Nothing can be more frustrating than a jammed rifle when you’re at the range. It may work less than optimum performance due to shell jamming, less accuracy, or slow FPS. Appropriately cleaning the rifle can get it back to the real action.
These are our choice for best gun cleaning rods for the money:
- Tipton 1-Piece Deluxe Carbon Fiber Cleaning Rod (Click here to view)
- Dewey 1-Piece Cleaning Rod (Click here to view)
- Hoppe’s Elite 1-Piece Carbon Fiber Cleaning Rod (Click here to view)
- Pro-Shot .22-.45Cal Universal Pistol (Click here to view)
Nowadays, gun cleaning is getting quite more comfortable because of cleaning chemicals and rods. Since the gun cleaning rods are one of the essential parts of any gun cleaning kit, many companies produce these rods from a variety of materials.
If you’re frustrated by using a 3-piece brass cleaning rod, you can easily replace it with a relatively inexpensive 1-piece cleaning rod. If you do so, you’re going to increase the quality of your gun cleaning kit.
In this article, we’re going to provide you with some best cleaning rods for guns. We’ve tried to gather such rods that have ball-bearing handles. Let’s have a look at the rods and choose the best according to the requirements.
Let explore them together, Shall we?
best gun cleaning rods reviews
#1. Tipton 1-Piece Deluxe Carbon Fiber Cleaning Rod
Tipton is a renowned company of the Battenfeld Technologies family, producing everything from gun vises to cleaning supplies for many years. The 1-Piece Deluxe Cleaning Rod is one of the best products of Tipton, which helps you keep your guns clean and in perfect condition.
Here’s what these Tipton 1-Piece Deluxe rods look like:
This is the current price of these Tipton 1-Piece Deluxe rods available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
This cleaning rod is made of carbon fiber, and you may know that anything other than a carbon fiber rod, such as aluminum rods, can ask for trouble for guns. It’s an excellent material for which won’t embed particles and damage the rifle bore.
The rod has two sets of ball bearings in the handle so that you can feel smooth cleaning motion. By using the spinning handle, you can rotate the rod freely down your barrel and cleaning as it goes, even while under pressure.
Since this is a one-piece rod, you can avoid threading multiple rods for your guns and rifles. It also comes in a variety of sizes, depending on the calibers. You can use this rod to clean your AR15 to your shotgun and everything in between, but you need to choose the right size.
Keep in mind that this rod is excellent for working tight patches. When it’s not in use, you can easily hang it anywhere you want by its hanging hole. The price is quite affordable compared to the great features.
Tipton 1-Piece Deluxe cleaning rods
| Product Dimensions | 20 x 2 x 2 inches |
|---|---|
| Weight | 0.16 Ounces |
| Manufacturer | Battenfeld Technologies |
| Material | Strong carbon fiber |
| Best For | All types of firearms |
Editors Tips
If you’re looking to have the best cleaning rod for AR 15, this one may be a suitable option for you.
#2. Dewey 1-Piece Cleaning Rod
If you’ve already used one of the rifle cleaning rods, you may have heard of J Dewey Rods. This company has been a high-quality gun-cleaning rod producer since 1975. It supplies gun cleaning accessories to athletes, law enforcement agencies, and collectors with time.
Here’s what these Dewey 1-Piece Cleaning Rod look like:
This is the current price of these Dewey 1-Piece Cleaning Rod available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
All products of the manufacturer are made in the USA. The Dewey 1-piece cleaning rod is one of them, and you can rely on it without feeling any hassle.
This rod is an excellent example of the quality, built with aluminum material but comes with a high-quality Nylon coating. It’s manufactured with 8 x 36 male threads, allowing you to use cleaning not only from Dewey but also from other reputable manufacturers.
Besides that, the rod features a screwdriver type, hard-plastic handle that has a single ball bearing. You’ll also get a great advantage from its universal slotted tip. The manufacturer includes a 22j brass jag and a brush adaptor, so you don’t need to purchase them separately.
Again, the cleaning rod comes in a variety of sizes. While one is perfect for high power service rifles, others are ideal for most popular handguns and AR 15. To avoid any unnecessary flex action when applying more pressure, use a good quality bore guide
Dewey 1-Piece Cleaning Rod specification
| Product Dimensions | 36.00 inches |
|---|---|
| Quantity | 1 Pics |
| Manufacturer | J Dewey Mfg. |
| Best For | AR15 or high-powered service rifles |
Editors Tips
If you’re after the best rifle cleaning rod that is simple but effective, then you can purchase one of the rods, depending on the size that suits your rifle best.
