Bore Snakes

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  • AKM47

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    Dec 26, 2018
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    Tx
    I'm new to bore snakes

    I do know they are good in the short term - quick clean at the range, hunting, etc

    How about long term - the main form of cleaning

    I normally use Ramrodz qtips or patches, but I can't put a lot in my BOB/Battle Bag, would a bore snake be a good substitute due to it's small size
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    Axxe55

    Retiretgtshit stirrer
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    Dec 15, 2019
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    Lost in East Texas Elhart Texas
    Don't have any experience with them myself, but I think the main points of the bore snake is a quick easy way to clean where carrying a conventional rod and kit are not easily done. Long term or deep cleaning like conventional rod, brush and jag, I have no idea. I think they have their place for some shooters, especially hunters, and such.

    Just an observation, and opinion.
     

    TAZ

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    Oct 17, 2008
    1,488
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    Round Rock
    I like bore snakes for quick and dirty cleanings, but haven’t used them for deep cleaning. Otis used to make a very compact cleaning kit that worked well for my needs both in the home and field. Not sure if they still do.

    There are other compact cleaning kits out there for hunters, police...

    The question is what do you intend to do with said BoB. Live/Fight off it for long term aka so long that deep cleaning vs a quick clean and lube is needed?

    I think of a BOB as a piece of kit to get someplace more secure abs better stocked. Aka get home bag or get to the cabin bag. For that the Bore Snake would work. Imo.
     

    justmax

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    4   0   0
    Jul 28, 2019
    1,123
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    Kingwood
    I really like Bore Snakes, but they do have one major limitation; they cannot clear a bore packed with mud, dirt, snow, etc. I always carry a small (.22 cal) multi piece rod and the appropriate sized bore snake with me in the field.
     

    Ozzman

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    Aug 17, 2015
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    El Paso, Texas
    For .30 caliber rifles, ever since I saw that "Top 10 Rifles" show a few years ago, I have been using an old shoelace with a bunch of knots tied into it as the snake. I dip/soak it in paint thinner and pull it through.

    It cleans the bore of carbon very well and even cuts the copper fouling a bit.
     

    kenboyles72

    Active Member
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    Oct 15, 2017
    545
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    Gladewater,TX
    I use a bore snake exclusively, think I have used my rod three times in the last 2 years. I use the Hopee's Viper boresnake, not sure of the reliability of other manufacturers, but have never had an issue with Hopee's. I put solvent on the area where the brushes are and run through about 3-4 times and I'm done, bore is nice and shiny. Of course I run the bore snake through after every shooting session, so my barrel never gets bad enough for a deep clean. This of course is with my AR. With my Marlin 22, I do clean a lot more with a rod to remove lead build up, but still, most the time it's with a bore snake.
     

    NWFA

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    Jun 29, 2013
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    I like bore snakes for long guns. Gets the job done and cuts down on a lot of changing out the rod tips. If you have a longer bore, it’s great. Much more efficient process. Just like anything, it has its limitation and can’t clean everything. I still have to scrub my handguns with some old toothbrush.
     

    Txhillbilly

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    Aug 2, 2008
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    North Texas
    Bore snakes are good for out in the field cleaning, but that's about it.
    After the first pass, all you're doing is dragging a dirty rag back through your bore.

    Would you just change the oil filter on an engine without changing the oil? Same thing with a Bore Snake.
     

    studenygreg

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    Oct 7, 2015
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    I occasionally use them but they don't do a great job

    Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk
     

    AKM47

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    Dec 26, 2018
    937
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    Tx
    Just started wondering...

    To get a solid/tight fit in the bore, would using a 6mm bore snake in a 556 work
     

    Dawico

    Uncoiled
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    14   0   0
    Oct 15, 2009
    38,007
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    Lampasas, Texas
    Just started wondering...

    To get a solid/tight fit in the bore, would using a 6mm bore snake in a 556 work
    It depends. On the smaller calibers the brass end is a tight fit.

    Just get one for your caliber and it will be fine.

    I love them personally.
     

    robertc1024

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    Jan 22, 2013
    20,779
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    San Marcos
    Just started wondering...

    To get a solid/tight fit in the bore, would using a 6mm bore snake in a 556 work
    I'd say no on that. I have several different diameters for different caliber sizes and the .22 cal one is a bear to get through a barrel.
     
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