To bore snake, or not to bore snake, that is the question: Bore snakes vs. cleaning kits/rods

[@2-Live-Moo]

What's the best way that you have found to clean the bore snake? Thanks.

[@travisp11]

2 Live Moo drop it in a mesh laundry bag and wash it with dirty towels.

[@iluvu2inf]

I drop mine in an old milk jug with hot water and dish detergent then shake it up. Let it sit for a little bit, shake a bit more and rinse. I would never put it in my washing machine, simply because I don't want to scratch the interior of my machine.

[@JS-te4gz]

I don't care about my machine wouldn't want hoppes #9 on my nice sweaters😟

[@oldschool9932]

Best way to clean the boresnake is to throw it out and order several from midwayUSA when on sale. For the cost on one J. Dewey coated rod, brush & jag you can pick up at least 3 boresnakes.

[@JM-nh8yp]

Use clean patches and dont waste time and money with buying boresnakes! Cleaning guns takes enough time. A boresnake is a solution to a nonexistent problem! It creates its own problems.

[@GizzardGary]

I own and use both of these. At the range, I find the bore snake easier for a quick cleaning, especially for .22 caliber where they get dirty very quickly. I also like bore snakes for rifles and shotguns, as they just save a lot of time. At home, when I have the time to detail clean my guns, I like to use traditional cleaning kits. Good video!

[@travisp11]

Gizzard Gary Good info! Thanks for watching!

[@jamesharris184]

So unpresumptuous looking to the newbies, way to go, because that is exactly who I am. I had no idea that u would unscrew it at the other end...wow. Truly appreciate your video.

[@adrianlarkins7259]

I bought a bore snake for my .22 rifle. I was a new boy and the salesman said the bristles were sufficient to clean the rifling. So, I used the bore snake only. As you know, once the barrel is clean it looks fine. After about 18 months, I found some shots were going way off target and also a few cases were splitting. You guessed it. The rifling was completely gummed up with lead so that it was almost a smooth bore and the excessive pressure was splitting the cases. It took me ages and much frustration to get the rifling clear. I went through one and a half bottles of Hoppes No.9. I filled the barrel leaving it to soak overnight. The muck that came out next morning had to be seen to be believed. About a week later I could see the rifling was much more obvious. Message - Use bore snakes only for a quick lick clean. Use the rod with a nice stiff brush for proper cleaning.

[@travisp11]

I agree!

[@joshuaborem7063]

“I was a new boy” lol! What the hell does that mean??

[@nola504boy1]

@@joshuaborem7063 😂

[@riverrivers250]

@@joshuaborem7063hahahahaha

[@HD-J.R.]

Travis, I'm an old hand, don't discount your passion and knowledge. 20 passionate years in the shooting world adds up. Good video. I use both, plus Otis kits. Maybe one day you can review the Otis system. They mesh the traditional with the new.

[@travisp11]

J. R. I will check them out!

[@doctordeath.5716]

Thank you for your review on the cleaning kits and the bore snakes, it is a great help.

[@travisp11]

Doctor Death. Glad to help!

[@doctordeath.5716]

@@travisp11 What do you prefer to use to clean out the barrels of your guns

[@travisp11]

@@doctordeath.5716 usually a few passes with a bore snake and CLP does the job unless I have heavy copper build up and in the case I run some bore cleaner down the barrel and bore snake again.

[@doctordeath.5716]

@@travisp11 ok thank you.

[@travisp11]

Doctor Death. You are welcome!

[@weedXD38]

Excellent Content ,bore snakes are quick but personally been using cleaning rods for many years!! Nice cleaning kit!!! thanks for sharing..

[@travisp11]

weedXD38 Thanks!

[@juggalizzle75]

Bore snakes are great for quick field cleanings. I use them 99 prevent of the time. However, depending on use, all firearms benefit from a complete breakdown and cleaning from time to time. Including soaking the barrel with cleaner and running a rod and brush. I do mine once a year at least or as needed on heavy use firearms.

[@ashy1423]

Fair commentary. Thanks for your time and effort making this informative video. Ash🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@travisp11]

Thanks for watching!

[@timhirama3877]

Great video! No nonsense rambling like most people. Very helpful info throughout

[@travisp11]

Tim Hirama Thanks!

[@Chuck_Carolina]