#3. Hoppe's Elite 1-Piece Carbon Fiber Cleaning Rod
Hoppe’s is another top-class manufacturer of the best bore cleaning solvent. It has been producing high-quality gun cleaning accessories for around 120 years. The Elite 1-Piece Carbon Fiber Cleaning Rod is one of its top-quality products.
Here’s what these Hoppe’s Elite 1-Piece Carbon Fiber Rod look like:
This is the current price of these Hoppe’s Elite 1-Piece Carbon Fiber Rod available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
This gun cleaning rod is made of durable carbon fiber material that won’t scratch or damage your bore. It’s perfect in design and manufactured with 8 x 36 male threads in length, which is ideal for pistol and rifle cleaning.
Also, the rod has an easy-grip, soft handle that includes two built-in ball bearings. It also comes in a screwdriver shape. You can feel pleasure in using the rod on your barrel to clean stubborn fouling.
Remember that it’s one piece and doesn’t have weak spots, so it’s less likely to break. If your pistol is under the pressure of a tight patch, the rod will even be smooth in rotation. After all, you may not find any flex within the carbon fiber.
Hoppe's Elite cleaning rods specification
| Product Dimensions | 8 inches |
|---|---|
| Quantity | 1 Pics |
| Manufacturer | Vista Outdoor Sales LLC/Bushnell Outdoor/Butler Creek/Hoppe |
| Materials | Carbon fiber rod |
| Best For | .22 Caliber Pistols |
Editors Tips
This cleaning rod can fulfill the requirements of pistol enthusiasts. If you’re one of them who are looking for the best pistol cleaning rod, this one could be a choice for you.
#4. Pro-Shot .22-.45Cal Universal Pistol
Pro-Shot has been active since 1984, producing quality firearms cleaning products. From practical to tactical, it supplies plenty of gun maintenance equipment to all types of shooters. All products of Pro Shot are made in America.
Here’s what these Pro-Shot .22-.45Cal Universal Pistol look like:
This is the current price of these Pro-Shot .22-.45Cal Universal Pistol available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
Since many people have asked us what the best non-carbon fiber cleaning rod is, we’ve included a stainless steel cleaning rod on this list.The Pro Shot .22-.45Cal Universal Pistol is one of the top-quality gun cleaning rods, which is simple but durable to last for longer.
This cleaning rod is manufactured with softer stainless steel that won’t damage your pistol bore. It also has a durable coating that lasts for a long time. Unlike the carbon fiber cleaning rod, this rod features the micro-polishing that smoothly slips into the barrel a bit.
Besides, the rod includes a brass patch holder suitable for .22 to .45cal pistols. It also has a T shape handle with a brass tightening screw. The handle helps you control the resistance while you’re pushing through it.
Most importantly, you should always use a bore guide to avoid scratching the inner barrel. However, you have to take care of yourself when cleaning your rifle or pistol.
Pro-Shot .22-.45Cal Universal Pistol specification
| Product Dimensions | 6.5 Inches |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Pro-Shot Products |
| Materials | Stainless Rods |
| Best For | 22-. 45 Cal. |
Editors Tips
If you want to purchase the best budget rod for pistol cleaning, you won’t go wrong with this choice.
4 things To Consider before buying gun cleaning rods
When you’re going to look for the best cleaning rod for your gun or rifle, you should check the construction material of the rod. There are mainly 4 types of materials used in cleaning rods: brass, aluminum, stainless steel, and carbon fiber. Each material has its own benefits and drawbacks for shooters.
1. Brass
If you’re a beginner in shooting, you can take a look at brass. Brass rods are one of the materials used most in a 3-piece rod. It’s the weakest among the four elements mentioned above. Being the lowest can be both good and bad.
Although the brass has little chance of scratching your bore and harming your rifling, it will bend and flex. When choosing a brass you should prevent breaking it by keeping it the same size as your bore. Keep in mind that the brass is most expensive among all the materials.
2. Aluminum
Aluminum is another material that is slightly stronger than brass and much softer than stainless steel. This elements is usually used in thicker rods compared to other stuff. It’s also a much more popular option for cleaning pistols and shotguns.
