It is not a substitute for proper & thorough cleaning. But...I would bet it some who use itdon't clean their guns anyway. For those folks it is great. Not only will it somewhat clean your bore it will not damage it. I also bet many crowns,chambers & throats have been compromised by improper cleaning methods using a rod. They have thier place. I use them in the field. At least two for each gun. One I use with BBS & one with nothing on it. You do have to wash them but not after each use. All in all...I like them.