First Thoughts on the Swab-its .357cal/.38cal/.380cal/9mm Gun Cleaning Bore-tips
The Swab-its .357cal/.38cal/.380cal/9mm Gun Cleaning Bore-tips promise a lint-free and reusable alternative to traditional patches for cleaning your firearms. Marketed by Swab-its as a modern solution to an age-old problem, they aim for 100% bore contact and efficient solvent application. As someone who has spent countless hours cleaning various firearms, from vintage lever actions to modern polymer pistols, I was eager to see if these bore-tips lived up to the hype.
I’ve grown weary of mountains of used patches after a range day. Furthermore, I’m always looking for ways to streamline my cleaning process and reduce waste. These bore-tips seemed like they could be the answer.
The package arrived, a simple bag containing the bore-tips on a plastic runner. My initial impression was positive, the foam felt dense and looked durable. This was prior to using them, that quickly changed.
I considered several other options before choosing the Swab-its Bore-tips. Patches are inexpensive but create a lot of waste. Cleaning mops, while reusable, can sometimes leave fibers behind. These Swab-its Bore-tips seemed like the best of both worlds, reusable and lint-free.
My first impression wasn’t entirely exciting. I was a little disappointed that they didn’t feel as robust as I’d hoped.
Real-World Testing: Putting Swab-its .357cal/.38cal/.380cal/9mm Gun Cleaning Bore-tips to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Swab-its Bore-tips immediately after a range session with my Glock 19 (9mm) and my S&W 686 (.357 Magnum). I typically clean my firearms within 24 hours of use, regardless of the round count. For this test, both firearms had seen approximately 200 rounds each.
The Bore-tips were used in conjunction with my usual solvent, Hoppe’s No. 9. I also tested them with CLP for lubrication. The solvent application was easy, and the tips seemed to fill the bore well.
The first few passes through the Glock’s bore were promising. However, I noticed the tip starting to lose its shape. Cleaning the .357 was more disappointing, the tip deformed quickly and began to feel less effective.
I didn’t have any major issues with ease of use, they attached to my cleaning rod without issue. I immediately questioned the durability of the foam. The amount of debris left in the bore after using these bore-tips was also questionable.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use, I can confidently say the Swab-its Bore-tips don’t hold up as well as I’d hoped. I clean my firearms at least twice a month, even if they haven’t been fired, to ensure they’re in optimal condition. The Bore-tips are now part of that routine, but not my primary cleaning tool.
The foam tips progressively deteriorate with each use, losing their rigidity and shape. This makes them less effective at scrubbing the bore and removing fouling. The .357 caliber tips seem to degrade the quickest.
Maintaining them is easy. I simply wash them with soap and water after each use. Even after cleaning, they retain some discoloration from the solvents and carbon fouling.
Compared to traditional patches, the Swab-its Bore-tips fall short. Patches are far more effective at removing stubborn carbon buildup. The Bore-tips are okay for a light cleaning, but I still find myself reaching for patches for a thorough scrub.
Breaking Down the Features of Swab-its .357cal/.38cal/.380cal/9mm Gun Cleaning Bore-tips
Specifications
The Swab-its .357cal/.38cal/.380cal/9mm Gun Cleaning Bore-tips are caliber-specific foam tips designed for cleaning firearm bores. They are intended for use with standard cleaning rods with an 8/32 thread. The package contains six Bore-tips attached to a plastic runner.
These Bore-tips are specifically designed for use in .357 caliber, .38 caliber, .380 caliber, and 9mm firearms. They can also be used with other calibers such as .38-55 Winchester, .350 Remington Mag, and 9×18 Makarov. They are advertised as washable and reusable.
These specifications are important because they dictate the compatibility of the product with different firearms. The 8/32 thread ensures they fit most standard cleaning rods. The washable and reusable nature of the Bore-tips is a key selling point, promising cost savings and reduced waste.
Performance & Functionality
The Swab-its .357cal/.38cal/.380cal/9mm Gun Cleaning Bore-tips perform adequately for light cleaning tasks. They effectively spread solvent throughout the bore. However, their ability to remove heavy carbon fouling is limited.
Their biggest weakness is their durability. The foam tips quickly lose their shape, reducing their effectiveness. They do not meet my expectations for a thorough and efficient bore cleaning.
Design & Ergonomics
The Bore-tips are simple in design, consisting of a foam tip attached to a threaded plastic base. The materials used seem adequate, but the foam could be more robust. They are lightweight and easy to handle.
There is no learning curve, they attach to a standard cleaning rod and are ready to use. The lack of durability makes them less user-friendly over time.
Durability & Maintenance
The durability of the Swab-its Bore-tips is questionable. I expect each tip to last for maybe 2-3 cleanings before needing replacement. Maintaining them is easy, simply wash with soap and water.
Repair is not an option, once the foam tip degrades, the Bore-tip is essentially useless. The short lifespan adds to the overall cost and negates some of the benefits of reusability.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Swab-its .357cal/.38cal/.380cal/9mm Gun Cleaning Bore-tips do not come with any additional accessories. There are no customization options available. They are intended to be used with existing cleaning rods and solvents.
The compatibility with standard 8/32 threaded cleaning rods allows for use with a wide range of cleaning kits and accessories. There are no specific Swab-its branded accessories designed for use with these Bore-tips.
Pros and Cons of Swab-its .357cal/.38cal/.380cal/9mm Gun Cleaning Bore-tips
Pros
- Reusable and washable.
- Lint-free design eliminates residue in the bore.
- Effective at spreading solvent evenly.
- Compatible with standard 8/32 threaded cleaning rods.
- Inexpensive alternative to some cleaning methods.
Cons
- Poor durability, foam tips degrade quickly.
- Not effective at removing heavy carbon fouling.
- Tend to lose shape during use.
- Not a true replacement for cleaning patches.
Who Should Buy Swab-its .357cal/.38cal/.380cal/9mm Gun Cleaning Bore-tips?
The Swab-its .357cal/.38cal/.380cal/9mm Gun Cleaning Bore-tips are perfect for casual shooters who prioritize convenience and minimal waste. They’re useful for quick, light cleaning after a short range session. They’re also ideal for those looking to reduce the amount of disposable patches they use.
Those who require a deep, thorough clean or shoot high volumes should skip this product. Anyone seeking a long-lasting and robust cleaning solution will be disappointed. You’ll want patches.
A must-have accessory is a quality bore brush. Use this in conjunction with the Bore-tips to maximize cleaning effectiveness.
Conclusion on Swab-its .357cal/.38cal/.380cal/9mm Gun Cleaning Bore-tips
The Swab-its .357cal/.38cal/.380cal/9mm Gun Cleaning Bore-tips offer a convenient and potentially eco-friendly alternative to traditional cleaning patches. However, their poor durability and limited cleaning power ultimately undermine their value. At $5.99 for a bag of six, the price is low, but the lifespan of each tip makes the overall cost higher than anticipated.
I would cautiously recommend them for light cleaning tasks only. Don’t expect them to replace traditional patches entirely. If you prioritize deep cleaning and long-term cost-effectiveness, stick with patches and a good bore brush.
Consider giving the Swab-its Bore-tips a try if you’re curious. However, be prepared to supplement them with more traditional cleaning methods for optimal results.