Can a member please tell me the proper sequence for cleaning and lubricating a pistol barrel.
Is Hoppes the best product to use.
Are Bore Snakes a gimmick?
Thanks.

Follow the instructions of the product that you intend on using..ie the bore cleaning solvent. Hoppes is good, as our many other similiar products. The key is if your barrel has any lead fouling. If it does, merely pushing a patch through and then brushing with a bronze brush may/will not remove it all--you might need then to use a Lewis lead remover or an Outers Foul Out (OFO) machine. I use both & prefer the OFO.

I have a bunch of bore snakes and never use them. I also do not use metal bore brushes. As for cleaners, I like Hoppes 9 the best because it smells really good to me, Shooters choice is also very good. However, if you shoot copper jacket ammo you need a stinky one with ammonia like Butch's Bore shine or the Hoppes Formula with ammonia.

One thing I was taught is that most people over clean the bores thinking you have to get every bit of fouling out of the grooves. I don't any more. I just run patches on a brass jag. I "double layer" two patches to get a tighter fit in the bore.

If you do want to clean the bore 100%, I use a nylon bore brush dipped in chrome polish which isnot very abrasive. J+B bore cleaner on a patch is also not very abrasive but does a good job of cleaning.

To keep the bore from rusting, I spray inside the bore with Shooters Choice preservative but you could use any decent oil.