The Dewey 17 Caliber 11″ Nylon Coated Rod Made a Bold First Impression
Cleaning a firearm, especially one chambered in the diminutive .17 caliber, can be a nerve-wracking experience. One wrong move with an overly aggressive cleaning rod, and you risk damaging the delicate rifling that makes these high-velocity rounds so accurate. That’s where the Dewey 17 Caliber 11″ Nylon Coated Rod comes in, promising a safe and effective cleaning experience.
My need for this product arose from a growing collection of .17 HMR rifles, each demanding meticulous care to maintain peak accuracy. I had been using a generic cleaning rod, and the fear of scratching the bore during cleaning was ever-present. Unboxing the Dewey 17 Caliber 11″ Nylon Coated Rod revealed a well-made piece of equipment. The nylon coating felt smooth and substantial, a definite step up from the flimsy vinyl coatings I had seen on cheaper rods.
Compared to a Hoppe’s brass rod and a Tipton carbon fiber rod that I own, the Dewey rod felt like the best compromise between rigidity and bore protection. The brass rod was too harsh, the carbon fiber too flexible, especially for removing stubborn fouling. My initial excitement stemmed from the promise of worry-free cleaning. I was eager to see if it lived up to its claims of protecting the bore while effectively removing carbon and copper fouling.
Real-World Testing: Putting Dewey 17 Caliber 11″ Nylon Coated Rod to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Dewey 17 Caliber 11″ Nylon Coated Rod at my workbench after a range session with my Savage A17. The rifle had seen about 100 rounds, leaving a noticeable build-up of carbon in the bore. Using a bore guide, I carefully inserted the Dewey rod, and the smooth nylon coating made its presence known immediately.
The rod glided effortlessly through the bore, with no gritty feeling or resistance. Working in conjunction with a .17 caliber brush and solvent, the Dewey rod made quick work of the carbon fouling. There were no issues after the first use; in fact, it was surprisingly easy to maneuver.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Dewey 17 Caliber 11″ Nylon Coated Rod has proven to be a reliable and durable cleaning tool. It shows no signs of wear and tear, and the nylon coating remains intact. The rod still feels smooth and solid, and cleaning remains a stress-free experience.
Maintaining the rod is simple; I wipe it down with a clean cloth after each use. Compared to my previous experiences with other cleaning rods, the Dewey rod’s gentle touch has given me peace of mind. It outperforms my old brass rod significantly, offering a superior cleaning experience without the risk of damage.
Breaking Down the Features of Dewey 17 Caliber 11″ Nylon Coated Rod
Specifications
- Caliber: .17
- Length: 11 inches (rod length, excluding handle)
- Coating: Tough nylon
- Handle: Smooth turning, ball bearing
- Thread: 5-40 female
- Adapter: Not included (required for brushes, sold separately)
- Jag: Extra-long Dewey jag included, designed for wrapped or over-the-end patch application.
These specifications are crucial for .17 caliber owners because the small bore diameter demands a delicate yet effective cleaning solution. The nylon coating ensures no harm comes to the rifling. The smooth ball-bearing handle allows for easy rotation to ensure even cleaning of the bore.
Performance & Functionality
The Dewey 17 Caliber 11″ Nylon Coated Rod excels at its primary task: cleaning .17 caliber bores without causing damage. Its performance is consistent and reliable, effectively removing fouling with the right brushes and solvents. The only potential weakness is the absence of a brush adapter, which needs to be purchased separately.
It exceeded my expectations in terms of smoothness and ease of use. The confidence of knowing I’m not scratching the bore is priceless.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Dewey 17 Caliber 11″ Nylon Coated Rod is excellent. The materials feel high-quality, and the handle is comfortable to grip. The rod is lightweight and well-balanced, making it easy to maneuver in the bore.
The design is simple and functional, with no unnecessary frills. There’s no learning curve; it’s very intuitive.
Durability & Maintenance
The nylon coating on the Dewey 17 Caliber 11″ Nylon Coated Rod appears highly durable, and after months of use, it shows no signs of peeling or cracking. Proper care and maintenance involve simply wiping the rod clean after each use, ensuring it remains free of debris and solvent residue. This rod is built to last.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Dewey 17 Caliber 11″ Nylon Coated Rod comes with an extra-long Dewey jag. The jag accommodates patches wrapped around it or over the end. The Dewey rod has a 5-40 female thread.
Therefore, it requires compatible .17 caliber brushes and jags that match this thread size. Owners can customize their cleaning setup with various brushes, solvents, and bore guides.
Pros and Cons of Dewey 17 Caliber 11″ Nylon Coated Rod
Pros
- Nylon coated rod protects delicate .17 caliber rifling
- Smooth ball-bearing handle provides effortless rotation
- Durable construction ensures long-lasting performance
- Extra-long Dewey jag designed for effective patch application
- Provides worry-free cleaning experience.
Cons
- Brush adapter not included.
- 5-40 female thread may limit accessory options.
Who Should Buy Dewey 17 Caliber 11″ Nylon Coated Rod?
Perfect for owners of .17 HMR, .17 WSM, or .17 Hornet rifles who value bore protection and effective cleaning. Competitive shooters who demand peak accuracy from their firearms will also benefit greatly. Anyone who owns a .17 caliber firearm and values proper maintenance should purchase this.
Those who already own a .17 caliber cleaning kit with a compatible rod might not need this specific product. Those who don’t want to spend more on the separately sold adapter should seek other options.
A must-have accessory is a quality .17 caliber bore guide to ensure proper alignment and prevent rod flex.
Conclusion on Dewey 17 Caliber 11″ Nylon Coated Rod
The Dewey 17 Caliber 11″ Nylon Coated Rod is an excellent cleaning tool that delivers on its promise of protecting delicate .17 caliber rifling. The smooth action, durable construction, and thoughtful design make it a joy to use. At $18.49, the price is justified considering the peace of mind and potential cost savings from preventing bore damage.
I would absolutely recommend this product to any .17 caliber owner. It is a worthwhile investment in the longevity and accuracy of your rifle. Go ahead and grab one now for worry-free cleaning!