First Thoughts on the Dewey .17 Cal. 5-40 Thread Male Jag
For a decade, I’ve been elbows-deep in the world of outdoor and tactical gear, and a significant portion of that time has been spent obsessing over firearm maintenance. Proper cleaning is paramount, especially for rimfire rifles like my .17 HMR, which can suffer accuracy degradation due to fouling. That’s where the Dewey .17 Cal. 5-40 Thread Male Jag steps in – a seemingly small but vital component of a comprehensive cleaning regimen.
My interest in this specific jag stems from a frustrating experience with a brass jag that consistently left blue-green residue on my cleaning patches. This made it nearly impossible to accurately gauge copper fouling removal, adding unnecessary time and effort to the cleaning process. The Dewey jag, with its promise of non-reactive aluminum construction, seemed like the perfect solution.
Upon receiving the Dewey .17 Cal. 5-40 Thread Male Jag, I was immediately impressed by its simple, yet robust design. The machined aluminum felt solid and well-made, a clear step up from the cheaper, flimsy plastic jags I’d used in the past. Compared to a brass jag I had been using, the Dewey was noticeably lighter and lacked the porous surface that seemed to trap cleaning solvents.
While there are other aluminum jags on the market, including those from Tipton and Pro-Shot, I opted for the Dewey because of Dewey’s reputation for quality and precision in cleaning equipment. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. Could this tiny piece of aluminum finally solve my copper fouling identification woes? Only time and a dirty rifle would tell.
Real-World Testing: Putting Dewey .17 Cal. 5-40 Thread Male Jag to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test subject was my trusty .17 HMR after a long day at the prairie dog field. The rifle had seen several hundred rounds, and the bore was undoubtedly fouled with powder and copper residue. Using my usual Hoppe’s No. 9 solvent and a bore guide, I attached the Dewey .17 Cal. 5-40 Thread Male Jag to my cleaning rod and went to work.
The jag fit snugly into the bore, providing a secure platform for the cleaning patches. Even better, I immediately noticed a difference compared to my old brass jag. The patches came out with significantly less of that misleading blue-green discoloration. Cleaning was notably quicker.
I did have to pay close attention to patch size. Too small, and the jag wouldn’t grab it effectively; too large, and it required excessive force to push through the bore. However, finding the right size was simple, and once I did, the cleaning process was remarkably smooth.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Dewey .17 Cal. 5-40 Thread Male Jag following range trips and hunting expeditions, I can confidently say it has become an indispensable part of my cleaning kit. The aluminum shows no signs of wear or corrosion, even after repeated exposure to various cleaning solvents. Maintaining it is incredibly easy; a quick wipe with a clean cloth is all it takes.
The Dewey jag has consistently outperformed my old brass jag in terms of clarity and ease of use. It allows me to accurately assess copper fouling levels and effectively clean my .17 caliber rifles without the frustration of false positives. This has not only saved me time but also improved the overall performance and longevity of my firearms.
Breaking Down the Features of Dewey .17 Cal. 5-40 Thread Male Jag
Specifications
The Dewey .17 Cal. 5-40 Thread Male Jag is specifically designed for .17 caliber firearms. It’s crafted from machined aluminum, ensuring a non-reactive surface when used with cleaning solvents.
It features a 5-40 thread male connection, compatible with cleaning rods that have a corresponding female thread pattern. This standard thread size ensures compatibility with a wide range of cleaning rods commonly used for .17 caliber firearms.
The aluminum construction ensures it won’t produce blue-green stains on patches, eliminating false positives for copper fouling. The similar hardness to brass minimizes the risk of scratching the bore.
Performance & Functionality
The Dewey .17 Cal. 5-40 Thread Male Jag excels at its primary function: securely holding cleaning patches and effectively removing fouling from the bore of .17 caliber rifles. The fit is snug and precise, ensuring consistent contact with the bore surface.
Its strength lies in its non-reactive aluminum construction. It eliminates the problem of misleading blue-green stains commonly associated with brass jags.
A potential weakness is the need to find the perfect patch size. Too small results in poor contact, and too large requires excessive force.
Design & Ergonomics
The simple design of the Dewey .17 Cal. 5-40 Thread Male Jag contributes to its ease of use. The machined aluminum feels solid and well-made, giving it a premium feel despite its small size.
There’s virtually no learning curve. Anyone familiar with cleaning firearms can use it immediately.
The light weight of the aluminum makes it easy to manipulate within the bore. It contributes to a smooth and efficient cleaning process.
Durability & Maintenance
The aluminum construction of the Dewey .17 Cal. 5-40 Thread Male Jag ensures long-term durability. It is resistant to corrosion and wear, even with frequent use and exposure to various cleaning solvents.
Maintenance is incredibly simple. Wiping it down with a clean cloth after each use is sufficient to keep it in optimal condition.
The jag shows no signs of degradation after extended use. It proves its value as a reliable and long-lasting component of a cleaning kit.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Dewey .17 Cal. 5-40 Thread Male Jag is primarily a standalone component designed to work with standard cleaning rods and patches. Its 5-40 thread makes it compatible with rods from Dewey and other brands.
There are no specific customization options for the jag itself. Its value lies in its straightforward function and compatibility with existing cleaning systems.
Pros and Cons of Dewey .17 Cal. 5-40 Thread Male Jag
Pros
- Eliminates “false positive” copper fouling indications. The aluminum construction prevents misleading blue-green stains on cleaning patches.
- Durable and corrosion-resistant. The machined aluminum withstands frequent use and exposure to cleaning solvents.
- Simple and easy to use. The straightforward design requires no special skills or techniques.
- Compatible with standard cleaning rods. The 5-40 thread pattern ensures compatibility with most .17 caliber cleaning rods.
- Affordable. The price point makes it an accessible upgrade for any cleaning kit.
Cons
- Requires finding the optimal patch size. Too small or too large patches can hinder cleaning effectiveness.
- Aluminum can be softer than some bore materials. Take care when cleaning heavily fouled bores.
Who Should Buy Dewey .17 Cal. 5-40 Thread Male Jag?
The Dewey .17 Cal. 5-40 Thread Male Jag is perfect for .17 HMR and .17 WSM owners. It is an ideal upgrade for anyone seeking accurate copper fouling assessment and efficient bore cleaning.
Those using ammonia-based solvents will find it especially beneficial. The aluminum avoids reactions that lead to false positives, thereby saving them time and effort.
However, those who rarely clean their firearms or only use them sporadically might not see the full value. If you’re consistently using oversized patches and forcing them through the bore, this jag might not be for you.
A must-have accessory is a high-quality bore guide to ensure proper alignment and prevent damage to the bore.
Conclusion on Dewey .17 Cal. 5-40 Thread Male Jag
The Dewey .17 Cal. 5-40 Thread Male Jag is a small but significant upgrade for anyone serious about maintaining the accuracy and longevity of their .17 caliber firearms. Its aluminum construction eliminates the frustration of false positive copper fouling indications, making the cleaning process more efficient and effective.
At a price of $4.49, the value proposition is undeniable. This simple jag offers a tangible improvement over traditional brass jags, justifying the investment.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the Dewey .17 Cal. 5-40 Thread Male Jag to any .17 caliber rifle owner. It’s a small investment that yields big returns in terms of cleaning efficiency and accuracy. Upgrade your cleaning kit today and experience the difference for yourself!