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Bore Snakes For Cleaning?

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20g
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PostPosted: Mon May 04, 2015 11:54 am
Sorry if this topic has been beat to death on bore cleaning techniques but was wondering how many prefer using bore snakes over patches or other devices. They certainly seem to have a lot more cleaning surface plus the brush. I have been using them for years and they seem to do a good job as long as they are kept clean by washing. My preferred method of cleaning is to soak them in old milk jug with water and detergent. I know some will prefer the old methods better but they sure do make bore cleaning faster and easier. Thanks for any replies in advance.
PostPosted: Mon May 04, 2015 12:35 pm
I have a dedicated bore snake for every firearm in my arsenal...they work great in the field as well as at home.

I recommend everyone try at least one...
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.270 WIN
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PostPosted: Mon May 04, 2015 1:56 pm
My son, an Iraq combat Vet, swears by the bore snake. Me, I'm an old throwback to the VN days and still do the brass brush & patch routine. I never realized 'til today that I have no personal objections to the bore snake and probably need to try one, too. Thanx, guys!
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.410
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PostPosted: Mon May 04, 2015 7:32 pm
Ive used them a long time, no complaints. I still prefer soaking a bore with a wet patch for really thorough cleaning
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.270 WIN
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PostPosted: Mon May 04, 2015 8:13 pm
Don't like them. They get the grime all over everything. Plus, they only get the powder residue and loose stuff out in my opinion.
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.410
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PostPosted: Mon May 04, 2015 9:05 pm
I use them for final pass and lube


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PostPosted: Tue May 05, 2015 3:10 pm
I hate cleaning guns. For me a one and done process rocks, love the Bore Snakes!!
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PostPosted: Tue May 05, 2015 4:39 pm
Thanks for feedback guys. Just wanted some experts views. They seem almost too good to be true. Like I said I clean mine now and then because of course they get dirty. My method of soaking in jug with detergent and water then drying works pretty well. thanks again.

Copper BB
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PostPosted: Wed May 06, 2015 8:49 am
Be aware that you can break a (very worn & frayed) boresnake cord while attempting to clean a .308 rifle barrel, which will cause a stuck boresnake. You can remove the bolt & push (smack) it out with a wooden dowel. No fun. Might replace worn boresnake. Take care. Larry

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PostPosted: Wed May 06, 2015 5:07 pm
Good advice on replacing worn snakes Larry. Definitely going to replace a couple of mine.
PostPosted: Thu May 07, 2015 8:30 am
Welcome to the Remington Owners Forum reliable !!

Don't think I have every worn out a boresnake to the point of failure... :mrgreen:
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.270 WIN
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PostPosted: Sat May 09, 2015 12:17 am
I have never used a bore snake. Guess I still do it the old way, but it works.
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.410
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PostPosted: Sat May 23, 2015 1:53 am
I guess I go the old way also. There is just something about using a rod, brush and patch, you are supposed to take your time and enjoy it.

Copper BB
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PostPosted: Sat May 30, 2015 5:35 pm
mauser9 wrote:Sorry if this topic has been beat to death on bore cleaning techniques but was wondering how many prefer using bore snakes over patches or other devices. They certainly seem to have a lot more cleaning surface plus the brush. I have been using them for years and they seem to do a good job as long as they are kept clean by washing. My preferred method of cleaning is to soak them in old milk jug with water and detergent. I know some will prefer the old methods better but they sure do make bore cleaning faster and easier. Thanks for any replies in advance.



I'm like addicted to bore snakes. If I could bore snake myself to stay clean I would get rid of my shower! These things are magical. Best invention since sliced bread.

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PostPosted: Sun May 31, 2015 9:25 am
Seems more like em for at least some usage by the posts I see. Some use the old patch with bore cleaner and then keep the snake dry for a pass through barrel. Clean mine now and then of course Guess sometimes best to check by running a dry patch after using snake. Wish I would have invented them.

.22LR
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PostPosted: Wed Aug 03, 2016 8:39 am
I was talking to a rifle builder a couple of years ago about this very subject. His opinion is not to use them, recons they don't do that good a job.He also had a couple of rifles in with bore snakes stuck in them, really hard job to get them out of a rifle barrel. Think he said fine in a shotgun.
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.410
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PostPosted: Tue Aug 23, 2016 3:54 am
I only use the bore snake on my shotguns while in field.... When at home I clean with brush and patches


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Copper BB
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PostPosted: Wed Aug 24, 2016 4:42 pm
It's a personal decision on how to use a bore snake.

To me, they are fine in the field for a quick clean up and break things up right after shooting while everything is still loose, soft, and warm but a good cleaning should be done at some point. I prefer to do it every time I shoot but others will wait to varying degrees before they do a good take down and cleaning. Some as many as 500 to 1000 rounds. It's their firearm and their money, so their decision.

I'll keep cleaning mine after shooting every time with more than just a bore snake.
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.22LR
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PostPosted: Wed Nov 23, 2016 9:21 pm
Rod, brush, and patch man here. I have a boresnake, buy ever since one got stuck in a .30-30 barrel, I only use it in a pinch. I use a rod/brush/patch not just for a final cleaning, but for range session, where I run a brush through the bore every 3 shots

Copper BB
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PostPosted: Thu Dec 01, 2016 10:34 am
I have one for each caliber I own. I think of it as a maintenance tool, not a deep cleaning tool. It won't scrub out heavy fouling but if you shoot halfway clean jacketed ammo and use it every few hundred rounds before the bore gets filthy, to keep it from getting filthy, it's fine.

I did snag some of the fibers of my 9mm snake on the corner of a barrel and pulled out a loop, which sucks, otherwise I love em.

As for wearing one out, it's $15, $20 if you don't shop around. Just get another when it's time.

20g
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PostPosted: Thu Dec 01, 2016 5:40 pm
I like em too but when putting a gun away for extended periods I like to run a bore swab with some Breakfree CLP applied on it. The snakes sound like the best invention ever but the old fashioned way with patches and bore scrubber is great for a thorough cleaning.
PostPosted: Sat Dec 03, 2016 11:26 am
Works for me...in just about every caliber including 12 gauge.

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PostPosted: Tue Dec 06, 2016 9:19 am
Time for a new one for my 12 gauge I guess. Fiber on the older ones leaves a film I notice lately. With all the cleaning surface on a snake they are not perfect but often makes cleaning much easier. For cleaning I cut a milk jug and fill with water and some detergent and soak em for a while then rinse and dry.

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