Travis, I like the Vid and I think your concept of using a bore snake as a field expedient thing is OK. I have been shooting since the mid 1970's, so I'll give you my thoughts on bore snakes. First saw them in the 1980's some time, and by then I just never saw a use or need for one. For a quick clean after a shooting secession I would use a mop down the bore with some gun oil on it - Break Free (CLP). It gets the crude out and will start to loosen the carbon up. The fire arms can sit for a few days if needs be until I can get to all of them when I have time. Our shooting secessions were a day long, if not a weekend long trip. A number of us were reloading at the time, so it was not uncommon to have the whole posse there, and their wives/girl friends with kids and dogs. What I mean is - we were fouling a lot of fire arms with a lot of ammo at any one time. Most of that moping was done with a fiberglass rod .150 in diameter with patches cut out of an old tee shirt. I still have and use those fiberglass rods today. Back then on one I cut a slot- eye in the end with a Dremel tool; it will swab a .17 cal pellet rifle to a 12 gauge shoot gun with a tee-shirt patch. Over the years, I have cleaned many a fire arm with only that rod with solvent and gun oil and patches. Today, I have only one piece cleaning rods and have gave up on the kit multi-piece rod/cal products long ago. You can clean most fire arms with patches until it needs to be brushed. Fact is, a bore likes to be fouled some, and lives in a happy place there. Too dirty and it needs more than patching can do. A bore brush is just one tool, and they all have there place, but I never needed to brush a bore 'always' when cleaning a fire arm - it is more for the one off deep cleaning. Bronze or nylon, I use the right tool when needed. As per my cleaning products, they are simple but vary. There is Bore Cleaners and felt pellets, special stuff that all may have a place - the list is endless; but let use keep it simple. I don't use bore snakes - never even though of buying one. I don't know anybody who does or has one. I have not even seen one used in person in my life. I have done more patching out of bores to clean them over time, and I think new folks to fire arms are wound-up over what is necessary. You need 100% of the time a cleaning rod and patches to clean a rifle. That is the foundation that does 90% (or better) of the work. This ain't going to the moon, and a good rod and jag is priceless. To new gun owners and the shooting world: spend the cash for a good rod, jag, patches, Hoppes' #9 and some gun oil for your fire arm. After that you can spend money on the whatever's. Run a patch down the bore - start there.

[@travisp11]

Solid advice and thank you for sharing. I still go back from time to time with a cleaning rod, brushes, jags and patches but I find a few quick pulls with the bore snake does a pretty good job.

[@lino5167]

Great video Travis, very useful and thorough. A stratight A+ presentation.

[@travisp11]

Javier Dibilio Thank you for watching!

[@ltrbuhq]

I use both, hit it with brush, few patches heavy with solvent, dry patch or two then bore snake, then patch with clp.

[@Squib1911]

Good video Travis. Useful information to someone new to firearms or to someone who has only used one cleaning method in the past.

[@travisp11]

Squib Load Thanks for watching!!

[@gregwalker4236]

thanks, great video, subscribed. i am an old hand, but new to bore snakes, and i think i'll give them a try. of course, i'm not abandoning the old standby. the biggest problem i see is the bore snake getting dirty...

[@travisp11]

You can wash them with warm soapy water and hang them to dry. Just be sure to get the bristles dried off with a paper tower before doing so.

[@u4ia4040]

Try not to wash the whole boresnake ,certainly not the .22 ones . The pulling cord should not be washed it losses sturdiness and wrinkles up when washed . So the copper pulling wheight is not enough to get it through the barrel. Just rince the cleaning part of the boresnake in hot water and palmolive soap and let it sit in a soap water jar for an evening . hang it out to dry the day after. Greetz

[@travisp11]

@@u4ia4040 Yeah, that does make more sense and some warm water and dish soap would take out the oils and clean it up.

[@fee_lo8346]

Combo is the way to go for me. Start with the rod and finish up with the snake. Saves time and your snakes stay cleaner.

[@travisp11]

Fee_ Lo Good idea!!

[@jakebirkmaier5703]

Fee_ Lo can you wash the snake?

[@allbee83]

I very rarely use a bore snake but love that you can drag one through the breech end easily and do some good. Like them best with revolvers actually. But will still run a regular patch with clp after the bore snake if I use one . I get a kick out of videos where people say the barrel is totally cleaned and lubed after running one through personally. You put some solvent on the front, then comes the brush, and then some lube on the back end. Good to go, lol.

[@dtpfeiffer]

Good points. I have and use both types. Bore snakes are good for guns that are hard to get cleaning rods in through the chamber, like an AK. I like the kits better for handguns though. The small ones with the hollow metal handle that stores the parts are cheap and easy to throw in a range bag if you want to take it along.

[@travisp11]

Daniel Pfeiffer Good suggestions!!

[@BrewCityRider]

I am a long time cleaning rod & brass brush guy too, and only recently purchased a bore snake for my AR15. The one I got however has a brass brush attached to the front of it. One thing I disagree with you a little on is I think it's fine to scrub back and forth with a brass brush. I know everybody has their strong opinions on that matter. I just make sure to run the brush out the muzzle before pulling it back, but that is not to protect the barrel, that is to prevent damaging the brush. A brass brush being much softer than the barrel won't damage it.

[@travisp11]

True and you make a good point. When I clean my pistols I use long one piece brushes with a back and forth clean and never had an issue. I think for a lot of people it's the potential to bring debris into the chamber but after that initial pull through, in most barrels there isn't much left

[@metasolo1222]

Well said. Too many folks freak out about cleaning. Traditional methods with rods, patches and jags get the nastiest fouling out per my experience, especially with respect non-jacketed ammo.

[@travisp11]

@@metasolo1222 thanks for watching!

[@carlmoeller56]

Aside from my shot guns all of my firearms are either .22 or .45. I just purchased a Hoppes bore snake for each caliber. I am sold on them! Actually Henry Repeating Arms recommends them for use on their 1860 model.

[@josephdangelo2410]

Very good presentation. And informative if you just clean your gun once or twice a year I would stick with the cleaning rod the only thing that is defective is the plastic patch holder they break

[@travisp11]

I use my cleaning rod a few times a year on the rifles that I tend to shoot more. The bore snake does a good job but copper solvent and a sold bore brush do wonders.

[@tulemike6627]

i use rods at home and carry a bore snake in the field.

