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Posted: 11/7/2007 8:46:34 AM EDT
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Requesting feedback from those who have used these. What I'm looking for is a portable cleaning set-up to keep in my rifle case. The old jointed steel military rod is a good way to trash one's barrel. So far, all I've seen that would fit the bill is a Bore-Snake, or one of these Otis kits. And they are DAMN pround of them, for what you get. I do NOT want to keep a cleaning rod in the case. Any other ideas suggestions welcomed... . |
What he said. If they trashed barrels - even when used WRONGLY -there would be some seriously fucked up barrels in the military. It just is not the case. The old school GI kit, a small 1" paint brush, some good pipe cleaners, and a good rag will take you far. The kit itself is all you need away from home. |
Okay. School me. FWIW, I was in for almost eight years. I don't recall ever reading about a specific way to use the jointed rod, in all the FMs/etc. I read. Not saying it isn't there; but I never saw it, or didn't pay attention if I did. Of course, I got out in 1978... Sorry, I simply do not see how a jointed, plain steel rod that does not have perfectly-fitting joints cannot help but damage the rifling, no matter how carefully you use it. So ya gotta 'splain that one to me.  . |
For starters, the -10 is not an FM., it is a TM. I think there are links to it around here somewhere. In addition, the cleaning rod is a very soft, malleable metal. It cannot hurt the barrel. I used to shoot competitively with beat up old rack rifles. I never came across one that didn't group well at 300+ yard. If a bunch of GIs over 10+ years can't hurt the barrel, nothing you can do at home will. |
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I have a Otis kit and a GI kit, I really don't think one cleans better than the other, thats my opinion. I am happy using either one. I say get both, neither one is overly expensive, then you can figure out which one you prefer. I have no scientific fact to whether or not the rod in a GI kit will screw up your barrel or not. I haven't had a problem yet. So... I will leave that to speculation unless someone can prove otherwise. |
Sure, I'd be glad to. One thing I always strive to do is provide documentation to support my posts. Here's the link to the -10. The info your looking for begins on Pg. 17. TM 9-1005-319-10 ETA:Graphic  |
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Okay, I got that. Thanks for the link, QUIB. But if the joints aren't "matched", the slightly non-concentric part will still scrape the lands as the rod is pulled (or pushed) through the bore. Maybe it won't nick the lands, or otherwise injure the rifling. I'd prefer not to take the chance. Thanks for all responses. . |
That's why I have the GI kit in the first place; actually, the solid-handle compact jointed rod that came with my 6520. You're right; do the serious cleaning at the bench with the proper tools. A Bore Snake, and chamber brush on a simple aluminum pistol rod, should suffice for "field" cleaning chores. I have been using a Bore Snake on my Marvel .22 target upper (1911), at the suggestion of an acquaintance. I had never paid any attention to those things before; my loss. . |
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Just for the record: I use a one-piece rod at home. My GI cleaning kit, like Gregory_K stated, is reserved for the field. Also, the sections of my GI rod screw together perfectly at the joints and I would not hesitate to use it at home. (It was my only cleaning rod for years.) It is a lot easier though on the bench at home, to use the one-piece and not mess with screwing together sections of rod. |
| I think the bore snakes serve a field expedient purpose. They compact easily and are a one step deal. For repeated use they need to be washed after use. Get a small net bag and wash it in your clothes washer. Hint: do not wash it with your underwear. The Otis Kits are great. I've used them in everything i own for many years and 100's of cleanings. |
| I have used the Otis cleaning kits for years. I haven't found anything else that runs a patch as tightly through rifle or pistol bores as Otis. But their patches ain't cheap, particularly if you're cleaning 9mm or .45ACP, which require two patches together to create a tight seal in the barrels. And their coated wire rods won't damage any barrels. I like the Otis system. |
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