the boresnake cleans a barrel and nothing else.i have nor seen anything clean the barrel any better. for those who think the snake is dirty all i can say is try it and see. i clean my guns all with snakes.i have 13 rifles and their is not one thing better in the field or bad weather.it is not fpr cleaning the inside nor was it designed for that. i still use the snake at home. when i finish cleaning and oiling i run a patch thru the barrel.it never come out dirty and my snaked are at least 2 years and some 3 years old. i have never paid $18 anywhere for them. i have gotten some from ebay for as little as $9