bore snakes? Good? bad?

bsmitty27 · #1 01-05-2009, 01:26 AM

I don't hear a lot of good news on bore snakes, But I dont really understand why, or how it can be so hard on guns. Seems like it would not cause as much damage as useing a rod and brush.

Any feed back is great.

Brad

PoppaW · #2 01-05-2009, 04:42 AM

If you use them once in a while like I do like when hunting then they are great. A quick clean and off you go. For a real good clean you need the otis kit or a rod. If you ever break a boresnake or get it stuck its a nightmare. Ask a gunsmith whose seen the abused bores from guys trying to get them out.

catnthehat · #3 01-05-2009, 04:56 AM

A boresnake bears against the crown of the rifle.

Unless it is completely cleaned after ever use, the grit keeps getting pushed into the bore and against the crown.
I use them for my shotguns ONLY.
When I am in the firld I have a 4 piece rod that I use if I need it.
otherwise, it's a one piec and a boreguide ALWAYS!!
Cat

TangoKilo · #4 01-05-2009, 06:30 AM

The bore snake is an excellent tool under the right circumstances. I keep mine in my pack just in case I get something in my barrel, or if I need just a quick cleaning. Otherwise you are much better served with a one peice cleaning rod.

bobinthesky · #5 01-05-2009, 07:30 AM

They're great for shotguns!

roger · #6 01-05-2009, 08:25 AM

i prefer a dewey rod and quality cotton patches, i can never get out what i want in one pass anyways.
but ive never used the snake, it always appeared 'gimmicky' to me.
not to say that they wouldnt work tho

Mad_Mikee · #7 01-05-2009, 08:47 AM

Good for shotguns...bad for rifles.

Ice Fishing Maniac · #8 01-05-2009, 08:52 AM

Good for in the field or away on a trip for a quick clean. As mentioned, I too personally prefer the Dewey Rods and bronze brushes for my rifles.

Dick284 · #9 01-05-2009, 09:24 AM

Here is a quote from Alberta Tactical Rifle from another thread.

Boresnakes are GREAT!!! They damage more rifle barrels than any other manner to clean a firearm, which keeps me very busy.
I would rather sandblast my Johnson than use a boresnake in any gun I own.
As for WipeOut or PatchOut, I have yet to find a better cleaning product. Great stuff, but as Cat mentioned it can be harmful to some wood finishes, use with care or strip the stock off the gun before use.

I think when a gunsmith gives such a glowing endorsement of a product, it's time to have a good look.

__________________

9mikemike · #10 01-05-2009, 09:54 AM

I use them in my handguns for a quick clean but that's aabout it. I certainly wouldn't use it in my custom rifle.

Rust · #11 01-05-2009, 10:22 AM

I keep one in my pack. Just in case I ever get a small piece of something in there or to wipe the moister out. I also Tape the end of my barrel to keep the small crap out too.... Still clean with a one piece rod and bore guide at home!

KWO · #12 01-05-2009, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catnthehat

A boresnake bears against the crown of the rifle.

Unless it is completely cleaned after ever use, the grit keeps getting pushed into the bore and against the crown.
I use them for my shotguns ONLY.
When I am in the firld I have a 4 piece rod that I use if I need it.
otherwise, it's a one piec and a boreguide ALWAYS!!
Cat

Glad I learned this. I had been happily using them for shotguns and just started using them on my rifles without realizing the downside. Thanks.