Bore Guides - no, not the political version ;)

[smokindog]

I've got various rifles to clean and decided to look into bore guides. I just added some nice Tipton cleaning rods in all my required sizes/lengths. EDIT - I guess I should have mentioned that I've been using bore snakes to date.

So looking for thoughts on bore guides (Yes/No), specific to firearms or universal. Anything else?

The Lyman Universal seems to be a fairly good product on paper....

Lyman Universal Bore Guide Set (.17 to .416) by LYMAN

and then there is the Hoppes or Gunslick for about twice the price

Hoppe's Universal Bore Guide by BUSHNELL OUTDOORS
Gunslick Universal Bore Guide by RAM-LINE/ ATK ACCESSORIES

or the specific tools that seem to run $8-15 each.

 

[Harrison]

Depends, if the rifle is shot and cleaned frequently, it needs it's own bore guide that fits that particular rifle. For a rifle that is only shot a couple three times a year than a universal bore guild. For rifles cleaned from the muzzle use a bore protector. You can damage a bore in one or two cleaning sessions with an improper rod and technique, without a bore guide. Bottom line, it is your rifle and it's up to you to use a guide or not.

 

[S42N8]

Highly recommend a bore guide for smaller calibers. While you can get away with not using one on big bores, the little ones can get dinged up quickly (a few ARs come to mind.) if nothing else, it's a inexpensive precaution. I don't have a .17 HMR, but I'd think a bore guide would be almost required.

 

[JayCeeNC]

One of the best available is the Mike Lucas Bore Guide.
He doesn't have a website, you'll have to search and email him to buy direct.

 

[rick1085]

Sinclair
The best $15 you will ever spend on your rifle

 

[Sconnie]

I bought a Possum Hollow bore guide for my CZ .22LR rifle. Never used one before. Seems good for me. Bought mine through Brownell's.

https://www.possumhollowproducts.com/BORE_GUIDES.html

 

[Frank46]

And don't buy the el cheapo bore brushes that have the steel twisted core and chopped of end in the front. Spend the extra money with the brass core and twisted loop on the front end. Have seen a couple revolvers with the firing pin bushing dinged using the el cheapo brushes.
Frank