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What is the best cleaning rod?

robsgunsrobsguns Member Posts: 4,581 ✭✭
edited January 2002 in Ask the Experts
I am tired, after 20 years of cleaning guns, of using inferior multi-piece rods. I want a rod, or rod set that will clean everything from 4" bbls. to 28" bbls. It also needs to be able to clean everything from .22 cal. bbls. to .458, and all shotgun guages. Someone please tell me what they have used that fits this description. Steel rods are out unless they have some type of really good protective coating. Brass or aluminum is ok with or without a protective coating. I've looked some, and have an idea which one I want, but want your opinions before I make up my mind, you all may have the answer, please advise.
SSgt Ryan E. Roberts, USMC
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Comments

  • rjpeacockrjpeacock Member Posts: 39 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Ryan, I have used Dewey coated rods for years and they are fine rods. I recently bought a set of Bore Tech rods and believe I like them even better. Really no such thing as a do-everything all caliber rod. You need a set that will cover the caliber you are shooting. Wipe the rod off after every pass so you don't carry contaminates back and forth in the bore, and you will also protect the finish of the rods. Go high quality, you pay more, but you get what you pay for. Russ
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  • idsman75idsman75 Member Posts: 13,398 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I just switched to Dewey Rods and will never look back. Get a free catalog with EXTENSIVE listings of their products by ordering at www.deweyrods.com You won't be disappointed.
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  • 1blitzer1blitzer Member Posts: 72 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Try an otis kit. It uses no-memory flex coated cables and the patches fit tightly to dry the bore to eliminate a fouling shot. I bought the otis elite and can clean everything from .177 to 50 cal and every shotgun caliber. It cost $75.00 but it was worth it and it comes in a case.
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  • DZvette53DZvette53 Member Posts: 1 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    These guys are right, Dewey one piece rods are absolutely the greatest!
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  • beachmaster73beachmaster73 Member Posts: 3,011 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Dewey rods are great. Have used them for many years of competitive shooting. Get a bore guide for your weapon and there is zero chance of damage to the crown....Now 1Blitzer's comments about the Otis kit are equally spot on. If you are looking for just cleaning your rifle after bringing it home from a match or in the field go with the Dewey...but NOTHING beats an Otis for total, complete, in the field cleaning. Marine and SEAL snipers use it exclusively. While I too have the complete every caliber known to mortal man Otis "Elite" set; you can easily take the shotgun attachment case and pull out the shotgun stuff put in your cable, bore brush, and brass patch swabber, as well as a few cloth patches into a container about the size of a cigarette pack and carry it with you into the field in your pack or cargo pocket. If your weapon is a little dirty before you are firing the 600 yard line you can easily clean your weapon in the pits with the Otis brush...no one would attempt that with a Dewey. The Dewey protects your bore better than any other solid rod on the market. The Otis does the same but you can roll the Otis up into a coil 2 inches in diameter and carry it with you anywhere. Your choice. Otis also markets a special SWAT Sniper rig which consist of just a single coil and one caliber bore brush and brass swabber. It's much cheaper but in the long run I'd go with the complete outfit if you are cleaning many different caliber weapons. Heck my kit even has a brush to clean a .50BMG. Haven't used that one yet. Hope this helps you with your decision. Beach
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  • robsgunsrobsguns Member Posts: 4,581 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Thank you for your advice, each and everyone of you. Each of your opinions is greatly appreciated and valued. Dewey is the clear front runner for my purposes, but the Otis has the versatility I want. This wont be an easy one, I'll sleep on it and figure it out.
    SSgt Ryan E. Roberts, USMC
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  • idsman75idsman75 Member Posts: 13,398 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Now what would you use if you were cleaning your rifle during the infamous.....Barrel Break-in Process?
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  • 25-0625-06 Member Posts: 382 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Sir, for about $75.00 you can buy all the Dewey rods and attachments you will need. Get the 44" rods then you do not have to worry about dragging the handle over the stock comb. A .22 cal. rod, a 30 cal. rod and a shotgun rod should set you up to clean almost anything. Vary your patch sizes instead of buying all the different caliber jags. The rifle rods come with brush adapters. I use Shooter's Choice and Hoppes #9, still love that smell after all these years, and they seem to work as good as any of the newer solutions. Hope this helps.
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  • He DogHe Dog Member Posts: 51,593 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I use Dewey rods at home and keep an Otis in the box for field cleaning. That pretty much covers it. I use Butch's Bore Shine. Doesn't smell like #9 but cleans much better, including lead and copper fouling.
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  • anderskandersk Member Posts: 3,627 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    25-06, You're right, the smell of Hoppees 39 brings back all kind of great memories for me, too!
    Ken
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  • anderskandersk Member Posts: 3,627 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Oops ... I meant to say "Hoppes #9"
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