I’ve used Bore Snakes on pistols for years.
I just started using one on my AR15. In the past I used your tradtional rod with a nylon brush, etc.
Has anyone had any issues with the Hoppe’s Bore Snakes when cleaning their AR15 barrels?
Thanks
I use one and I am happy with the results.
A chamber brush and a bore snake are about the only two things I use any more. I might run a brass brush and some patches through every thousand rounds or so.
.
Now this is just me…
I consider using a Bore Snake equivalent to reusing toilet paper.
It is no different than using patches over and over again and we never hear of anyone advocating that??
But maybe it’s just me…
.
After a SHORT day at the range - say, sighting in an optic on a cold day - the bore snake is a nice alternative, to the usual mess associated with busting out the Kleenbore #10, brushes, and patches!
I’ve been using snakes for years. They always worked good for me.
The snake is my default cleaning kit. It is the only thing that has survived over here. My Otis kit went tits up when I lost parts in the dark. My issued cleaning rods would break or get bent.
The bore snake gets the job done, along with a chamber brush. I don’t see a need to treat my M4’s bore with anything else. The snake is small and lightweight. It is always with me.
Having a perfectly clean chrome lined bore is overrated IMHO.
You can always WASH the snake, just like you could wash gun patches and use them “over and over again” 
The only problem I ever saw with one is when someone tied a knot in the snake and it got stuck in the bore. The armorer tied the other end to a stationary object and yanked it out.
Yep. WASH the snake. Stuff it inside a sock and throw it in with your laundry.
I have 1 for every caliber I own. The only 2 I think were a waste of money were the 12gauge and the .50cal. All the others work great.
LOVE boresnakes, I’ve used 'em on M4’s, SAW’s, M14, 240’s, even my M2 (BTW .50 boresnakes are a serious PITA to pull through) and never had a problem other than a 5.56 one snapping after serious use. They work insanely fast, take up almost no space, and are durable. I have no idea why they keep issuing $100+ Otis cleaning kits when they should just be issuing a boresnake, chamber brush, barber brush, and some pipe cleaners. Just add Q-tips and your fav lube and you’re set.
ETA 12ga boresnake works great on shotguns and 249 gas tubes
I get some good use out of my 12 gauge boresnake. It won’t remove serious lead fouling, though. Got to brush the bore really good the regular way (or with an electric drill), and use the boresnake for a final pass.
Try changing your chemicals you use with it. Put some m-pro 7 bore gel on it and run through once to coat. Let sit. Then use liberal m-pro 7 cleaner. Can’t promise it will be better ut it should do ok.
The only time I am glad the .50 weighs 29lbs is when I am pulling the snake through it and I think the 12 gauge could use a little more material so it is a snugger fit. But you are right, it is great for a final pass.
I own boresnakes but only will use them as a last resort. My main cleaning technique is still with brushes, jags, patches, rods, etc. I learned to clean firearms this way and I guess its just habit.
I love my bore snakes. They’ve worked well for me. Just bought another the other day.
What Iraq Ninja said.
I use boresnakes almost exclusively. I have guns that have never even seen a rod/brush/patch. When the boresnake is dirty, wash it.
I keep rods around to knock stuck cases loose.
Unless you’re accountable to the white-glove mafia, there’s little merit to rod/brush/patch a working or fun gun.
In agreement with most everyone, the boresnake has served me well since mid-2005, whether training or overseas. I was looking into the new ‘Boresnake Viper’, but then I saw this: http://militarytimes.com/blogs/gearscout/2010/12/07/hoppes-boresnake-viper-bites/
My personal opinion is that the original design suits me just fine, however the Viper design may fill a need someone may have.
I’ve been using the old style Bore Snake at the range after a day of fun. Still keep the guns on a regular cleaning schedule using the Otis kit but the barrel cleans up with fewer patches and less time.
The rare times my AR bores see cleaning it’s with a boresnake. They’re great.
One piece of misinformation in that link: BUSHMASTER is not the parent company of Hoppes (or Butler Creek or any of the old Michaels of Oregon brands). Bushnell Outdoor Products is the parent. BOP is part of BUSHNELL (yes the optics company).