The J. Dewey .22 Cal Pistol/Rifle Stainless Steel Cleaning Rod Made a Bold First Impression
Few things are as crucial to firearm maintenance as a quality cleaning rod. Neglecting proper cleaning can lead to decreased accuracy, reliability issues, and even permanent damage to your prized firearms. When I stumbled upon the J. Dewey .22 Cal Pistol/Rifle Stainless Steel Cleaning Rod, I was intrigued by its promise of durable stainless steel construction and a smooth, ball-bearing handle.
My experience with cleaning rods has been a mixed bag, from flimsy aluminum options that bend under pressure to multi-piece rods that wobble and feel unstable. I was specifically seeking a robust, one-piece rod that could handle the rigors of regular use without scratching the bore of my .22 caliber firearms. Upon unboxing, the J. Dewey rod exuded quality. The stainless steel shaft felt solid and the ball-bearing handle rotated smoothly, offering a tactile sense of precision.
Compared to a cheaper, generic brass rod I had been using, the J. Dewey felt like a significant upgrade. The brass rod always left me concerned about potential scratching, and its handle was far less ergonomic. Another option I considered was a coated steel rod, but I worried about the coating chipping or wearing away over time. The all-stainless steel construction of the J. Dewey won me over with its perceived durability and resistance to corrosion. I was immediately optimistic that this would be a worthwhile investment.
Real-World Testing: Putting J. Dewey .22 Cal Pistol/Rifle Stainless Steel Cleaning Rod to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial test of the J. Dewey cleaning rod occurred during a post-range cleaning session of my .22LR Ruger 10/22 rifle. I typically shoot around 200 rounds per session, so a thorough cleaning is essential. The rod felt well-balanced and comfortable to use, and the ball-bearing handle allowed for smooth, effortless rotation as I pushed the patch through the bore.
The dry patch moved smoothly, picking up considerable carbon fouling with each pass. Switching to a solvent-soaked patch, the J. Dewey maintained its smooth action, effectively distributing the cleaning fluid. I noticed a significant difference compared to my old brass rod; the J. Dewey felt more controlled and less prone to binding or sticking.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, cleaning both my .22LR rifle and a .22 pistol, the J. Dewey .22 Cal Pistol/Rifle Stainless Steel Cleaning Rod has proven its worth. There are no signs of bending or damage, and the stainless steel shaft remains free of scratches or corrosion. Cleaning the rod itself is a breeze; a simple wipe down with a cloth is usually sufficient.
The J. Dewey far outperforms my previous cleaning rods. The smooth action and durable construction provide a level of confidence I didn’t have before. I no longer worry about damaging the bore of my firearms during cleaning.
Breaking Down the Features of J. Dewey .22 Cal Pistol/Rifle Stainless Steel Cleaning Rod
Specifications
The J. Dewey .22 Cal Pistol/Rifle Stainless Steel Cleaning Rod boasts several key specifications. It features a hard, tough stainless steel shaft. The rod’s threads are 8-32 female. The handle measures 1-1/8″ in diameter and 2-7/8″ in length. Available lengths cater to various firearms, including 6.5″, 11″, 17″, 24″, 30″, and 36″ versions.
These specifications are critical for performance. The stainless steel construction ensures durability and prevents the embedding of jacket metal or powder fouling, which could scratch the bore. The ball-bearing handle allows for smooth rotation, which is essential for effective cleaning. Different length options accommodate both pistols and rifles.
Performance & Functionality
The J. Dewey cleaning rod performs its primary function – cleaning firearm bores – exceptionally well. The smooth rotation of the ball-bearing handle allows patches to conform to the bore’s rifling, ensuring thorough cleaning. Fouling is effectively removed without excessive effort. The rod meets and exceeds my expectations.
The main strength of the J. Dewey rod lies in its durability and smooth action. However, the relatively simple design lacks specialized features like bore guides or integrated brushes.
Design & Ergonomics
The J. Dewey .22 Cal Pistol/Rifle Stainless Steel Cleaning Rod features a simple yet effective design. The stainless steel shaft is smooth and straight, and the ball-bearing handle is comfortable to grip. The rod feels well-balanced and easy to control. There is virtually no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The stainless steel construction ensures excellent durability. With proper care, this cleaning rod should last for many years. Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning of the rod itself.
Accessories and Customization Options
The J. Dewey cleaning rod features a universal, brass patch loop, which is included. This loop accepts standard cleaning patches. The 8-32 female threads allow for the attachment of various accessories, such as bore brushes and jags, from other brands. This versatility adds to the rod’s value.
Pros and Cons of J. Dewey .22 Cal Pistol/Rifle Stainless Steel Cleaning Rod
Pros
- The stainless steel construction is incredibly durable and prevents scratching of the bore.
- The ball-bearing handle provides smooth and effortless rotation.
- Available in multiple lengths to accommodate different firearms.
- The universal, brass patch loop accepts standard cleaning patches.
- Easy to clean and maintain.
Cons
- Relatively simple design lacking advanced features like bore guides.
- The $15.99 price point is higher than some basic alternatives.
Who Should Buy J. Dewey .22 Cal Pistol/Rifle Stainless Steel Cleaning Rod?
The J. Dewey .22 Cal Pistol/Rifle Stainless Steel Cleaning Rod is perfect for firearm owners who prioritize quality and durability. Target shooters who value precision and reliability will also appreciate the J. Dewey’s smooth action and bore-protecting design. Anyone who owns .22 caliber pistols or rifles and wants a long-lasting, effective cleaning tool will benefit from this rod.
Beginners who are just starting to learn about firearm maintenance might find a cheaper, simpler option more appealing initially. Those on a very tight budget might also explore more affordable alternatives. A quality bore guide is a must-have accessory to further protect the firearm’s bore.
Conclusion on J. Dewey .22 Cal Pistol/Rifle Stainless Steel Cleaning Rod
The J. Dewey .22 Cal Pistol/Rifle Stainless Steel Cleaning Rod is a worthwhile investment for anyone serious about firearm maintenance. The durable stainless steel construction, smooth ball-bearing handle, and universal patch loop make it a reliable and effective cleaning tool. The $15.99 price is justified by the rod’s long-lasting performance and ability to protect your firearm’s bore.
I would highly recommend the J. Dewey cleaning rod to any .22 caliber firearm owner looking for a high-quality, durable cleaning solution. Upgrade your cleaning kit today and experience the difference a quality cleaning rod can make.