In years past the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit Facebook page regularly released reloading “how-to” articles each week. One “Handloading Hump Day” post covered bore-cleaning, specifically the use of pull-through style bore-snakes. Visit the USAMU Facebook page for other helpful tips.

Barrel Cleaning with Bore-Snakes

Today, we’ll shift from handloading to rifle bore cleaning and maintenance, with information courtesy of the USAMU’s Custom Firearms Shop. We recently had some inquiries about bore cleaning, and this seems a good opportunity to share. After all, even the best handloads won’t yield their full potential in a poorly-cleaned and maintained rifle.

NOTE: Hoppes claims a trademark on the term “BoreSnake” (one word, no hyphen). For this article, the USAMU has used the term in hyphenated form, two words. We believe the USAMU is referring to a Hoppes Brand Boresnake, not a different bore cleaning rope.

BORE-SNAKES: MIRACLE REPLACEMENT FOR THE CLEANING ROD?
The experiences of our both firearms test specialist and this writer have given no evidence that proper use of a clean bore-snake will damage a match barrel. Of course, one does not pull the bore-snake at an angle to the crown when removing it — pull it straight out, parallel to the bore’s direction, to prevent crown wear over time.

Bore-snakes are very useful for some applications (primarily a hasty, interim wipe-down). In [my] experience they cannot replace a thorough cleaning with a proper rod and brushes. While the experiment cited here involves rimfire, it may help illustrate. Several years ago, the writer used his new, personal Anschutz to investigate the bore-snake issue. It had been fired ~350 rds with match ammo and had had 3 typical rod/brush cleanings.

Next, starting with a clean bore, the writer fired 300 more rounds without cleaning in order to build up a “worst-case” fouling condition. Afterwards, the writer examined the bore with a Hawkeye bore scope. There was a uniform, grey film down the entire barrel, with some small, intermittent lead build-up at and just forward of the throat.

Some bore-cleaning rope products feature separate, detachable bronze brush and bore mop segments. This allows more usage options (e.g. mop only), and makes it easier to clean the brush elements:

A new bore-snake was then wet with solvent and pulled through the bore. The Hawkeye revealed that the grey fouling was gone, and much of the visible fouling at the throat was reduced. However, nine more passes with the bore-snake, checking after each with the Hawkeye, revealed no further improvement in cleaning. The writer then cleaned with two wet patches, observed, then one stroke of a new, wet bronze brush, and one wet patch to clean out residue.

The Hawkeye showed a significant reduction in fouling at the throat; it was virtually gone. A second pass with a wet bronze brush and a wet patch removed the remaining fouling. Scrubbing the bore further, checking to see how much fouling was removed, revealed no significant improvement. The reason for this test was to learn what’s needed to get (and keep) this Anschutz clean with minimal cleaning rod use — and thus, minimal risk of bore damage/wear. Leaving fouling in the bore promotes corrosion over time.

Obviously, this applies to a nice, smooth rimfire match barrel, using good, well lubed ammo. It doesn’t apply directly to the use of copper-jacketed bullets, which leave a stubborn fouling all their own. However, it does suggest that while the bore-snake can be helpful and a useful field-expedient, to truly clean a rifle barrel one will still need a good quality rod, bronze brush and solvents. [Editor: Add a good-fitting cleaning rod bore guide.]

SO, WHAT ABOUT BORE SNAKES FOR BARREL BREAK-IN?
The goal of barrel break-in is to fire each shot through a clean barrel, preventing copper buildup and allowing the bullets their best chance at burnishing sharp edges. Thus, it seems this purpose would be best served by one’s usual rods, brushes and rod guides.

On Wednesdays, the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit often publishes a reloading “how-to” article on the USAMU Facebook page. One “Handloading Hump Day” post covered bore-cleaning, specifically the use of pull-through style bore-snakes. Visit the USAMU Facebook page each Wednesday for other helpful tips.

