Do I need a bore guide for cleaning?

[Griff79]

Hi,

Is it recommended to get a bore guide when cleaning the AR platform? I have one for my .22 and 30-06. If so, which one would you recommend?

More dumb questions: is it OK to use my .20 1 piece Dewey cleaning rod it is 32" long? Also, I have jags and brushes for .22LR should I just use them to clean the .223 Wylde I am building or get something else?

Thanks,
Griff

Sorry for being such a nimrod [ROFL3]

[Tim K]

Do use a guide. I have one but can't remember what it is, and it has no markings. Your Dewey rod will be fine if it's long enough. Depends on barrel length. .22 jags are perfect. Leave your brushes out of your new, expensive barrel.

[Hoser]

More firearms are damaged from improper cleaning than shooting dirty.

Without a doubt, get a bore guide. Also order a coated one piece rod while you are at it.

[BPTactical]

More firearms are damaged from improper cleaning than shooting dirty.

Without a doubt, get a bore guide. Also order a coated one piece rod while you are at it.

Listen to the Hoser.
To go along with what the Hose man said, most shooters clean their bores way too often. There is no need to spotlessly clean the bore after every range session, a bit of fouling doesn't hurt a thing and can in fact be beneficial. A lot of serious shooters won't seriously clean a bore until their groups start to degrade.
Maybe a damp patch followed by a dry. If it is going to sit a while an oily patch goes down the pipe.

[Delfuego]

Call Possum Hollow, the guy is super nice and I had my guide in a few days.

[Griff79]

Call Possum Hollow, the guy is super nice and I had my guide in a few days.

I went to their website, they didn't have any pricing. Do you know what they cost?

Thanks for the info guys, I can't wait to get my build finished.

Griff

[Delfuego]

I cant remember specifically. It was less than $50 w/solvent port (probably more like $30) shipped to my door. I believe they make the Sinclair bore guides for Sinclair. I originally looked into a Lucas bore guide, they are really nice but it was over $100 and 2-3 weeks wait.

[Tim K]

I think you're right, Peter, that is what Sinclair sells. That's the one I have (your mention of it jogged my memory), and it does its job.

Hose turned me on to VFG cleaning pellets instead of patches. I won't go back. With a bore guide, they virtually ensure that the rod never touches the bore.


http://www.brownells.com/gun-cleaning-chemicals/patches-mops/cleaning-pellets/weapons-care-system-pellets-prod13839.aspx

[davsel]

I recommend a Dewey. Simple - works great.
https://deweyrods.com/product/ar-15m-16-2235-56mm-breech-rod-guide

[Irving]

I wish I would have asked this question years ago.

[fly boy]

Wow, great info.

What about using a Bore snake? Usually after an extended sight in with my Savage, I run a basic bore snake down the tube. Should I consider the same with an AR platform?

[BPTactical]

Wow, great info.

What about using a Bore snake? Usually after an extended sight in with my Savage, I run a basic bore snake down the tube. Should I consider the same with an AR platform?

Use with extreme caution.
I keep one in my range kit for emergency use only but it is in no way a substitute for a dedicated cleaning rod.
They hold all of the trash you just pulled out of the barrel in the material. Every subsequent time you are dragging that crap through the bore again.
Also you must really watch the pull string. You don't know what fun is until it breaks with the snake stuck halfway through.
Then you get to come see me because you just can't pull it back out the way it came in. Try to pull it back and it locks up tighter than Dicks hatband.

Like I said, they are ok for the time you are shooting and your bumble footed buddy knocks your rifle over into the dirt and you need a quick swipe but otherwise get a quality one piece rod.

Stay away from the cheapie aluminum rods, the oxide coating that forms on them is aluminum oxide, the same stuff used for sandpaper.

[Griff79]

Thanks Guys,

Here is the list I have so far.


Dewey coated rod 38” in .20. $33.50
https://deweyrods.com/product/20-cal...-rod-38-inches


Parker & Hale round jag, $4.95
https://deweyrods.com/product/22-caliber-bronze-pistol-


Nylon brush, short, again in .22 $2.30
https://deweyrods.com/product/22-cal...n-pistol-brush


Brass brush, short, again in .22 $2.30
https://deweyrods.com/product/22-cal...e-pistol-brush


Dewey Thread Adapter Converts 5 x 40 Male to 8 x 32 Female brass $3.69
https://deweyrods.com/product/17a-ad...ccept-standard

i might try these brushes discovered these 22 cal brushes that will fit the 5x40 threads of the 17 & 20 cal rods without the need for an adapter:
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/215...rimfire-bronze
http://www.rimfirecentral.com/forums...ghlight=215562



I have purchased 2 bore snakes in .22 to use at the range for quick cleaning. $15.99 ea. I may return these
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/260...ProductFinding


Round patches for .22 $5.49
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/182...ProductFinding


Bore Guide, $17.79
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/189...iber-no-o-ring


I purchased Hoppes #9 and Rem Oil wipes there may be better stuff but this is what I have initially


I have not purchased a torque screwdriver, still debating. Here is the Wheeler $49.99
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/718...ProductFinding


Have I missed anything?
Thanks,
Griff

[Delfuego]

Skip the Brass Brush...

I have the Borka Tools Torque Wrench Kit http://www.shooterstools.com/Pages/MTD/mtdkits.html Works great and small enough for your range bag.

[Great-Kazoo]

Skip the Brass Brush...

I have the Borka Tools Torque Wrench Kit http://www.shooterstools.com/Pages/MTD/mtdkits.html Works great and small enough for your range bag.

Great, another tool to add to the collection.

[ChadAmberg]

Use with extreme caution.
I keep one in my range kit for emergency use only but it is in no way a substitute for a dedicated cleaning rod.
They hold all of the trash you just pulled out of the barrel in the material. Every subsequent time you are dragging that crap through the bore again.
Also you must really watch the pull string. You don't know what fun is until it breaks with the snake stuck halfway through.
Then you get to come see me because you just can't pull it back out the way it came in. Try to pull it back and it locks up tighter than Dicks hatband.


If you are really wanting to use a boresnake, check out the ones by Otis. They're one piece, so I'm not sure how it's even possible to break off the part that you pull on. I've got one to use in a .45, and it's a nice piece of gear.

[Griff79]

I read one technique was to have multiple bore snakes labeled 1,2,3. One for initial dirty pass, a second for the next pass and a third to clean it shinny. That way you are not pulling crud back through your bore. Once used bore snakes should be cleaned before next use. Seemed to make sense.

[Spdu4ia]

Only use a bore snake in my shotgun , never my rifles

[Tim K]

I'd skip all the patches, jags, and brushes and use these.

http://www.brownells.com/search/index.htm?k=vfg&ksubmit=y

Get a bottle of patch-out and accelerator. Both are available at Sportsmans Warehouse.

http://www.brownells.com/gun-cleaning-chemicals/solvents-degreasers/bore-solvents/wipe-out-patch-out-prod24849.aspx

http://www.brownells.com/gun-cleaning-chemicals/solvents-degreasers/bore-solvents/wipe-out-accelerator-prod58266.aspx

Wet a pellet with accelerator and run it down the bore a couple times. Repeat with patch out. Wait an hour or overnight, then run 4 or 5 more pellets down the bore. It's fast, effective, and totally safe for the bore.

[Griff79]

Those VFG pellets look really good. I am going to give them a try

Griff

[Hoser]

Those VFG pellets look really good. I am going to give them a try



They are awesome. I have not used anything but in many years.

[Griff79]

Just ordered a bore guide from Dewey, Parker & Hale jag, coated 42 in Dewey rod and some VFG pellets. We will see how these products work.

Griff