The Dewey 20 Caliber 5-40M Bore Brush 3/Pack Made a Bold First Impression
The world of firearms maintenance can often feel like a series of compromises. You’re constantly balancing cleaning power with the risk of damaging your precious firearm. I’ve spent over a decade searching for the perfect cleaning tools, and the Dewey 20 Caliber 5-40M Bore Brush 3/Pack promised a potential solution to a persistent problem: removing copper fouling without introducing misleading indicators of its presence.
Years of using brass-core brushes had left me frustrated. The tell-tale blue-green stains on patches, a result of the ammonia-based solvents reacting with the brass, often led me down a rabbit hole of unnecessary and aggressive cleaning. This ultimately led me to seek out a better way to clean my smaller caliber rifles.
The Dewey brushes arrived in simple packaging, the brushes themselves neatly aligned. My first impression was one of understated quality; they felt solid without being excessively heavy. Compared to the generic brass brushes I’d been using, the Dewey brushes looked and felt like a step up. I had been considering the Pro-Shot bore brushes, as well as the Sweets 7.62 Solvent Compatible Bore Brush, but opted for the Dewey for its reported ammonia-solvent compatibility and reputation for quality.
I was cautiously optimistic. The promise of eliminating false positives was appealing, but I’d been burned before. If these brushes could truly deliver on that claim while still effectively scrubbing the bore, then Dewey would have a customer for life.
Real-World Testing: Putting Dewey 20 Caliber 5-40M Bore Brush 3/Pack to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test involved cleaning my trusty .204 Ruger after a day at the prairie dog town. I used a Hoppe’s No. 9 solvent initially to remove powder fouling, then switched to a copper solvent. The brush moved smoothly through the bore, not binding or feeling overly tight.
I immediately noticed a difference. The patches coming out were dirty, but lacked the intense blue-green hue I was accustomed to seeing. This allowed me to better gauge the actual copper fouling and avoid unnecessary scrubbing.
There was a slight learning curve involved in gauging true fouling. It took a couple rifles to get used to interpreting the patches without the false positives.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use across three different .20 caliber rifles, the Dewey brushes are holding up remarkably well. There’s no noticeable wear on the nylon bristles, and the aluminum core remains pristine. The brushes clean up easily with a quick rinse in solvent and a wipe down.
Compared to my previous experience with brass brushes, these Dewey brushes are a game-changer. I’m cleaning smarter, not harder, and my barrels are thanking me for it. They outperform standard brass brushes in terms of longevity and eliminating false positives.
Breaking Down the Features of Dewey 20 Caliber 5-40M Bore Brush 3/Pack
Specifications
The Dewey 20 Caliber 5-40M Bore Brush 3/Pack is specifically designed for .20 caliber rifles. Each brush features dense nylon bristles, an aluminum core, and a male-threaded aluminum coupling. The thread pattern is 5-40, making them compatible with most .17 and .20 caliber cleaning rods.
These specs are crucial. The aluminum core eliminates the brass-solvent reaction, while the nylon bristles provide effective scrubbing without being overly abrasive. The 5-40 thread pattern ensures compatibility with my existing cleaning equipment.
Performance & Functionality
The Dewey brushes perform exactly as advertised. They effectively remove powder and copper fouling, leaving a clean and shiny bore. The absence of false positives is a massive advantage. They meet and exceed my expectations for a bore brush in this caliber.
The strengths are clear: effective cleaning, solvent compatibility, and elimination of false positives. If I had to nitpick, the nylon bristles might not be as aggressive as some bronze brushes, but the trade-off is well worth it for the reduced risk of damage and false readings.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent. The aluminum core and coupling feel solid and well-machined, while the nylon bristles are densely packed and evenly distributed. The brushes are comfortable to use with a standard cleaning rod.
There’s no learning curve. These are as easy to use as any other bore brush.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience so far, these brushes are built to last. The aluminum construction resists corrosion, and the nylon bristles are holding up well to repeated use. Maintenance is minimal: simply rinse with solvent and wipe clean after each use.
These are likely to outlast brass brushes several times over.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Dewey 20 Caliber 5-40M Bore Brush 3/Pack doesn’t come with any additional accessories. However, its compatibility with standard .17 and .20 caliber cleaning rods makes it easy to integrate into your existing cleaning setup. The brushes are also compatible with a variety of solvents, including ammonia-based copper removers.
You can use these brushes with various jags, patches, and solvents depending on your cleaning needs.
Pros and Cons of Dewey 20 Caliber 5-40M Bore Brush 3/Pack
Pros
- Eliminates false-positive indications of copper fouling, saving time and effort.
- Durable nylon bristles and aluminum core construction for long-lasting performance.
- Compatible with a wide range of .20 caliber rifles and cleaning rods.
- Gentle on rifling while effectively removing fouling.
- Resistant to corrosion from cleaning solvents.
Cons
- Nylon bristles may not be as aggressive as bronze for removing heavy fouling.
- Slightly more expensive than basic brass bore brushes.
Who Should Buy Dewey 20 Caliber 5-40M Bore Brush 3/Pack?
The Dewey 20 Caliber 5-40M Bore Brush 3/Pack is perfect for precision shooters, varmint hunters, and anyone who wants to accurately assess copper fouling in their .20 caliber rifles. If you value a clean bore and want to avoid unnecessary aggressive cleaning, these brushes are a must-have.
If you primarily shoot larger calibers or only clean your rifles sporadically, you might not need these. Owners with rifles chambered in .22 caliber or larger should instead opt for the Dewey brushes with 8-32 threads.
I would recommend purchasing a quality bore solvent designed for copper removal along with these brushes.
Conclusion on Dewey 20 Caliber 5-40M Bore Brush 3/Pack
The Dewey 20 Caliber 5-40M Bore Brush 3/Pack is a game-changer for .20 caliber rifle maintenance. The elimination of false positives, combined with the durable construction and effective cleaning performance, makes them well worth the price of $5.99.
I would absolutely recommend these brushes to anyone serious about maintaining their .20 caliber rifles. The Dewey 20 Caliber 5-40M Bore Brush 3/Pack represents a smart investment in the longevity and accuracy of your firearms. Take the guesswork out of bore cleaning and grab a pack today!