Today, we’ll shift from handloading to rifle bore cleaning and maintenance, with information courtesy of the USAMU’s Custom Firearms Shop. We recently had some inquiries about bore cleaning, and this seems a good opportunity to share. After all, even the best handloads won’t yield their full potential in a poorly-cleaned and maintained rifle.

NOTE: Hoppes claims a trademark on the term “BoreSnake” (one word, no hyphen). For this article, the USAMU has used the term in hyphenated form, two words. We believe the USAMU is referring to a Hoppes Brand Boresnake, not a different bore cleaning rope.

BORE-SNAKES: MIRACLE REPLACEMENT FOR THE CLEANING ROD?
The experiences of both our firearms test specialist and this writer have given no evidence that proper use of a clean bore-snake will damage a match barrel. Of course, one does not pull the bore-snake at an angle to the crown when removing it — pull it straight out, parallel to the bore’s direction, to prevent crown wear over time.

Bore-snakes are very useful for some applications (primarily a hasty, interim wipe-down). In [my] experience they cannot replace a thorough cleaning with a proper rod and brushes. While the experiment cited here involves rimfire, it may help illustrate. Several years ago, the writer used his new, personal Anschutz to investigate the bore-snake issue. It had been fired ~350 rds with match ammo and had had 3 typical rod/brush cleanings.

Next, starting with a clean bore, the writer fired 300 more rounds without cleaning in order to build up a “worst-case” fouling condition. Afterwards, the writer examined the bore with a Hawkeye bore scope. There was a uniform, grey film down the entire barrel, with some small, intermittent lead build-up at and just forward of the throat.

Some bore-cleaning rope products feature separate, detachable bronze brush and bore mop segments. This allows more usage options (e.g. mop only), and makes it easier to clean the brush elements:

A new bore-snake was then wet with solvent and pulled through the bore. The Hawkeye revealed that the grey fouling was gone, and much of the visible fouling at the throat was reduced. However, nine more passes with the bore-snake, checking after each with the Hawkeye, revealed no further improvement in cleaning. The writer then cleaned with two wet patches, observed, then one stroke of a new, wet bronze brush, and one wet patch to clean out residue.

The Hawkeye showed a significant reduction in fouling at the throat; it was virtually gone. A second pass with a wet bronze brush and a wet patch removed the remaining fouling. Scrubbing the bore further, checking to see how much fouling was removed, revealed no significant improvement. The reason for this test was to learn what’s needed to get (and keep) this Anschutz clean with minimal cleaning rod use — and thus, minimal risk of bore damage/wear. Leaving fouling in the bore promotes corrosion over time.

Obviously, this applies to a nice, smooth rimfire match barrel, using good, well lubed ammo. It doesn’t apply directly to the use of copper-jacketed bullets, which leave a stubborn fouling all their own. However, it does suggest that while the bore-snake can be helpful and a useful field-expedient, to truly clean a rifle barrel one will still need a good quality rod, bronze brush and solvents. [Editor: Add a good-fitting cleaning rod bore guide.]

SO, WHAT ABOUT BORE SNAKES FOR BARREL BREAK-IN?
The goal of barrel break-in is to fire each shot through a clean barrel, preventing copper buildup and allowing the bullets their best chance at burnishing sharp edges. Thus, it seems this purpose would be best served by one’s usual rods, brushes and rod guides.

In years past the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit Facebook page regularly released reloading “how-to” articles each week. One “Handloading Hump Day” post covered bore-cleaning, specifically the use of pull-through style bore-snakes. Visit the USAMU Facebook page for other helpful tips.

Barrel Cleaning with Bore-Snakes

Today, we’ll shift from handloading to rifle bore cleaning and maintenance, with information courtesy of the USAMU’s Custom Firearms Shop. We recently had some inquiries about bore cleaning, and this seems a good opportunity to share. After all, even the best handloads won’t yield their full potential in a poorly-cleaned and maintained rifle.

NOTE: Hoppes claims a trademark on the term “BoreSnake” (one word, no hyphen). For this article, the USAMU has used the term in hyphenated form, two words. We believe the USAMU is referring to a Hoppes Brand Boresnake, not a different bore cleaning rope.

