I've used this system but never cared for all the small parts to keep up with.
Was the patch wet when inserted?
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I've used this system but never cared for all the small parts to keep up with.
Was the patch wet when inserted?
I have used Otis kits for years, around lots of other people that use Otis kits, and I have never seen anyone that followed the proper steps have an issue.
It's like being mad at a gas station because you put diesel in your Prius.
Or being mad that you reversed direction with a brass brush and sealed it in the bore.
If you don't know what you are doing, find out before dragging it through your barrel.
I've used the Otis system for years but I just use a regular patch. The Otis patches with little holes in them do tend to tear and snag easily.
I was a dumb ass and did this once. I used a super long drill bit, wraped the patch up in it, and pulled it out. I now own a one piece nylon c rod and a bore snake.
I like Otis kits. The fittings are made of brass, so it's harder for smucketelli hell bent on scraping every bit of type III off the rifle to do so. The wanna be dentist tools are nice too.
I keep a can of Kroil oil and wooden dowel on hand for such emergencies, let the kroil soak for a few minutes most thing will pull or push out easily, helps with squibs also if it happens. I have a good set of scissors and trim cloth for 22cal patches never seem to find what I like size wise. Everyone has done it so don't feel bad crap happens just learn from it and be prepared.
I've used Otis products a few times but like my other cleaning gear it does'nt get much use unless it's a precision rifle. I try to remember to clean my standard AR's once every year whether they need it or not. I tend to think of the Otis system as more of an emergency or field system. A one piece rod works better at home.
"The peace we have within us is most often expressed in how we treat others"
I was given one of the all-caliber ones and quickly got tired of the gimmicky origami patches. For .30 cal I prefer Dewey coated rods. I also have one in .22 but find the sectional GI rod OK. I just smoothed the joints, wipe it before each pass, and use a breech guide to minimize flexing. Somehow I think the chromed barrel can stand that much abuse.
Booniepacker used to make a little pull- through kit that was less trouble than the Otis. Even more basic is a length of .060 weedwhacker line with a knot in the end. Poke it through a GI patch and it works pretty well to at least get some bore cleaner or oil down the bore.
I used to do some conservation work on museum guns about 130 years old. Now THOSE were neglected!
Meplat, if you makes you feel any better, I've been using the Otis system for years and while I own and still occasionally use my Dewey coated rods (maybe once a year for deep cleaning--not even sure this makes any major difference though), I use the Otis for cleaning all my guns and get great results. And yes I too, when first using Otis, had a couple of patches come off the cable in the barrel. It's a well known issue of "new Otis user-itis," as others have said.
Don't be discouraged by it, Otis is a good system and you have to just learn how to use it effectively, like anything else. In this case, the main cure is to use the small .22 caliber patches, which they made specifically for service use in .223 and 5.56 rifles. You CAN use the 3" patch, but it takes a little experience to get them pinched just right. Using the small ones and pinching them properly is easy and will reduce the risk of them coming off in your barrel. I haven't had one come off in years.
Like someone else said, it's still a good idea to keep a cleaning rod around somewhere, something you can poke down your barrel if something gets stuck. But seriously, don't give up on Otis, I think it's a great system and actually has some advantages vs traditional cleaning rods.
Also as I've noted in other posts about Otis, you are NOT restricted to use just their rather pricey patches. Lately I've been ordering round patches from places like Brownells or Sage, and then just cutting my own slots in them with an Xacto knife.
Last edited by maximus83; 09-02-11 at 10:02. Reason: add comment on patches
I don't use the Otis either but I would definitely use their smaller patch for a .22 bore or make my own as others have stated.
Dragging a 3" patch through a .22 bore is an idea that I would not entertain.
http://youtu.be/S8Ee0rMcQ9k
Last edited by DirectDrive; 09-02-11 at 10:40.
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