[@travisp11]

Tule Mike Right on! The bore snakes can be handy when you are outdoors!

[@MH-ls1xi]

Thats what i do

[@bustabass9025]

Ditto!

[@jamesdelong6401]

💯. I love them. HUGE time saver.

[@travisp11]

Right on!

[@HillbillyUp]

Thumbing through your videos brother, great content, my 1st Bore snake was actually a Christmas present. Lot's of love from the American Hillbilly and the Hillbilly Nation, Hillbilly Up brother.

[@travisp11]

They are handy! Thanks for watching!

[@asleepinthealley]

A friend and I went on a hunting trip out in Alaska and neither one of us brought a cleaning kit with us. We should have, but a 'bore snake' wouldn't have helped. He shot his rifle and ejected the shell casing and went to jack in another shell. When he tried to close the bolt it wouldn't go home. The bottle-neck of the shell casing had broken off and when he tried to put another shell in the chamber it just wedged the broken bottle-neck in fast! He was stuck out there in Bear country with an inoperative rifle. A cleaning rod would have cleared the chamber but the Bore Snake probably wouldn't have helped much. This happened 40 years ago and I've never gone hunting again without a cleaning kit and Rod.

[@travisp11]

I always keep a one piece cleaning rod in my vehicle but for a hunt like what you were on, yeah, you have a valid point. I'm just showing off the bore snake as a time saver, more at home.

[@damiion666]

So...buy a one piece rod and keep it with you in the field for such an occurance. Don’t need a whole cleaning kit for that

[@justanobserver530]

Long time ago I did a little test with various caliber guns. I didn't think a bore snake was good enough for cleaning so after taking each gun to the range I first ran the bore snake with Kroll oil three times. I then ran a clean patch with a cleaning rod. Patches always came out clean. Looking down the bore, of the firearms it was possible to do so, they were clean. Haven't used a cleaning kit/rod/brushes since. Is there maybe a little bit of lead or copper left? I don't know but I haven't noticed any degradation of accuracy in any of my guns so I don't care.

[@travisp11]

Losing accuracy is one of the signs you can definitely look at as a time to clean. The majority of the time I use bore snakes.

[@robertdaone]

At the range bore snake is the way to go especially when breaking in the barrel in between shots. When it comes down to really taking your time and cleaning the gun at home a brush and rod kit works best.

[@travisp11]

I don’t disagree. I still use my rod for deep cleaning on occasion.

[@michaely6665]

I clean my bore snakes in a 1/2 bucket of hot water and 1/2 teaspoon of Ballistol (water soluble gun oil), usually takes two go's to clean, it not only cleans them but leaves a tiny residue of Ballistol oil impregnated in the rope. In the field or at the range bore snakes are more convenient than carrying rods, but yeah they don't replace a rod with fresh patchs or brushes is needed for a full barrel clean out.

[@travisp11]

That is a solid cleaning set up.

[@jonathanmcgowan7746]

I use a combo. I get the barrel cleaned up with brushes and RamRodz, then final pass or two with my bore snake.

[@travisp11]

Jonathan McGowan That works, too!

[@jerrymartin7732]

If you have several firearms, PISTOLS, RIFES, SHOTGUNS, in different will end up with many different bore snakes.Not very practical or economical. I have both cleaning kits and bore snakes because i have had several guns in different calibers. As an instructor and training counselor I've told my students and instructor candidates to.use bore snakes for range sessions and clearing kits for homee cleaning sessions. Bore snakes are not a.good substitute for the type of cleaning i think many firearms need. At the range I'll run them through thee bore after 50 to 60 rounds. This makes a thorough cleaning of the bore quicker and easier later on. Using bore snakes only is lazy and incomplete but works great at the range as a stop gape method. They don't and can't clean the other parts of a firearm that must be cleaned. As for cleaning kit's most don't come with jags, I feel are crucial to thoroughly cleaning barrels so don't forget about them.

[@scottf.3808]

Nice detailed info as you covered it all for me...Good stuff...

[@travisp11]

Scott F. Thank you!!

[@gerardopietrantoni6452]

The most damage to barrels usually occurs when using rods through the bore. Bore snakes are more “barrel friendly”.

[@652barry]

Gerardo Pietrantoni please explain.

[@SoundlessBMX]

Jimmy using the metal rods can damage the barrel

[@fullchoke01]

Agree. I have both systems, i really like the boresnake, no it won't clean to the extent of a rod system. But if the gun is getting so dirty to actually see and need that difference would mean you are leaving it between firing and not cleaning. Have seen wipe down tests between them after 2 pull throughs it cleans as well as a rod system.

[@john.wick1]

You're not going to damage the inside of the bore... ain't no way possible that you have more strength in your arm than the force of the bullet traveling down that bore.

[@HockeyDom23]

​​@@john.wick1 the bore rod has sharp edges and inconsistencies more so than a bullet, the biggest issue you'll have is around the crown if you're careful it's fine, but for low level knowledge users it's a safer option also. I think people underestimate how dirty firearms can get and still operate just as good or depending on the firearm a lot are designed to run better with carbon in them.