BORE-SNAKES: MIRACLE REPLACEMENT FOR THE CLEANING ROD?
The experiences of our both firearms test specialist and this writer have given no evidence that proper use of a clean bore-snake will damage a match barrel. Of course, one does not pull the bore-snake at an angle to the crown when removing it — pull it straight out, parallel to the bore’s direction, to prevent crown wear over time.

Bore-snakes are very useful for some applications (primarily a hasty, interim wipe-down). In [my] experience they cannot replace a thorough cleaning with a proper rod and brushes. While the experiment cited here involves rimfire, it may help illustrate. Several years ago, the writer used his new, personal Anschutz to investigate the bore-snake issue. It had been fired ~350 rds with match ammo and had had 3 typical rod/brush cleanings.

Next, starting with a clean bore, the writer fired 300 more rounds without cleaning in order to build up a “worst-case” fouling condition. Afterwards, the writer examined the bore with a Hawkeye bore scope. There was a uniform, grey film down the entire barrel, with some small, intermittent lead build-up at and just forward of the throat.

Some bore-cleaning rope products feature separate, detachable bronze brush and bore mop segments. This allows more usage options (e.g. mop only), and makes it easier to clean the brush elements:

A new bore-snake was then wet with solvent and pulled through the bore. The Hawkeye revealed that the grey fouling was gone, and much of the visible fouling at the throat was reduced. However, nine more passes with the bore-snake, checking after each with the Hawkeye, revealed no further improvement in cleaning. The writer then cleaned with two wet patches, observed, then one stroke of a new, wet bronze brush, and one wet patch to clean out residue.

The Hawkeye showed a significant reduction in fouling at the throat; it was virtually gone. A second pass with a wet bronze brush and a wet patch removed the remaining fouling. Scrubbing the bore further, checking to see how much fouling was removed, revealed no significant improvement. The reason for this test was to learn what’s needed to get (and keep) this Anschutz clean with minimal cleaning rod use — and thus, minimal risk of bore damage/wear. Leaving fouling in the bore promotes corrosion over time.

Obviously, this applies to a nice, smooth rimfire match barrel, using good, well lubed ammo. It doesn’t apply directly to the use of copper-jacketed bullets, which leave a stubborn fouling all their own. However, it does suggest that while the bore-snake can be helpful and a useful field-expedient, to truly clean a rifle barrel one will still need a good quality rod, bronze brush and solvents. [Editor: Add a good-fitting cleaning rod bore guide.]

SO, WHAT ABOUT BORE SNAKES FOR BARREL BREAK-IN?
The goal of barrel break-in is to fire each shot through a clean barrel, preventing copper buildup and allowing the bullets their best chance at burnishing sharp edges. Thus, it seems this purpose would be best served by one’s usual rods, brushes and rod guides.

At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Sunday afternoon or Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, optics, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze you lose.

1. Cabela’s & Bass Pro — Remington 700 ADL Varmint, $419.97

⏺ Remington 700 ADL $80 Off — good basis for many projects

Both Cabela’s and Bass Pro are now selling this rifle for $419.97 — a great price on a Rem 700 ADL rifle. Offered in .223 Rem, .22-250, 6.5 Creedmoor, or .308 Win, this 8.5-lb rifle can be a good hunting rig as is, or you can upgrade trigger and/or stock. Buyer reviews have been positive: “I bought this gun in the 6.5 CM with the intention of making it a PRS match gun. I put a Timney trigger in and a KRG Bravo stock and a weaver 20 MOA scope rail. It’s one heck of a great shooter! The trigger was crisp but way heavy on my gun. It’s made a great project gun … worth the money.” Stock is matte black, while factory barrel is 26″.

2. Palmetto SA — Stoeger STR-9 9mm Compact Pistol, $299.99

⏺ Smart CCW pistol choice — good ergonomics, reliable, great value

Compact carry pistols are in short supply right now. Inventories are selling out quickly at gun stores across the USA. If you’re look for a quality 9mm carry gun at a VERY good price, check our this this Stoeger STR-9. We’ve shot this German-made handgun and we like the ergonomics and trigger better than Glock. Weight, without ammo, is 24 ounces. It uses a 13-round doublestack magazine. The $299.99 price is about half what you might pay for a Glock 19. User reviews are very positive.

