17C-18 17 CAL. DEWEY CONTENDER ROD Review

The 17C-18 17 CAL. DEWEY CONTENDER ROD Made a Bold First Impression

As a seasoned outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’ve seen my fair share of cleaning rods. The 17C-18 17 CAL. DEWEY CONTENDER ROD, however, immediately stood out due to Dewey’s reputation for precision and durability. This rod, designed specifically for .17 caliber firearms, promises to deliver a level of cleaning performance that lesser rods simply can’t match.

My personal need for this rod arose from my growing collection of .17 HMR rifles. Proper cleaning is paramount for maintaining accuracy and longevity, especially with the smaller calibers. I was seeking a rod that wouldn’t flex excessively, damage the bore, or introduce unnecessary wear.

Upon unboxing, my initial impression was one of quality. The rod felt solid and well-constructed, with a smooth, coated surface that promised to be gentle on the bore. It was noticeably lighter than my steel rods, which was a welcome surprise.

I’ve used several other cleaning rods over the years, including models from Pro-Shot and Tipton. While these rods served adequately, they lacked the specialized design and high-quality materials of the Dewey Contender Rod. I chose the 17C-18 17 CAL. DEWEY CONTENDER ROD over others because I trusted Dewey’s reputation for making superior cleaning tools.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited to see if this rod would live up to the hype, but also aware that even the best products can have their drawbacks. The price of $19.99 seemed reasonable, but only time and use would tell if it was truly a worthwhile investment.

Real-World Testing: Putting 17C-18 17 CAL. DEWEY CONTENDER ROD to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test of the 17C-18 17 CAL. DEWEY CONTENDER ROD took place at my home workbench after a day of shooting .17 HMR rifles. I cleaned two rifles, a bolt-action and a semi-automatic, both with similar levels of fouling. The goal was to assess ease of use, cleaning effectiveness, and overall bore protection.

The rod performed admirably, even with moderate powder residue. The coated finish allowed it to glide smoothly through the bore, minimizing friction and the risk of scratching. The rotating handle made it easy to maintain a consistent cleaning motion, contributing to a more thorough clean.

There were no major issues during the first use, but I did notice that the handle felt a bit small. After extended use, it might cause some fatigue. The brass jag (sold separately) fit snugly, providing excellent contact with the cleaning patches.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of regular use, the 17C-18 17 CAL. DEWEY CONTENDER ROD has proven its worth. I’ve used it to clean my .17 HMR rifles after range sessions and hunting trips. It continues to perform consistently, providing a reliable and effective cleaning experience.

The rod has held up remarkably well to repeated use. There are no signs of bending, cracking, or coating wear. I’m confident that it will continue to serve me well for years to come.

Maintenance is simple. I wipe the rod down with a clean cloth after each use and occasionally apply a light coat of oil to the handle. This helps prevent corrosion and ensures smooth operation. This rod outperforms my previous cleaning rods in terms of ease of use and bore protection.

Breaking Down the Features of 17C-18 17 CAL. DEWEY CONTENDER ROD

Specifications

The 17C-18 17 CAL. DEWEY CONTENDER ROD is specifically designed for .17 caliber firearms. It features an 18-inch long rod, optimized for many .17 caliber rifles and pistols. The rod is constructed from high-quality steel with a durable, non-marring nylon coating.

The handle is made of smooth, ergonomic plastic and rotates freely, allowing the cleaning patch to follow the rifling of the bore. This ensures a thorough and even cleaning. The caliber-specific design ensures a snug fit and minimizes the risk of damage to the bore. The coating is crucial for preventing scratches and damage, which can negatively impact accuracy.

Performance & Functionality

The 17C-18 17 CAL. DEWEY CONTENDER ROD excels at its primary job: cleaning .17 caliber firearm bores. It effectively removes powder residue, copper fouling, and other debris, leaving the bore clean and ready for accurate shooting. The rotating handle allows the user to easily follow the rifling, ensuring a thorough and consistent cleaning.

One strength is its precise fit within the .17 caliber bore. The weakness might be that you need a separate rod for other calibers. Overall, it meets my expectations for a specialized cleaning tool.

Design & Ergonomics

The 17C-18 17 CAL. DEWEY CONTENDER ROD features a simple, functional design. The materials used are high-quality, and the rod feels solid and well-constructed. The light weight is a plus for long cleaning sessions.

The rod is generally user-friendly, but the small handle might be uncomfortable for some users with larger hands. There isn’t a major learning curve to using the rod.

Durability & Maintenance

Given the high-quality materials and construction, the 17C-18 17 CAL. DEWEY CONTENDER ROD should last for many years with proper care. The nylon coating protects the steel rod from corrosion and wear, ensuring long-term durability. Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication.

Accessories and Customization Options

The 17C-18 17 CAL. DEWEY CONTENDER ROD does not come with any accessories included. You’ll need to purchase jags, brushes, and patches separately. It is compatible with standard 8-32 threaded accessories, making it easy to find compatible components from other brands.

Pros and Cons of 17C-18 17 CAL. DEWEY CONTENDER ROD