Bore snakes have become a popular cleaning tool for many shooters. They are easy to use and inexpensive, making them ideal for those who don’t want to spend time or money on cleaning their barrels.
However, there is some confusion about whether bore snakes can damage your barrel. In this article we’ll explore the benefits of bore snakes while also addressing whether they can damage your barrel.
Then we’ll provide some tips on how to clean them properly so you can decide if they’re right for you!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Bore snakes’ impact on barrels explained |
| Considerations for using bore snakes on firearm barrels |
| Proper usage and cleaning techniques for bore snakes |
| Potential benefits and drawbacks of using bore snakes |
| Importance of following manufacturer guidelines and precautions |
What Is A Bore Snake?
A bore snake is a cleaning tool for rifles and handguns. It’s a flexible tube with a cleaning brush and a patch on the end. You use it to clean the barrel of your gun after each use, which helps keep your firearm in good condition and make sure it’s ready for its next outing.
There are two main ways to use a bore snake: hand-powered or automatic feed.
Hand-powered models have a handle at one end that you turn like you would an automatic pencil sharpener, while automatic feed devices have the ability to pull the cord through itself automatically as you move forward with it (hence why they’re often referred to as “automatic”).
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Why Use A Bore Snake?
Bore snakes are easy to use, inexpensive, convenient and easy to clean. They’re also reusable and compact. Plus they’re environmentally friendly!
How To Use A Bore Snake?
You should first make sure you have the right bore snake for your gun. After, dip the end of the bore snake into a solvent and run it through from one end to another. Dip a patch into some solvent and run it through from one end to another.
Cleaning from muzzle to chamber will reduce buildup inside of your barrel and create less friction between components, which is important for accuracy.
Next, use a bore brush with solvent or CLP (cleaner lubricant protectant) on it to clean out the chamber area before you begin cleaning with patches.
This will allow better access to get those hard-to-reach spots within the barrel without damaging any parts inside of it in case there are any obstructions left behind that could cause damage if they weren’t removed first.
By using solvents first in order avoid them being pushed forward while using patches later when cleaning during regular maintenance routines over time after firing multiple rounds.”
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Apply lubricant to the front portion of the bore snake. |
| 2 | Insert the brass weight through the chamber end of the firearm. |
| 3 | Pull the bore snake through the barrel in a slow and steady motion. |
| 4 | Repeat the process as necessary, ensuring proper cleaning. |
| 5 | Clean the bore snake after each use to maintain its effectiveness. |
Bore Snakes And Barrel Damage?
You’ve probably heard that bore snakes are bad for barrels, but before we get into the nitty-gritty of whether or not this is true, let’s talk about what a bore snake actually is and why you might want to use one.
A bore snake is a long piece of tightly woven material (often cotton) wound around an arbor or spool.
The way it goes in is different depending on the brand and model some use oil or solvent to help them slide through tight spots; others have special guides that let them go in with ease.
Once you’re done cleaning your gun with either method and want to remove the fouling from inside your weapon’s barrel so it doesn’t scratch up again when next fired, use a patch wrapped around a cleaning jag (or some other stiff rod).
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Are Bore Snakes Better Than Patches And Jags?
The answer is a resounding “no.”
One of the biggest reasons why bore snakes are so popular is because they’re fast and easy to use. They also make cleaning much more convenient when compared to patches and jags, which can take quite some time to finish.
Also, if you’re looking for cost-savings as well as convenience, bore snakes are less expensive than patches and jags. In other words, there aren’t any disadvantages to using these handy little devices!
What Gauge Bore Snake Do I Need?
When it comes to bore snakes, caliber matters. For .22 and .223 caliber rifles and handguns, you’ll want a .22 caliber bore snake. For all other rifle or handgun calibers larger than that (in other words, everything except for rimfire), you’ll want to use a larger-caliber bore snake.
The exception here is if your weapon has multiple barrels of different calibers (for example, multiple rifles barrels one being chambered in 7mm Remington Magnum while another is chambered in .300 Winchester Magnum).
In this case, buy two separate snakes: one sized for each kind of barrel your firearm uses
| Gauge | Recommended Bore Snake |
|---|---|
| 12 Gauge | Bore Snake for 12 Gauge Shotguns |
| 20 Gauge | Bore Snake for 20 Gauge Shotguns |
| .410 Gauge | Bore Snake for .410 Bore Shotguns |
| 16 Gauge | Bore Snake for 16 Gauge Shotguns |
| 28 Gauge | Bore Snake for 28 Gauge Shotguns |
| 10 Gauge | Bore Snake for 10 Gauge Shotguns |
| 24 Gauge | Bore Snake for 24 Gauge Shotguns |
| 32 Gauge | Bore Snake for 32 Gauge Shotguns |
| 36 Gauge | Bore Snake for 36 Gauge Shotguns |
| 8 Gauge | Bore Snake for 8 Gauge Shotguns |
How To Clean The Bore Snake?
The first step to cleaning your bore snake is to use a solvent. You can use any of the following:
- Hoppe’s No. 9 solvent
- Break-Free CLP lubricant and cleaner (yes, it is both)
- Hoppe’s Elite gun oil
- Remington Gun Oil
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When Should I Replace The Bore Snake?