3. Midway USA — Factory Seconds Bullets Sale

⏺ Great prices on huge variety of major brand bullets

Here’s your chance to score major-brand bullets at very significant discounts. MidwayUSA is running a big Factory Seconds Bullets Sale. Right now a wide selection of bullets are offered with major discounts. For the most part, these “seconds” bullets just have slight cosmetic flaws, so they still meet the needs of 99% of shooters. MidwayUSA doesn’t list brand names, but you’ll probably recognize the bullets by shape, weight, and tip type. Grab what you need now — the most popular calibers will sell out.

4. Natchez — RCBS ChargeMaster Lite, $229.99

Do you need an electronic powder scale and dispenser? For the very popular RCBS ChargeMaster Lite most vendors are charging $290-$300. But now you can get it for just $229.99 at Natchez. You save $70.00, about 24%. The RCBS ChargeMaster Lite is the modern second generation Scale/Dispenser, descended from the original ChargeMaster. The ChargeMaster Lite features an easy-to-use LCD touchscreen. Dispenser precision is plus/minus 0.1 grains. The unit comes with twin check weights and a convenient plastic cover for the powder pan.

5. Midsouth — Wilson Micrometer Case Trimmer with Stand

⏺ High quality, holds case perfectly, micrometer gives precise length control

The L.E. Wilson Micrometer Case Trimmer ($145.99 at Midsouth) is easy-to-use and precise — cases are consistently trimmed square and to the desired length. The trimmer can also perform inside neck and primer pocket reaming with optional attachments. With the micrometer stop you can fine tune trim length in .001″ increments. Creedmoor Sports also offers this same kit for $154.95, including plastic carry case. NOTE these kits do NOT include the cartridge-specific case holder, sold separately.

6. Midsouth — Frankford Rotary Tumbler + Magnet, $179.99

⏺ Great deal on BIG tumbler with magnet.

Wet-tumbling brass with stainless media is fast and effective at cleaning off carbon, dirt, and residues. One of the best tumblers on the market is the Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Rotary Tumbler. NOTE — this is the BIG unit that can tumble up to 1,000 cases of .223 Rem brass! Right now this Tumbler is on sale for $179.99, 18% off the regular price. And if you order now you can a FREE big magnet to pick up those stainless steel tumbling pins. You can also get this Big Platinum Series Tumbler by itself (no magnet) for $164.95 on Amazon.

7. MidwayUSA — Walker’s Electronic Muffs, $51.35 (35% Off)

⏺ Save 50% on Good Quality Electronic Muffs 26dB NRR

We like Electronic muffs when you need to hear range commands or get info from a team coach or your spotter. The Walker’s Ultimate Alpha Power Muff Electronic Earmuffs are comfortable with good 26dB NRR. The two hi gain omni directional microphones pick up sound equally from all directions. These Walker’s Alpha Muffs are on sale now at Midway for $51.35 a 35% savings off normal retail. For the price, about half what you’d pay for many electronic muffs, these are a very good value.

8. Midsouth Shooters — Bulldog Rifle Case Sale

⏺ Good quality; 54″ case holds PRS and Match Rifles; Bargain Cases too

Midsouth is running a sale now on the Bulldog Rifle Cases. For F-Class and PRS rifles with long barrels, we like the big 54″ Long Range Rifle Case shown above. It’s hard to find a nice, thickly padded case with this much internal length (what you new for F-class rigs). Bulldog also make great tactical cases for modern sporting rifles. And you’ll find affordable green/tan zippered cases for scoped hunting rifles (48″, $13.05) and long-barrel shotguns (52″, $13.25). These $13 Bulldog economy cases are a great bargain.