[@iluvu2inf]

***WARNING*** When using the bore snake, on a short barreled pistol, like an M&P Shield, make sure your hand is NOT past the end of the barrel when the snake pulls through! I learned the hard way how those brass brushes feel when they rip through the palm of your hand! I never did it twice though! I am a quick learner when it involves pain! LOL! I ordered a kit just like that, $24.99 (not Cabela's) and a .223 bore snake when I placed my order for upper parts for my first AR15 build. I figured what the heck, I don't own half the calibers it includes, but I might some day if I am lucky! Hey, a girl can dream right! I figured if worse came to worse, I could turn it into a handgun case to take to the range by custom cutting inserts for my pistols and mags. I haven't received my order yet, so can't comment on the quality of all the brass brushes etc. This will be my first rifle, I have only handguns right now, so figured I might as well get the kit with the rods. I just used a heavy wooden skewer to push the cleaning patches through the short pistol barrels for the final cleaning after using the bore snake and cleaning solvents so didn't need a rod until now..

[@travisp11]

iluvu2inf Sounds like you were able to make do an with what ya have! Thank you for the advice on the bore snake! I think you will like the Cabela's kit. I have used mine countless times with no issues.

[@williammoore6952]

Thanks for all your great video. Your awesome! I was wondering which one you would to remove horrible lead deposits from the barrel? Also what is the best cleaner you found for lead removable. Thanks a bunch!!! William

[@travisp11]

I would start off with a good CLP cleaner like Safariland CLP. Then follow up with a bore brush down the barrel. After that run some copper solvent down the barrel. From there another pass of the bore brush and then run some patches of CLP down the barrel until it is clean. If that still doesn’t work then repeat the whole process.

[@williammoore6952]

@@travisp11 Right on thank you! I worked on my 3 Taurus tx 22's barrels well over half the day yesterday. My firearms are new and only have a couple hundred rounds through them. they started key holing ever shot. Then I knew there was a problem. is this normal for a new barrel to collect this much lead during the first couple hundred rounds? Or should I contact Taurus? Thanks Travis for all your awesome videos! William

[@travisp11]

@@williammoore6952 there were some issues with early production TX22s that had barrels with improper rifling cut into them. You can call Taurus and see if your serial numbers match that production run. Otherwise there is a good cleaner called Bore Blast by CLP. Only use it outdoors with gloves on but it will do a good job cleaning out the rifling on the barrel. Yeah, 22lrs can foul up a barrel quick because of the exposed lead bullet with not copper jacket.

[@williammoore6952]

@@travisp11 awesome, thank you! I will start searching for it. I had some Barnes CR-10 and Hoppe's Elite foaming cleaner in my cleaning supplies I used yesterday In my opinion both theses cleaners struggled in removing the lead. Thanks a bunch for your knowledge. William

[@travisp11]

@@williammoore6952 yup! Bore Blast is some nasty stuff but it works well

[@jw3946]

I run a bore snake through my barrel after every shoot mainly to remove carbon, running through dry. Every 200 to 400 rounds I clean the barrel the traditional way.

[@travisp11]

Not a bad idea. I do the same on my high round count rifles.

[@FierceMouse]

Borefoam for 20 minutes (40 minutes if very fouled) breakcleaner rinse then balistol dried off with boresnake. My barrels are clean clean CLEAN!

[@travisp11]

Right on!

[@ibthumper2]

Thanks. Wow, I feel important. Being a old skool rod guy, I need to pick up some them snakes. Good call not to get into the gun chemical war.

[@travisp11]

Kenneth G Maiden You would be amazed by the things people argue about in the comments section of my videos.

[@jbossnack]

travisp11 the comments section is truly the dark Web lol

[@dragothule7261]

Use a traditional cleaning kit when guns real dirty. But if i only put a few rounds thru at the range i just snake it.

[@David-pc8tz]

Watch out for bore snakes. I used Hoppes Viper Boresnake .22-.225 in my AR .223 and it got stuck took me sometime to get it out. To me cleaning rod is best.

[@travisp11]

22 lr can be tough to clean, even with the traditional brush. Good advice!!

[@texasjohn-mu7cd]

Was it a 22lr or a ar15 556/223?

[@hunterdka]

Ive shot for years picked up a bore snake and I wish I had got them a long time ago.

[@travisp11]

hunterdka I agree!

[@mmgreen31]

The Otis ripcord bore snakes have ends to which you can attach a brush, allowing for the best of both worlds.

[@travisp11]

Absolutely! I have a few like that now but they aren’t Otis.

[@NortheastSurvival911]

I recently started using bore snakes last year and I got to say I absolutely love them. However.. my suggestion to all of you would be to get a complete kid as well in addition to the snake. There are some things that the snake just can't do. I bought a used ar-12. Beautiful gun but inside the barrel there is some fouling that I can't get out with the snake and I've run it through probably 30 times. At this point I need a 12 gauge copper brush and the rods. Which I need to go out and purchase because I don't have that. But yeah I would recommend getting both. I mean realistically it's only a few extra bucks. If you never use one of them well at least you have it.

[@travisp11]

I agree and I keep a few kits around with the bore snakes.

[@NortheastSurvival911]

@@travisp11 I think that's the way to go. You never know when you might have to put a little more elbow grease into something. I have a 12 gauge I bought you used and I can't tell if the deposits are just so damn hard the snake isn't getting it out or if the smooth bore is scratched. I'm going to hit it with a copper brush and rods and I'll find out.

[@travisp11]

@@NortheastSurvival911 I did some shotgun cleaning vids recently and it took several passes of bore solvent and a brush to get the bore shiny again. Took the old cleaning rod to make that happen.

