The J. Dewey .22/.223/.224 Cal. 8-36 Thread Female Jag Made a Bold First Impression
The J. Dewey .22/.223/.224 Cal. 8-36 Thread Female Jag might seem like a small, insignificant part of a rifle cleaning kit, but experienced shooters know that a quality jag is essential for maintaining peak accuracy. J. Dewey is a well-respected name in the gun cleaning industry, known for producing durable and effective tools, and this jag aims to uphold that reputation. This review will delve into my experiences using this specific jag over the past few months, comparing it to other jags I’ve used, and exploring whether its design and materials truly enhance the cleaning process.
For years, I’ve relied on brass jags in my cleaning routine, but I’ve always been slightly annoyed by the blue-green staining they leave on patches when using ammonia-based solvents. I was looking for a jag that wouldn’t produce these false positives, allowing me to accurately assess copper fouling in my rifle barrels. I ordered the J. Dewey .22/.223/.224 Cal. 8-36 Thread Female Jag hoping that its aluminum construction would be a game-changer.
Upon unboxing, the jag felt solid and well-machined. The aluminum was smooth, without any sharp edges, and the 8-36 female threading was clean and precise. I have used a few generic brass jags in the past, and the J. Dewey jag felt significantly more robust and of higher quality.
I also own a bore snake and a nylon brush for quick cleanings, but those don’t offer the deep cleaning that a patch and jag provide. The J. Dewey jag was chosen specifically for its ability to provide a more thorough cleaning without the potentially misleading results of brass. My initial impression was positive; the build quality appeared excellent, and I was eager to see how it performed in practice.
Real-World Testing: Putting J. Dewey .22/.223/.224 Cal. 8-36 Thread Female Jag to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the J. Dewey .22/.223/.224 Cal. 8-36 Thread Female Jag at my local shooting range after a long session with my AR-15. The weather was mild, around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and the rifle had seen about 200 rounds of .223 ammunition.
The jag was easy to attach to my Dewey nylon-coated cleaning rod, and the patch fit snugly and securely. Pushing the rod through the bore felt smooth and consistent, removing a significant amount of carbon and powder fouling. After the first pass, I noticed the patch came out dark, indicating a dirty barrel, but there was no blue-green staining present.
There were no issues or surprises during the initial cleaning session. The J. Dewey jag performed exactly as expected, providing a clean and accurate bore assessment.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use, the J. Dewey .22/.223/.224 Cal. 8-36 Thread Female Jag has held up exceptionally well. There are no signs of wear and tear on the aluminum, and the threads remain sharp and undamaged.
Maintaining the jag is simple; I just wipe it clean with a cloth after each use and occasionally use a brush to remove any stubborn residue. It is significantly easier to keep clean than the brass jags I’ve used in the past.
Compared to my previous experiences with brass jags, the J. Dewey jag has proven to be a clear upgrade. The absence of blue-green staining allows for more accurate copper fouling assessment, and the aluminum construction feels more durable. It has exceeded my expectations and has become an indispensable part of my cleaning kit.
Breaking Down the Features of J. Dewey .22/.223/.224 Cal. 8-36 Thread Female Jag
Specifications
The J. Dewey .22/.223/.224 Cal. 8-36 Thread Female Jag is specifically designed for cleaning firearms chambered in .22, .223, and .224 calibers. It features a female 8-36 threading, making it compatible with standard Dewey nylon-coated cleaning rods.
The jag is constructed from machined aluminum, which is key to its performance. The aluminum construction ensures that the jag won’t react with ammonia-based solvents like brass parts sometimes do. This prevents the generation of those annoying blue-green stains.
Performance & Functionality
The J. Dewey .22/.223/.224 Cal. 8-36 Thread Female Jag excels at its primary function: effectively cleaning rifle bores. The jag provides a tight, consistent fit for cleaning patches, ensuring thorough contact with the barrel’s surface.
The absence of false positives is a significant advantage, allowing for precise determination of copper fouling levels. This is crucial for shooters who want to maintain optimal accuracy and extend the life of their barrels. There are no noticeable weaknesses in its performance.
It has exceeded my expectations because I can now get a reliable visual of how clean my barrel is.
Design & Ergonomics
The jag’s simple design is functional and effective. The aluminum construction provides a good balance of weight and durability. It is lightweight enough to avoid adding unnecessary strain during cleaning, yet robust enough to withstand repeated use.
The smooth surface of the aluminum prevents scratching or damaging the bore. It is easy to handle and connect to the cleaning rod, requiring no special tools or techniques.
Durability & Maintenance
The J. Dewey .22/.223/.224 Cal. 8-36 Thread Female Jag is built to last. The aluminum construction is resistant to corrosion and wear, ensuring long-term durability. Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning to remove fouling residue.
I expect this jag to last for many years, based on its current performance and build quality. This level of durability is exactly what I would want from J. Dewey.
Accessories and Customization Options
The J. Dewey .22/.223/.224 Cal. 8-36 Thread Female Jag is designed to work seamlessly with Dewey nylon-coated cleaning rods. It can be used with a variety of cleaning solvents and patches, depending on the user’s preference and the type of fouling being addressed.
While there are no specific customization options for the jag itself, its compatibility with standard cleaning rods allows for versatile use. A good bore guide will further enhance the cleaning process, protecting the chamber and ensuring proper alignment of the cleaning rod.
Pros and Cons of J. Dewey .22/.223/.224 Cal. 8-36 Thread Female Jag
Pros
- Prevents blue-green staining from ammonia-based solvents, ensuring accurate copper fouling assessment.
- Durable aluminum construction for long-lasting performance.
- Easy to clean and maintain.
- Provides a tight, consistent fit for cleaning patches, maximizing cleaning effectiveness.
- Compatible with standard Dewey nylon-coated cleaning rods.
Cons
- Aluminum, while durable, could potentially be damaged by extremely aggressive cleaning chemicals if not properly diluted or used.
- Higher cost compared to generic brass jags, though the benefits justify the price.
Who Should Buy J. Dewey .22/.223/.224 Cal. 8-36 Thread Female Jag?
The J. Dewey .22/.223/.224 Cal. 8-36 Thread Female Jag is perfect for shooters who prioritize accurate bore cleaning and want to avoid false positives when assessing copper fouling. It is also ideal for those who appreciate durable, high-quality cleaning tools. This is a must-have for competitive shooters and serious enthusiasts who demand peak performance from their firearms.
Those who primarily use inexpensive firearms and are not concerned with precise copper fouling assessment might find a generic brass jag sufficient. Individuals who only perform very basic cleanings might be better served by a bore snake.
A quality bore guide and a selection of appropriate cleaning solvents and patches are essential accessories for use with the J. Dewey jag.
Conclusion on J. Dewey .22/.223/.224 Cal. 8-36 Thread Female Jag
The J. Dewey .22/.223/.224 Cal. 8-36 Thread Female Jag is a worthwhile investment for any serious shooter who wants to maintain a clean and accurate firearm. Its aluminum construction prevents false positives and ensures durability, while its simple design makes it easy to use and maintain.
At $4.49, the price is justified by the enhanced cleaning performance and long-term durability. I highly recommend the J. Dewey .22/.223/.224 Cal. 8-36 Thread Female Jag to anyone looking for a reliable and effective cleaning tool. Upgrade your cleaning kit today and experience the difference a quality jag can make!