9. Precision Reloading — Caldwell TAC OPS Holster, $15.68

⏺ Very secure IWB paddle holster at incredible low price

This is a good, secure holster for a killer low price — just $15.68, 38% off normal retail. This has a paddle that slips inside the wast band, the shell for the pistol can be rotated to any angle. There are versions specifically molded for 20 popular pistols including m1911, SIG P226, Beretta 92, Glock models 19/23/26/27/32/33/34/42, Ruger LC9/LCP, S&W models M&P 9mm/Compact/380 bodyguard, S&W J-Frame Revolver, Taurus models PT800/24-7.

10. MidwayUSA — TEKMAT 36″ x 12″ Rifle Cleaning Mat, $9.99

⏺ Ultra-Low price on high quality mat with assembly diagrams

TEKMAT makes great products for cleaning long guns. This large 36″ x 12″ vulcanized rubber mat includes a full parts diagram for AR-platform rifles, available in gray, black, and green. Get either type of 36″ x 12″ mat for just $9.99!. That’s 50% OFF the normal $19.99 price — a GREAT Deal. The oil- and water-resistant surface helps protect your firearm from scratches while the diagrams help with take-down and reassembly. MidwayUSA also has the 17″ x 11″ Tekmat Handgun Gun Cleaning Mat on sale for just $5.99 — a steal. At this price you can buy a pair, or give them as gifts to your shooting buddies.

11. Amazon — Bore-Snake Two-Pack, $9.99 (or $5.99 Single)

⏺ Very positive user reviews, good selection of diameters

While bore cleaning should be done with a good cleaning rod and fitted bore guide, there are times when Bore-Snakes can be handy, such as when cleaning pistols and 10/22s. Now on Amazon you can get two (2) Gogoku Bore-Snakes for just $9.99. The twin-pack is for .223 (5.56) rifles and 12ga shotguns, but you can order other pair for .223 and .308 caliber rifles. There are also single Huntsen Bore-Snakes for $5.99 in a wide variety of calibers and shotgun bore sizes.

At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Sunday afternoon or Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, optics, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze you lose.

1. EuroOptic — Free Kestrel 5700 with Leupold Mark 5HD Scope

If you don’t own a Kestrel yet, this is a fantastic deal. Right now at EuroOptic, if you purchase a Leupold Mark 5 HD scope, you get a FREE Kestrel 5700 with Hornady 4DOF, a $499.00 value. Choose from a variety of Leupold Mark 5HD models, MOA or MRAD: 7-35x56mm, 5-25x56mm, and 3.6-18x44mm. That Kestrel 5700 includes an advanced Ballistics App.

2. Cabela’s — Savage 12 FV and Ruger American Rifles on Sale

Looking for a great deal on a basic hunting rifle? Cabela’s is offering big discounts on Savage 12FV and Ruger American rifles now through 11:59 pm on January 22, 2020. The Savage 12FV is marked down to just $369.97 while the Rugers are 10% Off. Along with rifle bargains, Cabela’s Cabin Fever Sale includes great deals on hunting clothing, camping gear, and ammo.

3. Brownells — CCI .22 LR Ammo, $22.99 for 500 rounds

Here’s a great deal on big-name, rimfire ammo. Right now you can get a 500-round pack of CCI Standard Velocity 40gr LRN ammo for just $22.99. That works out to just four-and-a-half cents per round. That’s a great deal on reliable CCI ammo. But it gets even better. If you purchase at least four 500-rd packs (2000 rounds total), and add a small item to get the order over $99.00, you also get $10.00 Off and FREE shipping and with Discounnt CODE MDX. There is also a CCI Ammo Rebate if you buy a new rimfire firearm in 2020.