[@NortheastSurvival911]

@@travisp11 that's what I'm going to have to do. I've tried the number nine solvent and I've tried breakaway. I just can't tell if it's hard carbon or if they're scratches. In all fairness I did buy this particular ar-12 used. But I mean it's not exactly easy to scratch the inside of a shotgun barrel if you're using it the way you're supposed to be using it. A lot of people will say oh if you fire slugs through it you're going to scratch it if it's not rifled. I mean I've owned smooth bore shotguns all my life I don't know how many countless slugs and well all ammunitions I put through them. Every one of them except this ar12.. beautiful flawless mirror finish. I imagine it's not going to really matter either way but I have this OCD problem with Firearms being immaculate. Perfectly clean lubricated properly and every time I clean them.. I will use a very very heavy oil on the outside of the firearms coat them with it and then buff it off. I can't even begin to tell you how much money I have spent on solvents and oils in my life hahaha. But I assure you every one of my firearms functions flawlessly. Little off topic there. Sorry about that ADHD moment. And thank you by the way for excellent videos and video quality. It's nice to see a channel that puts effort into what they're saying and insures that the information that they are telling everybody is in fact accurate and true. So many people out there have these firearm channels and they just want KZbin hits. Stay safe, keep carrying and God bless. 🙏🇺🇸🏴

[@travisp11]

@@NortheastSurvival911 Thank you for watching!!

[@travisp11]

Small mistake on my part, the middle snake is a Hoppe's, it was an older style that had no tags on it. Hoppe's has since revised their bore snake line.

[@Chriskelly19067]

travisp11 you horrible person....

[@upliftmofopartyplan1156]

I believe it's a Viper

[@mikefranklin1253]

I had a bore snake break off inside my shotgun. I do not trust those with a string pull I will soon try one with a cable pull, I guess I'll know soon how that works?

[@travisp11]

I haven’t had one break but it would be a pain to get it out. The Real Avid brand snakes use a wire cable.

[@jorgecortez8568]

Great Video Travisp11 I have the multi cleaning kit tho I always wanted to pick up and try a bore snake. Gonna have to pick up one and try it out. Thanks for the info. 👍😀

[@travisp11]

Jorge Cortez Glad to help!

[@Squib1911]

Good explanation of bore snakes Travis

[@cjohnson9211]

You can put a wet patch on the bristles of the bore snake too

[@travisp11]

True, but it could get stuck.

[@bait_caster_kam2936]

Can you youse Bore snakes to just clean guns year round ?

[@travisp11]

Yes.

[@antoniofiammelli1792]

Well done sir ,,, for me semi like browning bar snake is good save time and do not damage crown ,,, but bolt sticking with brush ,,,

[@travisp11]

Thanks for watching!

[@Chriskelly19067]

Check out the bore boss....i just got one and it's great and better than standard snake because the case it comes in has a rubber lip...you peel the rubber lip down, pull the snake out,run down the bore then attach the end back to the case which acts as a handle to pull with...when you're done you wind it back up and flip the rubber edge back over and it contains the wound up snake...it's quite clever and addressed one of my main complaints with snakes (storage and tangling mess....).

[@travisp11]

RockHumper Sounds good!!

[@900stx7]

The Bore Boss is my favorite rope type cleaning tool. I like the fact that you don't have to stand the gun on end to drop the weight through. The cable on the Bore Boss is stiff enough where you can push it through the barrel while the gun is horizontal. Seems too be just the right size. Not too tight, not too loose.

[@TheDrRJP]

It is great. I got one to clean both my AR and my .22

[@thedude1328]

im 19 and just started shooting.. which would you suggest for a new rifle shooter to start with? bore? or rod?

[@travisp11]

the dude I absolutely love my Roger American Ranch rifle chambered in 7.62x39. Get a .30 cal bore snake and some CLP/cleaning patches and you are good to go!

[@rapmacl1]

Are there any bore snakes withOUT copper/bronze bristles? I use foaming bore cleaner after every use. I am just looking for a cloth snake rather than blowing out the residue after the foam flows down the barrel n

[@travisp11]

Good question. If not, there should be!

[@adventchild5150]

I just snapped the threading on my cleaning rod 😕 cheap kit I got as a present. Thinking of going to the snake. 🐍

[@travisp11]

The bore snake works well or a 1 piece cleaning rod.

[@Nobody-xh5qe]

Do it

[@brianroselli229]

All I use anymore is bore snakes foaming boar cleaner first and thing is shiny inside and rifling is clear of and stuff but I don't shoot 500 rounds at a time idk

[@travisp11]

Just keep using whatever works best for you.

[@clintonfella9195]

Great video. But I've never understood the "only clean in the direction the bullet travel" philosophy. Those bristles won't hurt the barrel, so I'm not sure I see the problem?

[@travisp11]

I think if you go from muzzle to breech that you may be going against the grain, so to speak in the barrel instead of pulling debris out the barrel in the direction of bullet travel.

[@jamescooper2618]

If I go on a hunting trip, I have a back pack of some sort for my gear. I carry a 3pc rod kit with a jag on the tip. Then, I have a bore snake with some gun oil on it in a zip loc bag. If I should get some kind of bore obstruction, I can push it out with the rod, then clean the bore with the snake. I have been on trips where a guy ruined his hunt by sticking the muzzle in the mud . You're only talking a couple ounces here.

