Bore Snake vs Rod

[graywolf]

Been reading posts on cleaning the lever action Henrys and other firearms and looks like most folks really like the bore snake. I've never used one but can you tell me why you like it so much better. Should I be using one?

[tcpip95]

A bore snake is extremely quick and easy to use. You don't have to pull out the gun cleaning kit, assemble the rod, pick the brush.... Just grab the bore snake and pull it through a couple times.

A bore snake is not a replacement for a good cleaning kit though; it's just a quick clean for the barrel.

[BigAl52]

I use one in the 22's quite frequently. It still needs to be torn down and clean every so often but the bore snake works good in between those tear downs.

[graywolf]

Don’t know what it’s made of. But what would you do if the rope gets stuck or breaks.

[Sir Henry]

Don’t know what it’s made of. But what would you do if the rope gets stuck or breaks.

Very unlikely to happen if you use a snake in good condition. I’ve had a difficult time getting a new one through and have pulled with all my strength and the snake wasn’t even close to breaking.

Older ones glide through quite easily.

[markiver54]

Another adavantage is being able to clean from the breech without having to remove the lever. Removing the lever is pretty easy to do, however, the snake is quicker. I find that the snake cleans the bore very well.

[GeoBoy]

I use the Pro-Shot pull through product at the range.

[Hatchdog]

For me living in a winter climate I find I will use a snake to clean when it’s too cold to do so in the unheated garage. I don’t like to use solvents in the house due to the smell (aroma to us shooters ) and I really don’t like to be out in the cold garage in January. So I will use a snake to clean the bore and in the spring do a deeper cleaning with the proper solvent.

[graywolf]

Thanks everyone. I’m going to get one. I only shoot .22 and 410 these days. Think I will get one for the 410 first and see how it goes.

[markiver54]

Thanks everyone. I’m going to get one. I only shoot .22 and 410 these days. Think I will get one for the 410 first and see how it goes.

you won't regret it!

[graywolf]

Bore snake for the 410 ordered.

Don

[graywolf]

Used the bore snake on the Henry 410 this afternoon. Want to thank you all for the input on using it. Got it out of the package and saw the loop at the end of it. I thought this ain’t gonna be good. But it worked. I’ll be getting one for the .22’s now.

[markiver54]

Used the bore snake on the Henry 410 this afternoon. Want to thank you all for the input on using it. Got it out of the package and saw the loop at the end of it. I thought this ain’t gonna be good. But it worked. I’ll be getting one for the .22’s now.

Great GW. The snake IS a great timesaver and quick piece of mind to keep our guns in shape.

[Vaquero]

I have a few of them, been lookin for one in 6.5, but
they seem to always be sold out of that one.

RP

[Kissmybrass]

I now have 2 rods and four bore snakes for my pistols, revolvers and rifles. Even got a 12 gauge one (it's freaking huge lol)
Rods are more-or-less interchangeable but the snakes are all specific sizes.

Another tool for Henry's and revolvers I like to emphasize are proper gun screwdrivers so you don't scratch up the screws or receivers - Hollow ground screwdrivers are a must -

[Not_Invented_Here]

New to boresnakes, used it once on my H012 big boy in 357/38. Regardless of caliber, can anyone comment on how hard it should be to pull through the barrel? It was definitely dirty which I imagine could hold it up a bit, but it was tough enough that I didn't attempt to pull it through a second time and went with the Tipton rod + patches instead. I verified that the one I ordered off Amazon is the correct match for my caliber.

[markiver54]

They are a bit tight/snug to begin with. That is normal. it will ease up some with further use. If it wasn't a bit snug, it wouldn't be doing its job of cleaning the bore. obviously, put enough CLP, ( or whatever you choose to use ) on it.

[graywolf]

I used a bore snake for first time close to 2 months ago. I was worried about it getting hung up also, but everybody here assured me it wouldn't. I made sure I had a good hold on it and once I started pulling it thru, didn't stop. After that first time, I was able to relax, and enjoy using it.

Don

[Joe.45]

Shoot more, worry less!
Some advice from a shooting veteran: I have been using nothing but Boresnake and Ballistol for the past 25 years on ALL my 22LR barrels, including all Henry rifles, and I have never, ever, had a problem.

[Mike_S]

For me living in a winter climate I find I will use a snake to clean when it’s too cold to do so in the unheated garage. I don’t like to use solvents in the house due to the smell (aroma to us shooters ) and I really don’t like to be out in the cold garage in January. So I will use a snake to clean the bore and in the spring do a deeper cleaning with the proper solvent.

Exactly!