4. Sportsman’s Warehouse — Ruger 9mm SR9 Pistol, $249.95

We’ve shot the Ruger SR9 9mm pistol and we like the ergonomics MUCH better than a Glock. The SR9 is comfortable with a slim, ergonomic grip, reversible backstrap, and narrow stainless slide. The Ruger SR9 also includes ambidextrous manual safety and magazine release, built-in Picatinny rail, and adjustable high-viz 3-dot sight system. If you are looking for a standard 9x19mm pistol (4.14″ barrel), this is a great value — $249.95 at Sportsman’s Warehouse

5. Amazon — ADDTOP Power Bank with Solar Panels, $39.99

Power — modern shooters need mobile battery power to run a LabRadar, charge a Tablet monitoring a Target Camera, or charge you smartphone running a Ballistics App. Here’s one of the best compact USB-port batteries you can buy. This offers 25000 mAh of energy, PLUS it has four solar panels (one built-in, three external). This ADDTOP Power Bank is on sale now for $39.99 on Amazon, a good deal.

6. Walmart — EZShoot Rifle Case with Shoulder Straps, $38.59

We like this versatile bag for hunting and varmint trips. The 47.2″ EZshoot gun case provides good protection for scoped rifles with up to about 27″ barrels. The large pockets will hold binoculars, laser rangefinder, windmeter, ammunition, and other gear. The big bonus is this inexpensive carry case includes comfortable, adjustable shoulder straps. That makes it easy to carry everything from your vehicle to your shooting area. You get all this functionality for under twenty-five bucks. Walmart currently offers this 47.2″ case for just $38.59 with FREE shipping to your residence.

7. Amazon — Padded Shooting Mat, $37.99

Are you new to prone shooting or tired of using an old worn out mat? Grab one of these Redneck Convent padded shooting mats and you shoot in style and comfort all day long. These pads are weather, chemical and water resistant and the durable PVC material is easy to clean and maintain. Best of all it rolls up for easy storage and transport.

8. Field Supply — Huge Discounts on Gerber and Other Knives

Gerber makes excellent fixed- and folding-blade knives. Right now at Field Supply you can save up to 72% on Gerber and other popular knife brands. The multi-function Gerber Bear Grylls Grandfather is just $9.68, while the Gerber 3-Knife Pursuit Hunting Kit (Kukri Machete, Saw, Fixed Blade) is now $37.13, marked down from $92.00. That’s a superb blade trio for hunters. There are also great deals on Winchester knives. For example, Winchester Fine Edge Folders are just $9.66.

9. Amazon — Bore-Snake Two-Pack, $7.99

While bore cleaning should be done with a good cleaning rod and fitted bore guide, there are times when Bore-Snakes can be handy, such as when cleaning pistols and 10/22s. Now on Amazon you can get two (2) convenient GogoKu Bore-Snakes for just $7.99. Get two of the same diameter (.22 up to 12ga), or choose a Kit with both .223 and .308 sizes. Handy item for your range bag. For a limited time you may be able to get 20% OFF by using code 20ZFXQ3W at checkout.

Christmas is just one week away, so today we’re featuring a hand-picked collection of “stocking stuffers” for precision shooters. Some of these are recent new inventions. All are handy items that you’ll use over and over again at the range, on your vehicle, and/or at your loading bench (so you’re allowed to buy them for yourself, even after Christmas).

B&T Industries BT62 Determinator — $7.95

The acrylic BT62 Determinator measures groups with laser-cut concentric measuring rings. Check group size quick and easy — simply place the Determinator over shot group. Adjust until one of the circles crosses the center of the two outer-most holes. That gives you the center to center group measurement (1.5″ maximum). Alternatively, you can measure edge to edge (of the farthest shots) and then subtract the bullet diameter. Cool tool for gun guys. The supplied lanyard also glows in the dark.

Surveyor’s Tape (for Wind Indicators) — $1.99

Always watch the wind when you shoot. Inexpensive, Day-Glo Surveyors’ Tape (aka “Flagging Tape”), attached to a stake or target frame, makes a good wind indicator. It will flutter even in mild breezes, alerting you to both angle and velocity shifts. This should be part of every range kit. Don’t leave home without it. This can also be ordered from Creedmoor Sports for $3.95 per roll.