[@travisp11]

That sounds like a solid load out for just about anything barrel wise you may encounter.

[@surrenderradio2064]

Great video. Thanks man

[@travisp11]

Surrender Radio you are welcome!

[@stephenmaurer7008]

Cleaning rods can damage the .22 rifle bores. I only use a weed trimmer line (.095 dia) and or a .22 cal bore snake to clean my bore of my AR-15, Ruger 10-22 and Mark II pistol.

[@travisp11]

Solid advice! Thank you!

[@stephenmaurer7008]

@@travisp11 Your Welcome!! Learned this trick from Pennsylvania Game News!! Just cut the weed trimmer line 10-12" longer than bore/barrel, sharpen one end with a knife and melt the other end into a ball (tad smaller than .22 inches). Push the pointed end of the trimmer line into the center of the patch... then soak patch in your favorite bore cleaner CLP. I have had great results with Ballistol. Do this a few times till the patch comes out clean and let sit over night... then a few passes with the snake and a final pass with the Ballistol patch. ballistol.com/

[@jayryan7473]

Not quite. For a long time there has been a such thing as a rod guide that slides up and down the rod. It's tapered so it fits snugly into the end of the barrel.

[@stephenmaurer7008]

@@jayryan7473 Yes... I have used a rod guide with my cleaning rod for my 22 pistols and rifles. The bore snake and .095 trimmer with CLP patches seem to work well and it quicker than using a metal cleaning rod. I use a brass rod guide with my shooter's choice universal cleaning kit.

[@HK-qj4im]

Bore snakes are not a replacement for a cleaning rod. My theory...use the bore snake at the range, while barrel is still warm. Cleaning rod at home to deep clean it.

[@downnoutdubin]

The only thing that puts me off with the bore snake design, is I feel more confident about leaving a thin oil layer behind after using patches and brushes. Since it's easier to see how saturated the patches are. Typically I'll just use a bore snake if I don't put too many rounds through my gun and don't need to do a through cleaning. Even then I'll still end up using a patch to finish up and keep a thin oil layer there. Plus it keeps my bore snake from being completely saturated with oil and carbon.

[@travisp11]

I still do a basic cleaning once in a while with a cleaning rod. Bore snake is a good time saver, though.

[@Erik007]

I put oil at the end of the bore snake so it leaves oil after I pull it out

[@ronniebounds6474]

What brand of one piece rod did you show in the video? Thanks for sharing!!

[@travisp11]

Either Allen or Hoppes. I bought it at Walmart.

[@ronniebounds6474]

Thanks for the reply. Fastest response I’ve ever gotten!!!

[@travisp11]

@@ronniebounds6474 Glad to help. Yeah, I try to respond to everyone if possible.

[@sdsurfer8152]

Did you ever use the bore snake, then use the traditional cleaning kit, to see how much it leaves behind? I just got my first pistol and the guy at the shop said the snake is the way to go.

[@travisp11]

You can use both. I have never done that but it would leave the bore very clean. When I check the barrel after using a bore snake I don't notice much of anything left behind so I just go that route with my cleaning

[@sdsurfer8152]

@@travisp11 yea I just bought my first pistol and the shop guy said it is good enough and saves time

[@travisp11]

@@sdsurfer8152 if you start to notice a buildup in the barrel or the rifling grooves aren't as visible as they were before, you may wanna get a cleaning rod kit for it.

[@dingo5208]

There's a shooting season? You still need the cleaning kit for cleaning your action, oiling the outside metal etc... The bore snake is a compliment to the cleaning kit not an instead of.

[@travisp11]

Competitive 3 gun season.

[@scottblanche6657]

i watched this to find out how to apply the oil with the bore snake.Does the cleaner and dirt left in the bore snake make a problem using it again for the oil ?

[@travisp11]

Scott Blanche no because every time you run the bore snake the rear part of the snake absorbs the oil. At some point you will want to clean the bore snake with warm soapy water, rinse and dry.

[@scottblanche6657]

@@travisp11 Thanks and sorry I'm still not understanding how to apply the oil with the snake or do I ?

[@eltorrente1021]

@@scottblanche6657 You're overthinking it. You can spray it down the barrel then run the bore snake, or you can spray/drip the oil directly on the boresnake and run it through. You can put solvent first then a dedicated oil, or use a combo product like Ballistal. There's no right way, necessarily - everyone has a different way of cleaning their guns. As long as it gets clean is all that matters.

[@chelseagassner5084]

You said bore snakes don't break, I broke one on my first cleaning of my 7mm. I am a fan tho

[@travisp11]

Sorry to hear that, I haven't had one snap on me yet but I'm sure it is possible.

[@MidnightRangeTM]

I think most .22 and up rods and tips use 8/32 threads. I know redhead Fromm bass pro and hoppes do. If it’s a .17 it’s smaller but u can use an adapter.

[@MixagEQ]

How do you wash the bore snake?

[@travisp11]

Warm soapy water (use Dawn), rinse and hang it out to air dry.

[@marredandback]

I am a Hoppe's Viper BoreSnake believer. I start with traditional patches but finish with the boresnake, only so I don't have to clean it that often.

[@travisp11]

marredandback Good call!

