I never use a rod on my 22 revolvers--or rifles, for that matter.

I get about 20 inches or so of string trimmer (Weedeater) string, cut an angle on one end, and use the stove or a lighter to melt a ball on the other end.

Push the angled end through a patch, run it down to the ball on the other end, and feed the string through the barrel (I usually go from the frame end to the muzzle). Simply pull the patch through the barrel. The ball will hold the patch. I use Hoppes and let it sit for a while.

I clean my 22 rifle the same way. I used to use a brush on the rifle and cannot tell ANY difference with the method above. My bores look perfect. And there's no chance of damaging the bore/crown.

I don't think even 22 target shooters use a brush very often.