I need to get a good cleaning kit for my bolt action rifle but don't know much about what's a good one to buy. I am not a competition shooter but shoot a decent amount. Any advice on brands and types is appreciated.

Start with one one these;

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/te...-box.jsp.form1



When you have time to do a complete job;


http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/te...box.jsp.form23

Hope this helps

I just get stuff individually. Say, a bore guide, a good stick, jags, brushes, patches, brushes, solvent. If you tinker much, a gun vise would be awfully nice......

Whatever you do, get a good cleaning rod. I think a coated steel one would be best. Those aluminum ones are junk.

I purchased a stainless rod. I may be way out in left field, but, due to the hardness of the steel, it is my belief that the rod would be less prone to "gunk" embedding in the rod itself versus those made of softer material. I wipe down my rod after each pass through the bore. I would suggest purchasing a rod that is long enough so it can be run from chamber to muzzle whenever possible. Bolt action verses pump, semi-auto etc. Stay away from aluminum, and especially those that are multi-segmented. I do carry a small breakdown steel rod in my fanny pack when afield just to take care of barrel obstructions should the need arise.

the problem with the steel rod is its of comparable or greater hardness than the metal in the bore...you will ruin your throat, rifling and crown in a hurry...

cleaning rods ruin more bores than anything else..


get yourself a coated 1 piece dewey rod or equivalent...and a bore guide for your rifle...

then you'll have no worries...

always use brass attachments as well...and if you need a brush, make sure the part that holds the bristles is brass...most are steel or aluminum..its almost tricky to find brass ones...but they are out there...


your right about grime and gunk and junk getting on the rod...simple..wipe it off with each pass...i havent had anything "embed" im by coated dewey rod coating..

Lucas bore guide, Tipton carbon fiber rod, Tipton brushes and jags, Shooters Choice solvent, RemOil or CLP...

I was thinking about getting a bore snake. Are they worth getting and do they really clean the barrel good or just for a quick clean?

I only use them for hunting. For range use they are inadequate.

Get a Dewey rod, and a bore guide. Then buy a jag and a brush. You should be out the door for less than $50. Tax and all. Think how much you'd be out if you wrecked a rifle.

Tom

I think I might take your advice on this. Thanks for everyone's input.