Bore Snake

[Kramer1113]

Is anyone using the Bore Snake for cleaning their guns?

I'm typically an old fashioned take them apart, clean everything, bore brush, then patches. I did upgrade to the Otis system not long ago though.

So if your using a bore snake how do you like it?

 

[the dark]

Have tried them and am not particularly impressed. Maybe for a quick clean without field stripping, but not for a thorough cleaning.

 

[missoak]

I regard them as a gimmick to get your money. Maybe if you had a range day where you were shooting 1000 rounds, might be a good thing to clean out the barrel every couple hundred rounds. But a good thorough cleaning is the best way to go.

 

[whodat2710]

I got one for my Benelli 12guage and haven't has a problem. Granted, it's a smooth bore and I both wet it with solvent and run it through a few times. I still run a mop through it to oil it after, but I haven't noticed the mop picking up excess residue that the snake missed. I clean everything else the old fashioned way.

 

[SCfromNY]

Every couple of weeks I shoot Bullseye first with rim fire and then center fire. I use a Ruger MKIII Target. I am not capable of taking it apart so I bore snake it and Q Tip what I can and when I feel I it has gotten too dirty the gun store has a electrostatic cleaner worth the 10 bucks.

 

[gunnerbob]

They're good for a quick clean, maybe after a few boxes of ammo but not for major work... you'd have to run it through too many times. It's easier to use the traditional rod-n-brush. I should add that they work great for shotguns!

 

[missoak]

One of the advantages is that it can be pulled up from the breech.
All the gunk gets pulled out with the snake.

 

[dogshawred]

Bought one, tried it a couple of times and was not happy with the end result. Ended up breaking the weapon down and going old school on it until I was satisfied. IMO they are not what is needed to properly maintain a weapon for long term use.
~
I could see using something of this nature for field work to help maintain accuracy, but I am not in combat at this time. So it is coiled up in a go bag waiting.

 

[Kramer1113]

I think I just figured out the best uses for these things.
#1. I have seen a few fire arms instructions that want you to clean the bore after each shot (Or something like that) for the first 10 or so shots.
Bore Snake would be great for that, quick and easy pull.
#2. Sometimes I shoot Steel Case ammo. It is dirty stuff. Maybe before I run Brass give the snake a few pulls through the bore.

All in all I think I'll continue to use the Otis system. I Like a really clean gun.

Speaking of cleaning: Anyone using a cat M4 cleaning tool?
Link Removed

 

[kelcarry]

Bought one, tried it a couple of times and was not happy with the end result. Ended up breaking the weapon down and going old school on it until I was satisfied. IMO they are not what is needed to properly maintain a weapon for long term use.
~
I could see using something of this nature for field work to help maintain accuracy, but I am not in combat at this time. So it is coiled up in a go bag waiting.

Many replies such as this one talk about the bore snake and then talk about "breaking the weapon down". Maybe I am missing something in these comments but the bore snake is very good for the barrel--period, end of story. There are enough other parts and spaces in a firearm where a collection of byproducts from the firing of the weapon can accumulate and a bore snake is useless for these areas and is not designed in any way shape or form for any of them, particularly in a semi auto.

 

[JimTh]

I first used a bore snake on a dirty AR. Wow did it shine. The bore snake is only for barrels not for places needing a brush just as your 3 foot cleaning rods are only for the barrel. I have bent or broke too many rods...I have a difficult time breaking a bore snake.

 

[dogshawred]

Many replies such as this one talk about the bore snake and then talk about "breaking the weapon down". Maybe I am missing something in these comments but the bore snake is very good for the barrel--period, end of story. There are enough other parts and spaces in a firearm where a collection of byproducts from the firing of the weapon can accumulate and a bore snake is useless for these areas and is not designed in any way shape or form for any of them, particularly in a semi auto.

You are so right Kelcarry, my problem is dragging the bore snake through the breech (either way you pull it) leaving debris from the barrel in the process. My OCD comes out when I am cleaning my guns and just I don't feel satisfied to just clean only the barrel unless there just isn't time. Since I am not in a combat environment I don't see this as a option I would use.

 

[NCIC105]

I like mine...It will feed from breach side which drags all the crap out and away from the action....I still use a patch and oil......