what we use in our 5.56 barrels
that and some good quality brushes

I like a clean barrel, it makes my life easier come inspection time, so go on, keep your unit armourer happy.

CLEAN THE @~*% RIFLE

 

[TX1911fan]

Otis works great for me. Soak the bore, scrub with a brush, soak some more, clean with a patch. Works great.

 

[ocabj]

Dewey 22CF30 cleaning rod

Cleaning rod guide either JP or Sinclair

Sinclair AR15 cleaning link

 

[ocabj]

.

 

[Onmilo]

I use a Hoppe Bore Snake for general cleaning along with a handled, nylon bristle, .410 chamber brush for cleaning the chamber area.

I also use a one piece Dewey coated rod for copper removal chores.

I keep Military rods in the buttstocks but I only use these in emergencies.
Don't use these rods for general cleaning.

 

[Mr White]

Dewey 22CF30 cleaning rod

Cleaning rod guide either JP or Sinclair

+1

A good coated steel rod and a guide is a hard combination to beat. Thats what most of the competition I know shooters use.

 

[cracked butt]

Otis cleaning kit. Dewey coated rods are the only rods I use for rifles.

 

[msimonds]

Thanks all for the information, I appreciate it!

 

[Bitswap]

I'll second the dewey rod, with a twist. Use a brushless cleaner like wipeout, once, and a jag. When dry, finialize with gun oil. A brass brush has never touched any of my barrels and they are fine and accurate.

 

[Onmilo]

I also confess I too now only use nylon bristle bore brushes.
Copper cleaners are too hard on brass bristle brushes and stainless steel bristles are way too hard and abrasive.