Bore Snakes

[Rumrunner]

I finally wore out one of my bore snakes. It was a .22 caliber snake. I bought it when they first came out years ago. Every once in a while I would tie it in an old sock and run it through the washer. I noticed at the front of the brush, the snake was frayed and the snake end was sticking out. I definitely got my monies worth out of it. I had a new one in my drawer ready to replace it.

 

[9x19]

I remove the brush on mine... If I need a brush, I'll use a rod. The bore snake works great without it, for me.

 

[contender]

I have several of them, and as yet, I haven't worn them out. I use them as a quick method of cleaning and or light lubing of the barrel. Nothing replaces a good solid cleaning, but when a quick clean is needed, they are great.

 

[Al James]

Funny I recently wore out my .22 snake too. Unlike you I was not prepared. Its on my list of stuff to buy at the local fun shop. I love the snakes for rimfires!

 

[Rumrunner]

Volquartsen's owners manual for their 17HMR's states to only use a bore snake, and if a rod and brush is used it will void the warranty

 

[Mobuck]

They're extremely handy for dragging through a barrel after a day out in the snow/rain. I use them often and have found that POI isn't affected(in my rifles anyway) as long as only a tiny bit of lube is in the snake.

 

[hogan]

Are these meant to be pulled through dry, or do you put some sort of solvent on it?

 

[Rumrunner]

I spray a little Birch Wood Casey Barricade on the front by the brush.

 

[ADP3]

I'm too cheap to buy a bore snake. I use weed whacker line to pull patches through my MKII's bores. It actually works quite well. The chamber does need a bit of brushing after a brick, but that's when I do a detailed cleaning anyway.

Best Regards,
ADP3

 

[jimd441]

I use both bore snakes and patchworms and like both.

Jim

 

[rooger]

I always try run a Bore Snake through a gun after firing it but not as a substitute for a periodic, thorough cleaning.

 

[blume357]

I use one too, but the reality is with plated 22 ammo, in my opinion the barrel very rarely needs anything.... in fact my experience tells me that with most 22s after cleaning the barrel you need to run 20-50 rounds through it to get it back to 'right'.

 

[Pal Val]

My use for bore snakes is to have them when in the field. If something gets in the bore, it takes seconds to run one through. I carry them with a few drops of CLP in them in plastic bags. Perhaps that's why I have not worn out any yet.

 

[9x19]

I started using weed-eater line about 10 years ago, easy to melt and form a blob on the end to act as a patch holder.

I started using bore snakes when I started shooting .17HM2 and .17HMR in semi autos... I found them indispensable for that as they keep the neck area clean and prevent any return to battery issues. Every half box, I'd pull the snake thru from chamber to muzzle and I never had an out of battery case rupture through numerous guns.

 

[Rumrunner]

Many years ago, way before Bore Snakes, I would cut up an under shirt and use clothes line to pull through my shotgun barrels. Worked great. Guess I should have marketed it

 

[salover]

I have a Win Mod 1890 that my Dad bought in about 1924 - 1926. When he gave it to me in the 50's he said he thought the barrel was shot out because of the poor accuracy it had developed. I bought a bore snake last fall and decided to run it through the barell just to see if it might just be leaded up. The grooves seem to be a little sharper now but since arthritis curtailed my long gun shooting many years ago the jury is still out on whether it improved the accuracy.

 

[Rumrunner]

When I managed a gun shop years ago, I had a lot of used 22's that were "shot out". After taking a brush and solvent to them they had instant rifling. Some looked to be smooth bores they were so leaded up.