The most important thing to know about bore snakes is that they should be replaced after every use. If the snake has been in your barrel for more than 5-10 minutes, it needs to be discarded and replaced.
If you find your bore snake is dirty or damaged after cleaning, replace it immediately with a new one; this will ensure that you do not damage your next round of ammunition.
You should also be aware that some snake tips are reusable while others must be thrown away after each use.
It’s best practice to always check before using any type of cleaning rod or brush on your firearm as well as replacing them regularly.
So they don’t become damaged by corrosion or other environmental factors like dust and dirt buildup over time which could lead to future issues when shooting at longer ranges due to poor accuracy caused by improper cleaning techniques such as these!
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Where To Buy A Bore Snake?
To find the best place to get your bore snake, you should consider several factors. Where do you live? What’s your budget? Are there any other things you want to buy as well?
If you have time, consider going to your local hardware store or sporting goods store and seeing what they have in stock. You may be able to find one at a great price! Or if it doesn’t meet your needs, perhaps they can direct you somewhere else.
If this doesn’t work out for whatever reason and you want something more high-tech like an iPhone XS Max or Samsung Galaxy S10+ (or possibly even a PlayStation 4), then maybe Amazon will be able to help with their world-class service where customers always come first!
| Brand/Store | Description |
|---|---|
| Hoppe’s | Renowned firearm cleaning brand offering bore snakes for various calibers. |
| Amazon | Online marketplace with a wide selection of bore snakes from different brands. |
| Brownells | Trusted firearms retailer with a range of bore snakes for different barrel sizes. |
| Cabela’s | Outdoor equipment retailer offering bore snakes for various firearms. |
| Bass Pro Shops | Well-known retailer providing bore snakes for different gun types. |
Bore Snakes Are Convenient, Inexpensive, And Easy To Clean, Making Them Ideal For Many Shooters
First of all, bore snakes are incredibly easy to use. Simply insert the bore snake into your firearm and pull until it comes out the other end. You can then pull it back through to clean out any debris that may have been lodged in there, or simply try again if you didn’t get all of it.
This process only takes a few minutes per gun if you’re cleaning more than one firearm at a time, but either way it’s still much faster than using a traditional cleaning rod and brush set up as well as less expensive (more on this later).
Secondly, bore snakes are inexpensive compared to other options such as rods and brushes that are made specifically for cleaning firearms barrels.
While there are some good quality rods out there that cost around $20-30 dollars each depending on what kind of material they’re made from (carbon fiber is more expensive).
These aren’t needed in most cases since most rifles don’t need anything more than just wiping down their barrels with soap or solvent now and then anyway!
If all you’re doing is shooting paper targets then having one good rod might be enough for years before needing another replacement when done frequently enough but if shooting competitions where accuracy counts against others.
Then using two different rods might help assure accuracy during competition days but those types of competitions require different equipment anyway so maybe not even worth mentioning here? Anyway…
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Conclusion
In conclusion, we hope that this article has given you some insight into whether or not bore snakes are right for you. They are a great option for shooters who don’t want to spend the money on cleaning equipment and prefer an easy-to-use product.
However, they aren’t perfect for everyone if you want something more permanent or have concerns about barrel damage from using them then consider other options like patches and jags instead.
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources you can explore to learn more about bore snakes and their impact on barrels:
Enough Gun Forum – Bore Snake Discussion: Join the discussion on the Enough Gun Forum to find insights and experiences shared by gun enthusiasts regarding the use of bore snakes for barrel maintenance.
9mm Magazines – Bore Snake Review and Usage Guide: Dive into this comprehensive review and usage guide on bore snakes, which provides step-by-step instructions and valuable tips for utilizing bore snakes effectively.
Everything Reptilion – The Impact of Bore Snakes on Barrels: Explore this informative article that delves into the potential effects of bore snakes on firearm barrels, offering insights and considerations for firearm owners.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about bore snakes and their impact on barrels:
Q: Are bore snakes safe to use on all types of barrels?
A: Bore snakes are generally safe to use on most types of barrels, but it’s important to follow manufacturer guidelines and ensure compatibility with your specific firearm.
Q: Do bore snakes effectively remove debris and fouling from barrels?
A: Yes, bore snakes are designed to remove debris and fouling from barrels efficiently. However, results may vary depending on the condition of the barrel and the cleaning technique used.
Q: Can bore snakes cause damage to barrels?
A: When used correctly, bore snakes are unlikely to cause damage to barrels. However, excessive force or improper use may potentially lead to issues, so it’s important to exercise caution and follow proper cleaning procedures.
Q: How often should I use a bore snake to clean my firearm barrel?
A: The frequency of bore snake usage depends on factors such as firearm usage, ammunition type, and environmental conditions. As a general guideline, regular cleaning and maintenance are recommended, but the specific frequency may vary for each firearm owner.
Q: Are there any alternative methods for cleaning barrels besides using bore snakes?
A: Yes, there are alternative methods for cleaning barrels, such as traditional cleaning rods with patches or other specialized cleaning tools. Each method has its pros and cons, and it’s important to choose a cleaning technique that suits your preferences and firearm type.
I am Dr Hellen James a veterinarian, pet lover, and writer. I have many years of experience caring for pets, including dogs, cats, birds, and fish (and even axolotls!). I love spending time with the animals in my life, especially when they are sick or need love.