You can hardly find aluminum rods suitable for cleaning your small-bore rifles. If you a shotgun or a pistol, you’ll find aluminum rods. In this case, picking an aluminum rod may not be a bad option for you.
3. Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is the worst material for cleaning rods among the materials mentioned above. Although it offers more strength than all other materials and comes at a reasonable price, it can damage your bore.
If you find an alternative to stainless steel, pick that option for cleaning your gun.
4. Carbon Fiber
Carbon fiber is a relatively new material for the cleaning rod. It’s flexible and allows you to store it easily. The carbon fiber usually has a coating of soft plastic to avoid scratching the barrel of your rifle. Since it enables you to both pushing and pulling, you can bring a significant upgrade to your cleaning kit.
Bore Snake vs. Cleaning Rod - what is the difference?
Which one should I choose: bore snake or cleaning rod? Most shooters and gun owners think such a question. If you’re feeling so, then let’s take a look at some differences between the bore snake and the cleaning rod below.
Advantages of Bore Snake
A bore snake reduces the chance of damaging your gun’s chamber and allows you to install a bore brush directly to the bore snake. By using a bore snake, you’ll have greater flexibility in gun cleaning.
If you have different calibers, a bore snake can be a more expensive option for you. But, this can be an easy way to clean your barrels if you don’t have a variety of calibers. Using a bore snake allows you to clean your barrels best on revolvers.
Advantages of Cleaning Rods
A cleaning rod is usually a better option than a bore snake, which is more reliable and typically made of more durable materials. When you use a cleaning rod, there is a little chance to break. You can also easily store it wherever you want.
In terms of protecting the bore, multi-piece jointed cleaning rods are manufactured with soft materials, but they can also flex, bend, and break. For example, a 3-piece cleaning rod is all right for standard cleaning. But, it could destroy your cleaning rod if you have a heavily fouled bore.
Comparison between Bore Snake and Cleaning Rods
Which cleaning equipment you choose entirely depends on what kind of gun you’re cleaning. If you cannot clean your gun from the chamber end or you have a new weapon that doesn’t need a thorough cleaning, a high-end bore snake is the better option.
On the other hand, if your gun is dirty or you can clean it from the chamber end, then a single-piece carbon fiber cleaning rod will be the better way to go. Make sure that you purchase a good quality bore snake or cleaning rod, depending on your requirements.
what is the best gun cleaning rods?
All the gun cleaning rods that we’ve already reviewed are the best, but we can say about one that can be the best of the best. The recommended cleaning rod is Tipton 1-Piece Deluxe Carbon Fiber Cleaning Rod. (on Amazon)
We know that carbon fiber is the best material for cleaning rods, and this cleaning rod is made of carbon fiber. It also has a spinning handle with double ball bearings to prevent your bore from scratching and damaging.
Besides that, the rod allows you to choose one from its variety of sizes. You can select one that fits your bore best. After using it, you can hang it anywhere you want by its hanging hole. In terms of the excellent features of this rod, the price is reasonable.
All these things make this cleaning rod the best. You can choose any of the rods from our list, but this one will be special and can be a worthy investment for you.
related question [FAQs]
Q1#. Can clean rod damage Barrel?
Ans: Yes, a cleaning rod made of stainless steel can damage the barrel. If you use a carbon fiber cleaning rod, then there is a little chance to damage the barrel.
Q2#. What is a bore guide for cleaning rifles?
Ans: A bore guide is one of the gun accessories, which helps the rifle adequately aligned to prevent solvent overflow, breakage of rods, and damaging the bore. That’s why every gun owner should use a bore guide when cleaning guns.
Q3#. Will brass cleaning rod scratch barrel?
Ans: This cleaning rod is usually made of soft material. That’s why it can easily get imbedded with quite hard particles. Therefore, it can scratch the bore of a barrel.
Final Thoughts
Getting a pleasurable gun cleaning experience requires one of the top gun cleaning rods. You just should be aware of the cleaning rod so that it doesn’t damage the barrel of your gun.
Thankfully, there is one that will impress you with its features and budget, which is the Tipton 1-piece carbon fiber cleaning rod. It includes almost everything that a single piece rod should have.
However, you’ll get plenty of advantages, choosing any cleaning rod from our above list. If you’ve already used gun cleaning rods, share your experiences with us, commenting on your opinions below.