Experience with brass loop cleaning rod

[PT7]

I've found that the revolver cleaning rods I have on hand are too short for my Ruger 22/45. The OAL of the pistol is 9.75", and I need a rod at least 12" to clean from back end of bolt to muzzle end.

Interested in a brass loop rod as I looked through J Dewey Rods web site. https://deweyrods.com/product/22-calibe ... 24-inches/ The shortest rod I could find is 24" long that would clear the pistol's OAL 9.75" length. There is a 9" rod, but again, too short for the bull barrel Ruger.

Is anyone using a brass loop rod? How is it to hold and draw through a barrel? The rods I've used have a fixed round handle or a plastic "T" handle. The loop style looks like it would be not too hard to use. TIA.

PT7

[JEBar]

interesting .... I didn't know there are loop rods out there .... looking forward to following this thread .... hopefully we do have members who have experience using them

[Mistered]

interesting .... I didn't know there are loop rods out there

Yep - Back in the 'day' S & W used to include one with a couple tips and a little screwdriver with their new guns.
Don't know if they still do or not. I still have a couple of them.

[ESquared]

No experience with this design, but it appears that the loop is just the handle. I've always favored a T-Handled rod, made of aluminum, as it rotates and allows the brush and patch to follow the rifling of the barrel (at least in principle). Also seems like it would be easier on the hands than a round brass loop.

I'm no metallurgist, but my perception is that aluminum is softer than brass, and I'd rather have as soft a material as possible shoving stuff through my barrels.

But, you can throw all this in the "free advice" folder, PT, as it's all personal preference. If you like the look and feel, it was meant to be!

[Mags]

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So with the cleaning attachments (mops, jags, patch holders, etc) isn't the overall length of the rod/attachment about 11 inches?

I've found that the revolver cleaning rods I have on hand are too short for my Ruger 22/45. The OAL of the pistol is 9.75", and I need a rod at least 12" to clean from back end of bolt to muzzle end.

Interested in a brass loop rod as I looked through J Dewey Rods web site. https://deweyrods.com/product/22-calibe ... 24-inches/ The shortest rod I could find is 24" long that would clear the pistol's OAL 9.75" length. There is a 9" rod, but again, too short for the bull barrel Ruger.

Is anyone using a brass loop rod? How is it to hold and draw through a barrel? The rods I've used have a fixed round handle or a plastic "T" handle. The loop style looks like it would be not too hard to use. TIA.

PT7

[Mistered]

So with the cleaning attachments (mops, jags, patch holders, etc) isn't the overall length of the rod/attachment about 11 inches?

Kinda what I was thinking also.

OR - if you have a three piece .22 rifle rifle cleaning rod just screw an extra section to the 'tip' section and now you have a rod long enough!

[clovishound]

I recently got a Pro Shot polished stainless steel pistol cleaning rod. I got tired of wearing out the aluminum ones. They come in various lengths, so it's easy to get the size you want.

This is a heavy duty cleaning rod that should last the rest of my shooting career. It has a round handle that rotates with the rifling. When using a tight fitting jag, I don't have to worry about the rod bending, or the threads deforming.

[Mags]

I use only soft metal cleaning rods.

[clovishound]

I use only soft metal cleaning rods.

I understand the thinking on that. However, I don't think a polished SS rod will mar the inside of a barrel.

[Mags]

.
more like chafing the muzzle crown

I use only soft metal cleaning rods.

I understand the thinking on that. However, I don't think a polished SS rod will mar the inside of a barrel.

[Mistered]

more like chafing the muzzle crown

It would take a lot of effort to damage a muzzle crown with a cleaning rod - much less if it were polished stainless steel. Used normally no issue.

[clovishound]

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more like chafing the muzzle crown

I use only soft metal cleaning rods.

I understand the thinking on that. However, I don't think a polished SS rod will mar the inside of a barrel.

That's why you use a bore guide. The more likely damage in my mind is grit that is picked up by the cleaning rod, regardless of hardness of the material.

[Henry88]

There are more opinions on cleaning rods than there are.....well you know..............LOL

[Henry88]

The more likely damage in my mind is grit that is picked up by the cleaning rod, regardless of hardness of the material.

If that is true, and it very well may be, then you should never use a bore snake more than once?

[Mistered]

If that is true, and it very well may be, then you should never use a bore snake more than once?

Always a good idea to 'clean' your cleaning tools before using them - to remove any potential grit, dirt etc. they may pick up from lying around.

[Mags]

.
Of course, but just more cleaning kit parts to keep track of and not misplace. Plus several guides if one owns multiple calibers of firearms.

That's why you use a bore guide. ...

[Mags]

.
get/use ones with fiberglass bristles.

The more likely damage in my mind is grit that is picked up by the cleaning rod, regardless of hardness of the material.

If that is true, and it very well may be, then you should never use a bore snake more than once?

[Lyman]

Brass is all I ever used for 30 or so years. I lost mine and couldn't find it. I now use a 3 pc aluminum. Works just as good.

[PT7]

For my Qs, I believe I got closest to what I wanted to know from ESquared. He "has no experience" with a loop rod, and perceives "it would not be easy on the hands."

However, with all the preferences expressed, got some helpful pointers which I'll look at. I've not been able to find a loop rod in a local LGS to handle one, and on-line I cannot locate any with my best length for use on my 22/45. So without availability, do need another option. Clovishound's preference below is where I'll head next. Primary needs are one-piece rod with approx. 12" length. Shall see what I see.

Finally to JEBar. Your not knowing that there are "loop rods out there" was a telling point. Guess they just are not that highly-used or popular. The design simply caught my eye.

Thanks for working on this issue with me, Henry Folk.

PT7

No experience with this design, but it appears that the loop is just the handle. I've always favored a T-Handled rod, made of aluminum, as it rotates and allows the brush and patch to follow the rifling of the barrel (at least in principle). Also seems like it would be easier on the hands than a round brass loop.

I'm no metallurgist, but my perception is that aluminum is softer than brass, and I'd rather have as soft a material as possible shoving stuff through my barrels.

But, you can throw all this in the "free advice" folder, PT, as it's all personal preference. If you like the look and feel, it was meant to be!

I recently got a Pro Shot polished stainless steel pistol cleaning rod....They come in various lengths, so it's easy to get the size you want.

interesting .... I didn't know there are loop rods out there .... looking forward to following this thread .... hopefully we do have members who have experience using them

[ESquared]

Always here to help!

I think Ed hit on it above, and it's "back to basics" with a simple Hoppe's kit for 22 Cal, with a three-piece aluminum rod, T-Handle and the rest of the goodies. Just use 2 of the 3 sections and you're all set.

https://www.amazon.com/Hoppes-Cleaning- ... 53&sr=8-16