Author Topic: Cleaning a 26" barrel (Read 821 times)

mountainview · « **on:** July 12, 2004, 11:52:53 AM »

Not sure if this is the right forum but thought it would be a good place to start. I have a 26" barrel on a bolt action 223 and have not found a suitable cleaning rod. All of my kits have rods which are too short for the 26" barrel and trying different combinations of rods from different universal kits does not work all that well since the rods seem to have different diameters of which at least one can be counted on not to fit through the barrel (223 is a really small hole). Currently I have a 40" long Tipton graphite rod which is nice except that the round handle keeps hitting on the cheekpiece of the stock as I run the rod through the barrel. This causes the rod to apply a bit more pressure on the lower side of the barrel near the muzzle which I am not sure if this is or is not a big deal.

I'd like to know if I am better off:
a) continuing with the Tipton rod
b) using a bore guide and cleaning from the muzzle (not really keen on this)
c) trying some other ideas that have been found to work for long barrels and if so I am really interested in hearing about them

Thanks in advance.

gunnut69 · « **Reply #1 on:** July 13, 2004, 04:39:34 PM »

I assume your using a cleaning rod guide and cleaning from the breach. If not that is the place to work from. It is possible to clean from the muzzle but a little dangerous. Perhaps a smaller handled rod would help. Try 'PrecisionShootersSupply'. They market a line of rods with knurled aluminum handles and long lengths that combined with a bore guide will work just fine. I don't understand how the rod hits the cheek rest and affects the rod at the muzzle unless you are not using a bore guide. I know of no one making a rod longer than 40 inches although a smaller hanfle may miss the cheek piece. Does the bolt of your rifle also hit the cheek rest?

mountainview · « **Reply #2 on:** July 14, 2004, 07:01:59 AM »

Hi G-Nut.

I am cleaning from the breech. I was perplexed the first time I used the Tipton rod as the handle (which is round and about 1 1/2" in diameter, unlike the flatter T-handle used on most rods) did not clear the stock. The particular firearm in question is a Savage 12FV which does not have a high cheekpiece but with the 26" barrel does need all 40" of the rod to get the jag out past the muzle. Standard 3 piece rods are a tad too short as the T-handle hits the back end of receiver before the rod exits the muzzle. I'll give shooters supply a visit and see what they have in the way of smaller handles/rods. I do like the Tipton rod though, the carbon rod is great and has much less pickup than my aluminum cleaning rods.

Just popped into my head that I could cut off the T-handle on an old set of aluminum rods and slip fit a small plastic or rubber tube over the end to act as a "handle". Think it would work satisfactorily with a bit of effort but still want to see if there are any other better ideas out there. Only other option would be to yank the stock off and clean but I am not keen on that.

gunnut69 · « **Reply #3 on:** July 14, 2004, 07:56:27 AM »

Sorry I missed the round ball statement. Most rods use a tubular handle that is knurled. They should clear OK. I've not used the carbon rods, prefering instead the piece stainless rods. The multi piece aluminum rods are hard on the rifle. I would use one only as a last resort. They flex and rub the inside of the bore and the soft aluminum will embed with grit and act like a lap to wear away the bore of the rifle. I advise stainless steel one piece and as large as will easily fit in the bore. The simplest fix might be to turn the ball down to a tubular shape. This should allow it to clear the stock.

savageT · « **Reply #4 on:** July 14, 2004, 12:29:53 PM »

Here's my two cents...........
On that .22 cal. bore, I know you are facing a difficult time getting all the way through that 26" barrel. Why not consider an Otis kit with flexrod (cable that is plastic coated)? With these, you PULL the cable through the bore from chamber to muzzle. You may want to contact them about getting a double cable as the one I have won't go all the way through (at least I doubt it!). They're on-line if you want to check with them using "Google" Search Engine. You might try a good stout line made out of nylon like parachute cord as a quick fix.
Jim

mountainview · « **Reply #5 on:** July 15, 2004, 06:55:08 PM »

Hi SavageT.

Thanks for the tip on the Otis kit, I'll do some serching and see what pops up. Been pushing the rods through for so long that it never dawned on me that pulling might be an alternative.

Thanks to you and G-Nut for the advice.

Regards.

Mitch in MI · « **Reply #6 on:** July 17, 2004, 01:19:16 AM »

If you're thinking about a pull-through, the Jack Lewis Crown Saver kit may do the trick. I can't remember the exact length, but it's pretty long, probably 30-36". Nylon rope in a plastic sheath with a t-handle like on a chain saw pull-starter for $8. Will fit in a 17 cal barrel if necessary.
You can get it at Mac-1 Airgun. The maintenance stuff is at the bottom of this page:
http://www.mac1airgun.com/retailprices.htm

longwinters · « **Reply #7 on:** July 18, 2004, 08:43:58 AM »

I would just go with a "Bore Snake". My friends, family and I use them and they are great!! Obviously they are not for scrubbing but for everyday cleaning. After a few uses we just put them in an old sock, tie it shut, and through it in the washer. Comes out as good as new. They have a brass bruch built into the front of the snake and after 2 - 3 passes your bore is clean as can be.

Long

chuckles · « **Reply #8 on:** July 29, 2004, 04:07:48 AM »

Take a look at this system. Best thing I've ever seen for gun cleaning. I have many kits and seperate components and use them all the time. Fixed/solid rods just sit unused anymore. www.otisgun.com

mountainview · « **Reply #9 on:** August 02, 2004, 05:03:46 AM »

Thanks for the tip Chuckles. That Otis system looks pretty good. Now I need to find a dealer in my area or check Midway.