The Allen Bore-Nado Cleaning Rope 260-6.5mm Cal Rifle 8.50″ Made a Bold First Impression
Every serious shooter knows that a clean rifle is a happy rifle. I’ve tried everything from multi-piece cleaning rods to elaborate bore snake kits, but I was always on the hunt for something truly streamlined, quick, and effective, especially for quick cleanings at the range. That’s when I stumbled upon the Allen Bore-Nado Cleaning Rope 260-6.5mm Cal Rifle 8.50″ from Allen. It promised a single-stroke cleaning solution for my 6.5mm rifles, and at a price point of just $9.99, I figured it was worth a shot.
I was looking for something to reduce the amount of time it takes to clean my rifle at the range. I need to verify zero after every change, and a quick clean between groups helps maintain accuracy. This led me to seek a faster cleaning method.
Unboxing the Bore-Nado was straightforward. It’s a simple product, packaged simply. My initial impression was that it felt lightweight but well-constructed. I liked the feel of the braided rope, and the brass weight seemed securely attached.
Compared to my existing bore snakes, the Bore-Nado felt more compact and less bulky. I also have a multi-piece cleaning rod kit from a different manufacturer that has a lot of parts, takes up a lot of space, and takes much longer to use. The Allen Bore-Nado was chosen for its simplicity and portability.
I was cautiously optimistic. It looked like it could be a handy tool, but I was eager to see if it would live up to the hype of a “single-stroke” cleaning.
Real-World Testing: Putting Allen Bore-Nado Cleaning Rope 260-6.5mm Cal Rifle 8.50″ to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Allen Bore-Nado Cleaning Rope 260-6.5mm Cal Rifle 8.50″ was at my local outdoor shooting range, after putting about 60 rounds through my 6.5 Creedmoor rifle. The day was sunny and relatively dry, perfect for a comfortable range session. The rifle wasn’t terribly dirty, but a quick clean was in order before packing up.
The Bore-Nado was incredibly easy to use. A few drops of my favorite bore solvent, guiding the brass weight into the breach, and a smooth pull through the barrel. The action was smooth, and the rope followed the rifling of the barrel. I repeated the process a couple of times to ensure complete cleaning.
There were no major issues, but I noticed the rope did require a bit of force to pull through, especially at first. I did notice that it did not remove all of the carbon fouling on the first pass. After four passes, the barrel was spotless.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Allen Bore-Nado Cleaning Rope 260-6.5mm Cal Rifle 8.50″ has become a regular part of my range kit. It’s especially useful for a quick field cleaning. It’s been used in temperatures ranging from 40 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit and has always performed as expected.
So far, the durability seems excellent. There are no signs of fraying or damage to the rope, and the brass weight remains securely attached. I always clean it with a brush and mild soap after each use.
Compared to my older bore snakes, the Bore-Nado feels more robust and easier to clean. I find it superior to carrying around a full cleaning rod set for quick maintenance.
Breaking Down the Features of Allen Bore-Nado Cleaning Rope 260-6.5mm Cal Rifle 8.50″
Specifications
- Caliber: Designed for 260-6.5mm caliber rifles. This ensures a proper fit and effective cleaning.
- Length: 8.50 inches in length, making it compact and easy to store. This length is specifically designed to fit into a standard range bag or rifle case without taking up much space.
- Cleaning Section Length: Roughly 2 inches long. This is the portion of the rope that has the interwoven bristles and swab, offering the cleaning action.
- Material: Braided rope construction with integrated copper brushes. The braided rope is durable and resistant to wear, while the copper brushes are effective at removing fouling and carbon deposits.
- Bore Guide: Weighted brass bore guide. It makes guiding the rope through the barrel easy.
- Vortex Bristle Technology: Uses copper brushes to clean fouling and carbon as it passes through the barrel. The copper brushes agitate and remove carbon deposits.
- Braided Swab: Built-in braided swab sweeps away loosened debris. The swab ensures that the bore is left clean and free of residue after cleaning.
Performance & Functionality
The Allen Bore-Nado Cleaning Rope 260-6.5mm Cal Rifle 8.50″ performs its primary function well. It effectively cleans the bore of a 6.5mm rifle. The copper brushes are aggressive enough to remove carbon fouling, and the braided swab leaves the bore clean.
The main strength is its simplicity and ease of use. The only drawback is the number of passes required to get a spotless bore. It meets my expectations for a quick cleaning tool.
Design & Ergonomics
The design is basic but functional. The braided rope is comfortable to grip, and the brass weight is the correct size. The overall build quality is decent for the price.
There is no learning curve. It’s very easy to use.
Durability & Maintenance
The Allen Bore-Nado Cleaning Rope 260-6.5mm Cal Rifle 8.50″ seems reasonably durable. The braided rope is holding up well. Cleaning involves washing it with a mild detergent and letting it air dry.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Allen Bore-Nado Cleaning Rope 260-6.5mm Cal Rifle 8.50″ doesn’t come with any specific accessories, as it is a standalone cleaning tool. It works perfectly with any standard bore solvent designed for firearms. It does not directly support customization, but can be used with various cleaning solutions.
Pros and Cons of Allen Bore-Nado Cleaning Rope 260-6.5mm Cal Rifle 8.50″
Pros
- Extremely affordable: At only $9.99, it’s a budget-friendly option for rifle cleaning.
- Simple and easy to use: Requires minimal effort and time to clean your rifle’s bore.
- Compact and portable: Takes up very little space in your range bag.
- Effective at removing carbon fouling: Copper brushes and braided swab ensure a thorough cleaning.
- Durable construction: Braided rope and brass weight are built to last.
Cons
- May require multiple passes: A single pass may not completely remove all fouling.
- Solvent Required: Requires the separate purchase and application of cleaning solvent.
Who Should Buy Allen Bore-Nado Cleaning Rope 260-6.5mm Cal Rifle 8.50″?
The Allen Bore-Nado Cleaning Rope 260-6.5mm Cal Rifle 8.50″ is perfect for:
- Hunters who need a quick and easy way to clean their rifles in the field.
- Range shooters who want to maintain accuracy between shooting sessions.
- Anyone looking for a simple and affordable bore cleaning solution.
Someone who relies on a spotless, mirror-like bore with one pass, or prefers a multi-piece cleaning rod, should skip this product.
Must-have accessories include a high-quality bore solvent, and a small brush for cleaning the rope itself after use.
Conclusion on Allen Bore-Nado Cleaning Rope 260-6.5mm Cal Rifle 8.50″
The Allen Bore-Nado Cleaning Rope 260-6.5mm Cal Rifle 8.50″ is a simple, effective, and affordable tool for maintaining the bore of your 6.5mm rifle. It’s not a replacement for a deep cleaning with a rod and patches, but it’s excellent for quick maintenance at the range or in the field.
The price is definitely justified by its ease of use and portability.
I would absolutely recommend the Allen Bore-Nado to any shooter looking for a convenient way to keep their rifle clean. Pick one up, toss it in your range bag, and experience the ease of a quick, effective bore cleaning!