Is a bore snake alone enough to clean your firearm's barrel?

Hokkmike · May 8th, 2017, 02:18 PM

Bought an FN 5.7 pistol.

I like it but my cleaning rod does not.

I have a .22 bore snake that goes through it nicely with the required tension.

The FN does have a CHROME lined barrel.

In your opinion would a bore snake be sufficient to clean this type of firearm?

Thanks.....

(I use the Otis system on my long guns)

**Daycrawler** · May 8th, 2017, 03:03 PM

I use a bore snake and then Butches bore shine on my guns. The bore snake should be ok unless you really foul the barrel. I would use a .22 rod with the extra small patches when it gets really dirty. My 5.7 never really seemed to get to dirty as I recall. You should be ok if you keep up on regular cleaning.

**Marcus99** · May 8th, 2017, 04:59 PM

I use bore snakes a lot and I have no problem with them. However they're not my only cleaning tool. I usually want at least a good fitting brush in addition as I don't think the bore snake "brushes" really do much.

You'll probably be ok, I'm pretty picky when it comes to cleanliness. I usually start with a brush soaked in solvent and brush well, wait a few mins for solvent to soak, and then bore snake. I usually only use a rod and patches on serious rifle cleanings.

**theunrulychef** · May 8th, 2017, 05:15 PM

I'm not super clean with most of my stuff so I love bore snakes. I put a pass or two through the bore after each range trip, but as Marcus99 said, I have other bore implements for a deep clean.

I would invest in a cleaning rod meant for 22, a brush & jag etc. If you have $$ to buy 5.7 ammo, you can spare a few bucks for cleaning gear lol.

**bamboomaster** · May 8th, 2017, 06:08 PM

I usually use a bore snake at the range before packing up to go home, especially if I'm shooting a powder I know to be "dirty" (Unique comes to mind). Just drip/squirt whatever solvent I remembered to bring and run 3-5 passes through the barrel which removes 95% of the crud. I do the final clean at home using a saturated bore brush and then a cleaning rod.

If I'm shooting precision stuff, I don't over-clean during the season - just a few drops of oil and 3-5 passes, wipe down the bolt/bolt face, wipe down the exterior, put it in the case, and it's ready for the next trip. At the end of the season, I do the bore brush and cleaning rod drill.