Cabela’s Multi-Tool (Various Colors) — $5.00

You won’t find a more versatile tool at this amazingly low price — just $5.99! The Cabela’s multi-tool performs many functions. It features flat-nose pliers, wire-stripper, knife, Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers, saw, bottle opener, and scissors. Nylon sheath included. This handy tool is available in size colors: Red, Green, Orange, Purple, Teal, and Silver. A nylon sheath is included.

Amazon — Bore-Snake Two-Pack — $7.99

While bore cleaning should be done with a good cleaning rod and fitted bore guide, there are times when Bore-Snakes can be handy, such as when cleaning pistols and 10/22s. Now on Amazon you can get two (2) convenient GogoKu Bore-Snakes for just $7.99. Get two of the same diameter (.22 up to 12ga), or choose a Kit with both .223 and .308 sizes. Great stocking stuffer for a shooter.

Work Sharp — Pivot Plus Knife Sharpener — $7.95

The new, easy-to-carry Pivot Plus Knife Sharpener from WorkSharp provides a 3-stage honing process for keeping your knives sharp in the field.. Sharpen straight-edge blades with a few pulls on the carbide and ceramic v-cut sharpening slots, and hone your serrated blades with the diamond-coated rod. A great stocking stuffer, this little sharpener costs just $7.95 on Amazon.

Bullet Central — Magnifying Light, $12.95 – $19.50

If you’re like most shooters, you can use more light and magnification when inspecting brass and small gun parts. Here is the perfect tool to help and it doesn’t take up a ton of space. With the Bullet Central Magnifying Light you can ease your eyes and see into the primer pockets, flash holes or case-necks without straining. With your choice of battery-powered or rechargeable models, why not buy two and give one to your favorite range buddy?

Amazon — Camouflage Neoprene Scope Cover — $8.98

Here’s a great gift item for a hunter. This reversible Camo-pattern Neoprene Scope Cover fits scopes up to 10″ long and 45mm lens diameter. The cover cushions your scope and protects against moisture and scratches. Note: Along with Camo, there is also a black version with bright red trim.

Creedmoor Sports — Leather 20Rd +2 Ammo Holder — $25.00

This handsome red leather ammo holder secures twenty (20) rounds of .308 Win-size ammunition, in a handy plastic carrier. In addition there are loops for 2 more sighter rounds on the outside. This is a very nice gift for a target shooter or hunter. There is also a .223 Rem version in black leather. Both these leather ammo holders conveniently fit into a shooting coat pocket via a leather pocket flap.

CDNN — 51-Piece Driver Set (Flat, Phillips, Hex, Torx) — $6.99

Creedmoor Sports — ECI, Mag Block, and Dust Cover Flag

Here are three handy items from Creedmoor Sports for rifle shooters. The red Empty Chamber Indicator is a “must-have” for every competitor shooter. And black rifle fans can use the special combo Open Bolt Indicator/Safety Flag that fits in an AR’s dust cover. The AR-15 Magazine Block adds ad extra measure of safety.

Amazon — Compact Bore Light, $8.52

How many times have you gone to look into a barrel or dark corner of a gun only to find you just can’t see in there? You can easily solve this problem by picking up this Compact Bore Light for just $8.52 on Amazon. A bore light is a “must-have” item for handgun owners, and these are also handy for inspecting dies, rifle chambers, and tool interiors. Honestly for this price you should grab a couple so you have one in your range bag and another on your bench.

BONUS — TACTICAL STOCKINGS for Your Stocking Stuffers

Don’t have a stocking to hold your small gift items? Well we’ve got you covered — check out these cool, heavy-duty stockings. These Garud Tactical Stockings come in three camo varieties plus OD Green, Black, and Khaki. They all feature 4 MOLLE attachments, rugged carry handle, hanging hook, swivel carabiners, outside draw pocket, and even Velcro USA Flag Patch. Get all this for the low price of $12.99 (solid colors) or $14.99 (Camo). These stockings are sure to bring smiles to your tacticool family members and friends. And right now they ship for FREE on Amazon.

See More Stocking Stuffers in NRA Store »

Credit EdLongrange for BT62 Determinator suggestion.