[@jeramyh9344]

So for me, I have several snakes in different calibers. I usually use them when I just want a quick swabbing and lube and throw the gun back together. If I go out to the Desert and crank out a few hundred rounds and I am going to do a tear down and clean I get out the whole kit.

[@travisp11]

Yeah, I still do the same but I tend to use a single piece cleaning rod and brushes, patches, etc on high volume shooting days at the range. Deep cleans are not a bad idea now and again. Thanks for watching!

[@PongYen]

Thanks, great video!

[@travisp11]

Pong Thanks for watching!

[@RanaGillmotorcycles]

I have a GSG 15 and company recommendation is to just take trigger assembly out and pull the bolt back then go clean the barrell and I dont know how its possible with a cleaning rod, unless i want to take whole gun apart. If anyone knows a way to ise a cleaning rod in GSG 15 please let me know. Thank you

[@travisp11]

I'd recommend a bore snake.

[@Nobody-xh5qe]

Cool video👍

[@travisp11]

Thank you for watching!

[@djshodad]

will a bore snake harm chrome lined barrels?

[@travisp11]

Because the bristles are copper or brass I think you will be ok.

[@bloodstorm1231]

What about oiling the inside of the barrel?

[@travisp11]

The bore snake generally leaves a thin protective coat inside the barrel. I always do leave a thin coat of Remoil or Clenzoil and I have yet to have any issues.

[@bloodstorm1231]

@@travisp11 what iv been doing lately is run it with solvent first a few times, then i put oil towards the end of the snake

[@travisp11]

@@bloodstorm1231 your method works well, too!

[@jordanaug81]

The bigger question is; To clean your bore or not to clean your bore. Reid Henrichs says he hasn't cleaned the bore (Of his Glock anyway) in years! He also says the groupings just keep getting tighter over time. I've never heard anyone else ever promote this or talk about it. But for me, yeah bore snakes are awesome.

[@travisp11]

jordanaug81 I may need to try that with one of my pistols just to see what happens.

[@stephenmaurer7008]

I don't know?? Every Marine I know is believes in cleaning your weapon after use. I pay too much $$$ not to keep my weapons clean.

[@ramsrepublic8477]

I wish I could keep my kit as organized lol

[@travisp11]

RAM's REPUBLIC It ain't always easy!

[@900stx7]

Me to ! I bought a kit like that a few years ago. Now it's pretty much an empty box !

[@Nobody-xh5qe]

I know mine is in old shoe box and just roll around in there LOL

[@Reviews4fun1]

I used to run a boresnake and then after I then ran a patch with solvent, brush, clp patches and dry patches afterwards to come to the conclusion that boresnakes are almost useless other than an emergency in- field basic low-quality clean.

[@travisp11]

Reviews4Fun I still go back once in a while and use a rod, patches, solvent but as a time savings measure I use bore snakes.

[@MichaelClaytonCo]

A professional sniper told me never use a bore snake or a brass brush on a rifle. It absolutely WILL harm your barrel.

[@travisp11]

I have shot countless rounds through my Ruger Ranch 7.62x39 rifle, have cleaned it many times and cleaned out the bore with a bore snake and my accuracy has not dropped off and I still have strong rifiling grooves in the barrel.

[@MichaelClaytonCo]

@@travisp11 you want a trophy?

[@travisp11]

@@MichaelClaytonCo absolutely not. All I'm saying is in one of my most heavily fired rifles the barrel has appeared to have held up well so any abuse a bore snake or bore brush may cause isn't affecting performance . I get it, though, what you are saying . There are many people, competitive shooters that will go an entire season without cleaning the bore and even then they may just run a patch of oil down it. Everyone has their preference on how to clean their and are certainly entitled to it.

[@MichaelClaytonCo]

@@travisp11 fair enough. I respect your opinion as well. Funny thing is I am a Metallurgist and I agree with you. There is something else in the fine print of this study in armament. Not that I know what it is.

[@travisp11]

@@MichaelClaytonCo Cool. Everyone has their preferences and opinions so I always tell people you do what you are most comfortable with.

[@ozpain1]

Have you noticed any crown damage using the bore snake? The crown on two different barrels for my 10/22 have shown damage as a result of using this method

[@travisp11]

Nope. No problems on my rifles.

[@d.cardinale7431]

If you are pulling from breach out (same direction as the bullet) you should not have any damage at all. If you are going the muzzle in you are going the wrong way. Knox.nra.trainer

[@lJUSTwanaCOMMENT]

Bought my first bore snake close to 20 years ago. I don't like that the brush is magnetic. I noticed that many of the "brass/bronze" brushes are magnetic.

[@RawFeeding101]

Hold on, back the train up…I’m not supposed to pull a barrel brush OUT of the front of the barrel, I’m only supposed to push it in? 😲😲😲

[@travisp11]

Meant to say back, don't pull it back. Sorry man, most of these are filmed in one take.

[@RawFeeding101]

@@travisp11 so just to clarify, I can push the cleaning rod into the pew end, but I shouldn’t pull it out?

[@travisp11]

@@RawFeeding101 always go from back to front on a rifle, breech to muzzle with cleaning brushes, bore snakes, etc. Always push the crud out the front of the barrel, not back into the action of the gun.

[@RawFeeding101]

@@travisp11 does it matter with a pistol barrel?

