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Posted: 2/10/2004 9:01:46 AM EDT
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Is a Bore Snake an accepted device to clean the barrel? I didn't see anything mentioned and am just curious. |
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Not to say that the USMC and the military in general do everything the best way, but the USMC issues the Otis Cleaning System with the DMR's currently in service. They went with this to promote cleaning from the breach and to avoid messing up the crown. This is first hand knowledge from my Brother who is a D.M. w/ 2nd Marine F.A.S.T. Company. I do agree that a Dewey cleaning rod, etc is the best way to go but this is a fairly cheap, compact system thats easy to keep with the rifle. |
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I used rods for years. My local dealer turned me on to the Bore Snake. I will never ever use a rod in any od my rifles ever again. When used correctly it cleans just as good, if not better, ten times faster and will not hurt your chamber or bore ever. Just be careful of the loop at the end, It grabbed on to the recevier once and I almost ripped it. Bore Snake man for life. PS.....family members in Iraq right now. They are also new Bore Snake converts. The Army and USMC may have a system, but believe me, my peeps in the sand are using Bore Snakes. |
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I like the Snake; it's not the same as a "real" cleaning, but it's better than nothing and you can do it at the range in five minutes tops. If you always, always clean your guns when you're done shooting, it's kind of superfluous, but if you're prone to procrastination, it's great <g>. jafager |
Hold rifle upside down and gently run end through the chamber out the front of the muzzle. When I get the brush part right outside the chamber, I dab a little break free on the brush. Pull it through wet, let it set 15 minutes or so and pull it through 3 or 4 times, comes out beautiful everytime. The bore snake is just that though, a bore snake. You still have to scrub the chamber with a chamber brush. I love the snake. But I loved Knight Rider in 1984, perhaps I'll live to regret the bore snake. |
Too Funny 
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The military used "pull thrus" for bore cleaning since the M1903. The Krag-series had a sectional cleaning rod in the butt trap, but the M1903 thru the M1 had a pull thru. Rod was called a "barracks rod" and not individual issue. Bore snake does literally everything. Only problem is they're caliber specific, so you need at least 3: 5.56mm, 7.62mm, and .45 caliber. Glug on some CLP and pull thru. -- Chuck |
| Another alternative is the Otis kits. They are very handy, but as was mentioned they are maginal at best for the chamber. I keep one of the multi-caliber Otis kits in my range bag and take it with me (in camp) when hunting. But after a real shoot I clean up with the Dewey Rod and solvent, bronze brushe and cotton patches. Buddys with Bore Snakes do love them for being fast and simple! I would say use it if you like, but get a chamber brush and hit that chamber before you put the rifle away. |
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I've used the BoreSnake, and IMHO it's good for the quick cleaning job at the range. I generally leave the bore wet with solvent and do a final, complete cleaning when I return home from the range. The soaking speeds things up a bit. That said, The issue GI sectional rod cleaning kit stored in the buttstock has advantages, some of which are not immediately apparent. It adds some recoil-dampening mass to the rifle at the very rear of the weapon where it serves to reduce muzzle heaviness. It is indispensable if you have to tap out a stuck bullet or if you need to use a broken shell extractor. The handle of the cleaning rod has tools with which the rear sight can be adjusted, the bolt broken down and re-assembled, and the gas cylinder nut/screw tightened, among other things. The best tool for cleaning the M1/M1A chamber, the ratcheted cleaning brush, is designed to work in conjunction with a cleaning rod section as a handle. Properly stowed, it is always with the rifle, ready when needed. No chance of forgetting it/losing it etc.. Otis claims that their kit will serve to remove stuck rounds/broken case extractors. Maybe so. I've not yet had the opportunity to test this, and I'm not going to go out of my way to arrange circumstances to make that happen. Both the BoreSnake and Otis have their uses, and are good equipment within their limitations. For the moment, I will use the 'Snake to pre-wet the barrel prior to a good cleaning back home with a Dewey rod and muzzle guide. As for cleaning the BoreSnake, get some brake cleaner spray from an auto parts store, and just hose it down. Also works great for removing grease from carpets. Mind the fumes. YMMV. |
The 1st time you jam an Otis in your rifle you'll wish you had a BoreSnake...I did  .
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All true but those seem like extra reasons to have the GI cleaning kit beyond just the practicallity of the Bore Snake. I like GI cleaning kits just because I am a dork and like GI things. But in the last two years I have been made a believer in the Bore Snake and the Glock pistol. Both things I scoffed at and now can't live without. New stuff that really kicks butt is always cool. |
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