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a0cake
10-23-11, 17:33
I'll start off by saying that when it comes to precision rifles, the adage of "just lube it and shoot it" does not apply.

If you're going for absolute accuracy, you're going to need to clean your barrel properly when accuracy drops off due to fouling.

This does not mean dragging a boresnake through the barrel, although that can be good for wiping away major debris such as mud.

The other mistake that people make is using worn out, multiple section, standard GI cleaning rods. The connection points on these rods can splay open after repeated use and they absolutely CAN cause damage to your expensive match grade barrel. One of the biggest myths out there is that you can't damage your hardened barrel. You absolutely can, and many people do through improper cleaning.

The solution is a bore guide and one piece rod. If you've spent upwards of $400 on a barrel, you might as well pony up another $50 for the proper equipment.

One of the best bore guides I've used for AR's is the JP. Here is one pictured in my BCM MK12.
http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/2011-10-23_17-19-06_772.jpg

A bore guide will keep your rod centered in the bore. This ensures uniform cleaning and prevents scraping. The JP Bore Guide has a solvent port that allows for no-mess cleaning. The double o-rings allow for a tight fit and minimal movement. Some twisting will be required to fully seat the guide. If it's too tight, simply remove the rear o-ring.

Now, as far as rods go, there are a lot of options out there. I'm a huge fan of the Tipton carbon fiber rods. It is less susceptible to permanent bending than the Dewey products. It also has no coating to flake off after repeated use. The handle also has ball bearings so that the rod can spin freely and follow the twist of the rifling. It is a well executed design and my go-to cleaing rod.

http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/2011-10-23_17-20-02_744.jpg

A good jag and properly sized patches will also save you a lot of trouble. Again, I use the Tipton pointed jag and patches. I prefer pointed jags over the slotted / looped options. It's a lot easier to press a patch onto the point than to thread it through a loop. (If you're using a pull through kit, you'll obviously want a slotted jag.)

http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/2011-10-23_17-20-16_829.jpg

I've found that Tipton's .22-.270 patches require no cutting or adjusting for 5.56. They are just the right tightness. I'd rather spend 5 bucks than 30 minutes cutting patches out of a cotton sheet.

http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/2011-10-23_17-31-21_234.jpg

For brushes, stick with with bronze bristles. Stainless Steel brushes are an absolute no-go. I use Dewey "No Harm" brushes like the one below. The Tipton brushes are too tight. I have no idea why they choose to make them so tight, but they can be a nightmare to get down the tube.

http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/196090.jpg

As far as cleaning products go, I choose KG. 1 for carbon. 2 for copper. 3 to flush away the excess. 4 to finish and preserve. The #2 is a micro abrasive product so don't go overboard with it. It contains no barrel steel attacking chemicals, but still effectively removes copper. I've found the KG regimen allows precise clean bore first shots.

http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/2011-10-23_17-38-19_859.jpg

If you're looking for cleaning products for your precision AR...follow these recommendations and you won't go wrong.

Hmac
10-23-11, 17:43
I've been very pleased with the Sinclair bore guide (http://www.sinclairintl.com/.aspx/pid=40914/avs|Manufacturer_1=SINCLAIR%20INTERNATIONAL/Product/Sinclair-Specialty-Cleaning-Rod-Guides). It's $15, nylon, has a solvent port, and is O-ring sealed for fit in an AR15 chamber.

I second the durability of the Tipton rods, though.

BigBen66
10-23-11, 18:53
I've been very pleased with the Sinclair bore guide (http://www.sinclairintl.com/.aspx/pid=40914/avs|Manufacturer_1=SINCLAIR%20INTERNATIONAL/Product/Sinclair-Specialty-Cleaning-Rod-Guides). It's $15, nylon, has a solvent port, and is O-ring sealed for fit in an AR15 chamber.

I second the durability of the Tipton rods, though.

I have the same setup from Sinclair. Great guide. Been using Tipton rods for a long time, well worth the money.