[@travisp11]

@@RawFeeding101 not so much like on a revolver you may not have a choice if you don’t have a cleaning snake

[@theinfamoussixcylinder3945]

A bore snake can break. If you're using one that's old you run the risk of getting the snake stuck. If you're going to use a snake, be sure and get one that is long enough to pull out of either end of the pull cord breaks

[@travisp11]

Good advice!

[@theinfamoussixcylinder3945]

@@travisp11 good video dude. I just day what I had becuse I bought an el cheapo snake, and the cord broke in the bore. Wasn't a fun time

[@JonZDisability]

That is an awfully big case just for the range. Do you ever just take out what you need for that day in a separate case?

[@travisp11]

The Jon Z Project Yup. I have my shooting box for my pistols and my range box for my rifles and shotguns. Many times I will toss just what I need into a baggie and then into my range box. Bore snakes definitely offer an advantage here.

[@JonZDisability]

exactly what i was thinking...i have a small case i usually use for such things so at the very least keep those misc. items together.

[@riverrivers250]

Why dont people clean guns from the muzzle going down too the chamber?? With rods

[@travisp11]

With me that pushes all of the debris from the barrel into the receiver which is the opposite of what we want.

[@riverrivers250]

@@travisp11 okay,,, makes sense

[@mellowyellow8856]

Who makes the one piece rod you have?

[@travisp11]

Allen is the brand. They sell them at out Walmart.

[@mellowyellow8856]

Thank you very much amd nice video very helpful

[@johndonaldson5126]

I wish you had actually demonstrated it with a pistol. That's what I thought I'd find when I watched the video.

[@travisp11]

John Donaldson Check my cleaning video playlist. In most of my newer cleaning videos the bore snake is used for cleaning my handguns. This video was just an explanation of the equipment, not a demo but I see your point.

[@Portuguese-linguica]

Why would you not wont to pull the brush back through ?

[@travisp11]

Mad Sexy Man Of The Night it could cause the brush to get stuck in the barrel. I tend to only clean in the direction of the bullets path.

[@RobertSimmondsM]

Bore snake does not want to pull through the barrel. Bore snake is for 9mm and my weapon is a 9mm sub 2000. What is the problem?

[@travisp11]

May just be a tight bore or the bore snake could be a bit oversized. You may need to use a traditional cleaning rod and brush.

[@RobertSimmondsM]

Thank you will stay with the traditional gun cleaning process I have know for many years

[@travisp11]

@@RobertSimmondsM Cool! You may also want to try a different brand of bore snake. There is a possibility that the manufacturing tolerances are just a bit different between companies and you may have better luck with a different brand.

[@thomasfamilyfarm]

I have heard that traditional cleaning kits can damaged the accuracy in the long run can you shed some light on this please?

[@travisp11]

If you are not careful with your cleaning rods they can scratch the inside of the barrel and marr or mess up (for no other better term) the gooves inside your barrel that gets your barrel spinning. Its not so much the chemicals we use inside the barrel but more about the actual tools used inside. Copper or brass bore brushes are fine but be careful so that your cleaning rod doesnt flex and scratch the inside of the barrel. On my AR-15s I use a one piece coated cleaning rod.

[@TUKByV1]

@@travisp11 what brands of one-piece rods are your favorite?

[@travisp11]

Shane Temple Caldwell, Outters and Allen make good but inexpensive cleaning equipment.

[@TUKByV1]

@@travisp11 Much obliged.

[@texasjohn-mu7cd]

Is it okay to wash bore snakes by washing in sink with soap and water?

[@travisp11]

I think so. Just be sure to dry it thoroughly.

[@adamlarsen1566]

I just watched Paul Harrell's cleaning video and he straight up cleans all of his GUNS with Ivory bar soap and water! Dude is a hell of a shot and has spent a large portion of his life shooting and training so I totally trust his methods, but I never would have thought that soaking a bolt & bolt carrier in soapy water would be a good way to go.

[@venlanelimarkka9016]

Always use a one piece rod

[@travisp11]

I still do from time to time.

[@jaredloveland5314]

I just hope to god you have learned how to properly clean a barrel by now

[@travisp11]

With all of the options out there, I was just suggesting what works for me.

[@scoob4421793]

Do you use or have OTIS brand

[@travisp11]

Mike Bollinger My first cleaning kit was an Otis. They make good stuff!

[@mightymouse8095]

I use bore snake first than use the rod patches,brushes,etc..

[@travisp11]

Those work good too!

[@anthonylandino7709]

Always try to use a one piece cleaning rod.

[@travisp11]

anthony Landino Definitely!

[@jasonziegler5805]

Dang this guy can talk!

[@travisp11]

Lots of info. Thanks for watching!

[@seabass22]

Bore snake good in the field or the camp

[@travisp11]

Definitely!

[@WOLF-rm8nn]

Never ever bore snake. Unless activity.

[@davidsanders1991]

so far I like this video.

[@travisp11]

david sanders Right on! Thanks for watching!

[@652barry]

No need to ever remove brush when pulling back through. Smh

[@rcnative4988]

I'm new to the shooting world and I've heard from many people that u don't need to remove the brush to pull back through because the bullet will do more to that barrel then a brush and rod is that true?

[@zachwynn7670]

It's not 100% necessary but the reason people don't like to is because you pull the s*** you just scraped out back into the chamber then you have to wipe and clean out the chamber again or even more

[@652barry]

@@zachwynn7670 some believe it damages the crown making the firearm less accurate.