Today, we’ll shift from handloading to rifle bore cleaning and maintenance, with information courtesy of the USAMU’s Custom Firearms Shop. We recently had some inquiries about bore cleaning, and this seems a good opportunity to share. After all, even the best handloads won’t yield their full potential in a poorly-cleaned and maintained rifle.

1. BORE SNAKES: MIRACLE REPLACEMENT FOR THE CLEANING ROD?
The experiences of both our firearms test specialist and this writer have given no evidence that proper use of a clean bore-snake will damage a match barrel. Of course, one does not pull the bore-snake at an angle to the crown when removing it — pull it straight out, parallel to the bore’s direction, to prevent crown wear over time.

Bore-snakes are very useful for some applications (primarily a hasty, interim wipe-down). In [my] experience they cannot replace a thorough cleaning with a proper rod and brushes. While the experiment cited here involves rimfire, it may help illustrate. Several years ago, the writer used his new, personal Anschutz to investigate the bore-snake issue. It had been fired ~350 rds with match ammo and had had 3 typical rod/brush cleanings.

Next, starting with a clean bore, the writer fired 300 more rounds without cleaning in order to build up a “worst-case” fouling condition. Afterwards, the writer examined the bore with a Hawkeye bore scope. There was a uniform, grey film down the entire barrel, with some small, intermittent lead build-up at and just forward of the throat.

A new bore-snake was then wet with solvent and pulled through the bore. The Hawkeye revealed that the grey fouling was gone, and much of the visible fouling at the throat was reduced. However, nine more passes with the bore-snake, checking after each with the Hawkeye, revealed no further improvement in cleaning. The writer then cleaned with two wet patches, observed, then one stroke of a new, wet bronze brush, and one wet patch to clean out residue.

The Hawkeye showed a significant reduction in fouling at the throat; it was virtually gone. A second pass with a wet bronze brush and a wet patch removed the remaining fouling. Scrubbing the bore further, checking to see how much fouling was removed, revealed no significant improvement. The reason for this test was to learn what’s needed to get (and keep) this Anschutz clean with minimal cleaning rod use — and thus, minimal risk of bore damage/wear. Leaving fouling in the bore promotes corrosion over time.

Obviously, this applies to a nice, smooth rimfire match barrel, using good, well lubed ammo. It doesn’t apply directly to the use of copper-jacketed bullets, which leave a stubborn fouling all their own. However, it does suggest that while the bore-snake can be helpful and a useful field-expedient, to truly clean a rifle barrel one will still need a good quality rod, bronze brush and solvents. [Editor: Add a good-fitting cleaning rod bore guide

2. SO, WHAT ABOUT BORE SNAKES FOR BARREL BREAK-IN?
The goal of barrel break-in is to fire each shot through a clean barrel, preventing copper buildup and allowing the bullets their best chance at burnishing sharp edges. Thus, it seems this purpose would be best served by one’s usual rods, brushes and rod guides.

CDNN’s current catalog contains thousands of bargains in its 124 pages. In addition to handguns, rifles, and shotguns at bargain-basement prices, you’ll find a full range of shooting accessories. Some of the intriguing deals we found are listed below. The Sig p232 is a superb .380 acp carry gun — probably the most reliable .380 you can buy. This all-metal gun is a good deal heavier than “pocket” .380s, but it is durable and very accurate. As the owner of a Sig p230, the predecessor to the p232, I can tell you that these guns are crafted with typical Sig quality, and the p23X series of pistols hold their value very well.

CDNN is also selling Bore-Snakes for just $8.99, and it is selling Birchwood Casey target stickers at ultra-low prices. Choose from fluorescent orange stickers, or the Shoot-N-C variety that leave a bright yellow ring around each bullet hole. We really like the orange stickers for testing at longer ranges. The 2″ sticker is great at 300 yards, while the 3″ sticker is big enough for 600 yards. The orange circle is easy to pick up on a target board, and the black diamond in the middle of the 3″ sticker is visible at 600 yards with a high-magnification scope. This allows very precise aiming at 600.