Bore Snakes

[Ala Dan]

Who uses them, and how do you like 'em?

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[Citadel99]

I use them and like them a lot. Of course, it's not as good as a through cleaning with the rod and brush. They are especially valuable out here in Iraq or on a hunting trip or the like when you don't have time/equipment necessary for a deep clean. I've got them for most of my calibers.

Mark

 

[anapex]

I usually use them for right after shooting cleaning. But I tend to find out that if I let the guns sit for a couple days for cleaning that I have to break out the rod and brush to get some stuff out. I do like em though, they make cleaning a lot simpler.

 

[Ktulu]

I keep a couple in my range bag just in case I need to clean a gun at the range or a match. At home I don't use them.

 

[DR]

I use them and I like them. I mainly use them right after shooting while the barrel is still warm. It saves a good bit of cleaning time later.

 

[Tory]

An excellent accessory.

I have 4 pistol calibers and 2 rifle calibers in my range case. A few pulls right after shooting beats rods and brushes after the crud has congealed.

 

[Kor]

I love using my BoreSnakes, especially for long-guns - sometimes the old one-piece Dewey rifle cleaning rod is just a little too long to conveniently make the trip to the range. Even while cleaning at home, I'll 'snake the bore to mop out all the remaining traces of fouling/solvent left after a conventional cleaning.

 

[Dave R]

I use them and love them. The are good for:

-.22's I never use a rod on a .22 rifle any more. Just the bore snake.
-Revolvers--you can clean the bore from the forcing cone end, and clean the chambers easily. Its the only thing I use for .22 revolvers.
-"Quick clean" on any gun. If I have only shot a few rounds, or know I'll be shooting again soon, I just use the bore snake and a quick wipe of the chamber (if its a semi-auto) and call it good.

They're not good for:
-Removing leading or copper fouling. You need a rod, brush, jag & patches for that.

How I use a Bore Snake: I find it helpful to put a bit of CLP or G-96, or other 1-step cleaner lubricant on the head of the 'snake. Then 3 pulls through. I figure that cleans out any residue from the CLP or G-96. Leaves the bore looking nice. But, of course, lead or copper fouling will not be removed. Only powder fouling.

 

[NMshooter]

I like them.

They are especially handy for rifles like the M1A that can't be cleaned from the breech end with a rigid rod.

 

[P95Carry]

Bore snakes? easy - I keep talkin to 'em until they just can't stand it any more.

Oh - Bore - Snakes ... right! yep - always have one for the 12G but also have 30 cal and 22's as well ... they get used as interim ''quick cleans'' until next ''proper clean'' ... they do certainly take up little space in range bag and do pretty much what they say IMO. Very convenient.

 

[XLMiguel]

I use them and like them, esp. just after a range trip. If I only shoot a few rounds (i.e. < 200), I just dribble some CLP on the front and pull it thru 5-6 times, wipe the gun down with a little #9 and a Tuff-cloth, and we're good to go. Basically, I find that they let me have a couple of range sessions between a real field strip/cleanning, where previously I used to do it every time I went to the range. FWIW.

 

[RUT]

Can't beat 'em for shotguns!

 

[FPrice]

I use a bore snake right after I am done shooting. That way it removes a lot of gunk while it is still a little warm and soft. Later, at home, I generally use more conventional cleaning methods.

 

[MaterDei]

I like them too. I'll use them exclusively for a while and then about once or twice a month pull out the rod and patches for what I guess is a more thorough cleaning (though I'm not sure).

 

[Ala Dan]

Thanks for the advice so far folks!

Oh! how dirty do you let 'em get before you wash the snake its-self?
And advice for washing 'em please.

I just purchased the .38/.357 and .44/.45 caliber snakes.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[Valkman]

I love 'em -use it with a little FP-10 and some patches for a good quick clean.

Are we supposed to wash 'em?

 

[ClarkEMyers]

I stuff one in each of my Steyr Scouts for the field

I stuff one in each of my Steyr Scouts (recess in the stock) for the field - not much inclined to use them but they are there.

 

[Kevlarman]

I put my snakes in a lingerie bag and toss them in the washing machine.

 

[Smoke]

I put my snakes in a lingerie bag and toss them in the washing machine.

I'm calling PETA! The horror!


...Oh, you meant the bore cleaner thingy....never mind...

Smoke

 

[PDshooter]

I use them when I'm in the field varmint shooting. (Pds)And some of my buddies who are in Iraq love them. But nothing takes the place of a "Cleaning rod"

 

[roo_ster]

Bore snakes are a good thing.

All I need for a good 80% cleaning on a gun, for those times between serious cleanings:
1. Bore Snake
2. CLP
3. Plastic brush
4. Little bit of cloth rag

 

[mack69]

Re:

I use bore snakes on all my guns....right after I am done shooting a particular gun, while the barrel is still a bit warm I run the bore snake through 4 times, wipe it down with a lead wipe and then with a soft gun cloth before putting it in the gun sack. This way it has had a cursory cleaning and I don't feel terribly bad if I don't get to cleaning them directly after getting home.

 

[MaterDei]

I haven't washed my yet either. Since I don't use mine with any kind of cleaner they are only brushing off dry powder residue and lead.

I have 4 of them; .45 pistol (which is long enough for my Camp carbine), .22 rifle, .30 cal rifle, and 12 gauge. I like them!

 

[unreal45]

I love bore snakes, they are a must have accessory!

 

[Cindog]

Put me in the "I love Bore snakes" category. Especially for 22's and 17's -- figure they keep me from damaging the bore with a cleaning rod.