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Posted: 7/29/2006 10:13:41 AM EDT
| I recently purchased a Bushmaster M4 A3 with a 14.5 in barrel(chrome lined) and izzy flash hider. I purchased a Tipton carbon fiber cleaning rod that has a brass tip for cleaning this gun. My question is, do I need a bore guide and do I have to worry about scratching the barrel while cleaning it. I try my best not to let the rod make unnecessary contact with the bore but it's not possible to prevent it completely. I clean from the chamber end and when i remove a patch and pull the rod back out I can feel what i am assuming is the brass tip of the rod riding the rifling back out (i allow the rod to turn freely during this). I guess I'm just being paranoid, don't want to ruin a 900 dollar rifle. Shouldn't all of these cleaning rods be made where they shouldn't scratch a barrel, especially a chrome line one? |
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Response follows: 1) What type of jag do you use...is it the "eye" type that a patch goes through or the "spear" or wrap-around type? I personally use both the spear and wrap-around type of jag, as these do not allow the jag to come in contact with the bore, and allow more of the patch to come in contact thereby utilizing more surface area for cleaning. 2) Check the interface between the jag and the rod. Sometimes the flat area where the two meet can "flare" if you use too much pressure screwing the jag into the rod, causing the area that flared to come into contact with the lands. This happened to me once when i had a particularly tight cleaning patch and had to impact the handle of the rod with a dead blow hammer to get it to go through. The jag screwed itself on so tight I had to use two Vise-Grip pliers to unfuck them. That was the cause of the flare in my situ. 3) I do not use a guide. The chrome lining should be harder than the wimpy brass, so even if the jag scrapes a little on the way out it'll do nothing. You ever imagine what the bullet itself does as it goes through the barrel???? Besides, the guide only goes into the bbl a short way, and basically just aligns the rod prior to entering the barrel. Since your barrel is not a Match quality Krieger going into a bedded Stolle Panda benchrest action that is worth half the cost of the weapon in question, I wouldn't worry about it. Period. I commend your choice in cleaning rods, however, grasshopper. You have chosen wisely. Get a quality jag and you're good to go. Now go shoot and stop asking stupid questions (kidding, of course)  |
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Enjoy. You should see thousands and thousands of rounds go through that thing without a hitch. BTW, the "new gun paranoia" is well founded in that you spent a lot of hard earned cash on the thing. I don't blame your question, most barrel wear is done with improper cleaning. It's a good concern. Don't be afraid to ask any questions, dude. Someone is always here to help. Welcome to the World of the Black Rifle. |
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I, too, have the new gun paranoia thing going on. I've owned many guns over the years and never felt as concerned about proper care and feeding as I do with my AR. I don't know why it is...maybe because my AR is the gun I've always wanted and, despite spending big bucks for it, it's something I want to take care of. The folks on this forum have been great. Their advice, tolerance, and answers to "stupid questions" indeed make owning an AR much easier. |
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