First Thoughts on the Kleen-Bore Saf-T-Clad Cleaning Rod .22-45 Cal Rifle Steel 33″
Cleaning rifles is a necessary evil, a task often dreaded but absolutely crucial for maintaining accuracy, reliability, and longevity. When Kleen-Bore introduced the Kleen-Bore Saf-T-Clad Cleaning Rod .22-45 Cal Rifle Steel 33″, it seemed to address a common concern: preventing bore damage during cleaning. This 33-inch rod, designed for .22 to .45 caliber rifles, promises a safer cleaning experience thanks to its special coating and included muzzle guard.
My quest for this particular cleaning rod arose from a nagging frustration. I had scratched the bore of a prized .22 target rifle using a cheaper, uncoated rod. The potential to damage the rifling while trying to protect it felt deeply ironic.
Upon receiving the Kleen-Bore Saf-T-Clad Cleaning Rod .22-45 Cal Rifle Steel 33″, I immediately noticed the solid feel of the steel core. The SAF-T-CLAD coating appeared smooth and even, a clear improvement over the bare metal rods I’d used before. The included polymer muzzle guard was a welcome addition, signaling Kleen-Bore’s attention to detail.
Compared to a generic brass rod and a flexible bore snake, the Kleen-Bore offering felt like a substantial upgrade. The brass rod, while softer than steel, still lacked a protective coating, and bore snakes, while convenient, often fail to remove heavy fouling effectively. This Kleen-Bore rod promised both thorough cleaning and bore protection.
My initial reaction was cautiously optimistic. The Kleen-Bore Saf-T-Clad Cleaning Rod .22-45 Cal Rifle Steel 33″ looked and felt like a quality tool, but the true test would be its performance in the field. I was eager to see if it lived up to its promise of a safer and more effective cleaning experience.
Real-World Testing: Putting Kleen-Bore Saf-T-Clad Cleaning Rod .22-45 Cal Rifle Steel 33″ to the Test
First Use Experience
My first use of the Kleen-Bore Saf-T-Clad Cleaning Rod .22-45 Cal Rifle Steel 33″ was at my local shooting range after a day of putting rounds downrange with my .22LR and .30-06 rifles. I wanted to test it with both calibers right away.
The rod felt solid and well-balanced in my hand. The swivel handle moved smoothly, allowing the rod to rotate freely with the rifling. I noticed that the muzzle guard fit snugly, preventing any direct contact between the rod and the bore at the muzzle.
Inserting the rod into the .22 rifle felt smooth, with the SAF-T-CLAD coating providing a low-friction surface. However, I did find that pushing it through the .30-06 felt a little tighter, requiring slightly more force to maneuver. No apparent issues were found after first use.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, cleaning my rifles after each range session, the Kleen-Bore Saf-T-Clad Cleaning Rod .22-45 Cal Rifle Steel 33″ has held up remarkably well. There’s no sign of the SAF-T-CLAD coating peeling or cracking.
The polymer muzzle guard, while showing some minor scuffs from repeated use, continues to function perfectly, protecting the crown of my rifles. The swivel handle remains smooth and free of play.
Compared to my older, uncoated cleaning rods, the Kleen-Bore rod has significantly reduced my worries about bore damage. It provides a level of confidence that my older rods simply couldn’t offer.
Breaking Down the Features of Kleen-Bore Saf-T-Clad Cleaning Rod .22-45 Cal Rifle Steel 33″
Specifications
Caliber Compatibility: Designed for use with .22 to .45 caliber rifles. This wide compatibility makes it a versatile tool for many firearm owners.
Material: Solid steel core with SAF-T-CLAD coating. The steel core provides strength and rigidity, while the coating protects the bore.
Length: 33 inches. This length is suitable for most rifle barrels, providing ample reach.
Handle: Swivel handle. This allows the rod to follow the rifling, improving cleaning efficiency and reducing stress on the rod.
Accessories: Includes SAF-T-CLAD coated patch holder and polymer muzzle guard. The patch holder is designed to securely hold cleaning patches, while the muzzle guard protects the crown of the barrel.
Performance & Functionality
The Kleen-Bore Saf-T-Clad Cleaning Rod .22-45 Cal Rifle Steel 33″ excels in providing a safe and effective cleaning experience. The SAF-T-CLAD coating minimizes the risk of scratching the bore, and the swivel handle ensures smooth, consistent movement.
The included muzzle guard further protects the crown of the barrel, a crucial area for accuracy. One potential area for improvement is the patch holder design, which can sometimes be a bit difficult to thread patches onto, particularly when they are new or thick. The included patch holder is coated to prevent scratching.
Overall, the rod meets and even exceeds my expectations. It provides the peace of mind that my bore is protected during cleaning.
Design & Ergonomics
The Kleen-Bore Saf-T-Clad Cleaning Rod .22-45 Cal Rifle Steel 33″ has a functional and straightforward design. The steel core provides a solid feel, and the SAF-T-CLAD coating adds a layer of protection and smoothness.
The swivel handle is comfortable to grip and allows for easy rotation. There is no significant learning curve with this tool.
Durability & Maintenance
The solid steel construction and durable SAF-T-CLAD coating suggest that the Kleen-Bore Saf-T-Clad Cleaning Rod .22-45 Cal Rifle Steel 33″ should last for many years with proper care. Cleaning the rod itself is simple, requiring only a wipe-down with a clean cloth after each use.
The muzzle guard can be rinsed with water to remove any fouling. The patch holder might require occasional cleaning with a bore solvent.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Kleen-Bore Saf-T-Clad Cleaning Rod .22-45 Cal Rifle Steel 33″ comes with a SAF-T-CLAD coated patch holder and a polymer muzzle guard. While it doesn’t offer extensive customization options, it is compatible with standard threaded bore brushes and jags from other brands.
This allows users to tailor the cleaning process to their specific needs and preferences. You can use whatever works for your rifle and ammunition combination.
Pros and Cons of Kleen-Bore Saf-T-Clad Cleaning Rod .22-45 Cal Rifle Steel 33″
Pros
- SAF-T-CLAD Coating: Provides superior bore protection compared to uncoated rods.
- Swivel Handle: Allows for smooth and consistent cleaning, following the rifling.
- Muzzle Guard: Protects the crown of the barrel from damage.
- Durable Construction: Made from solid steel for long-lasting performance.
- Versatile Caliber Compatibility: Suitable for .22 to .45 caliber rifles.
Cons
- Patch Holder: The included patch holder can be a little tricky to use.
- Rigidity: Can’t easily bend to clean from the breech end, like flexible rods can.
Who Should Buy Kleen-Bore Saf-T-Clad Cleaning Rod .22-45 Cal Rifle Steel 33″?
The Kleen-Bore Saf-T-Clad Cleaning Rod .22-45 Cal Rifle Steel 33″ is perfect for rifle owners who value bore protection and want a reliable cleaning tool. This includes target shooters, hunters, and anyone who wants to maintain the accuracy and longevity of their rifles.
Those who prefer the convenience of bore snakes or require extreme flexibility in a cleaning rod might want to consider other options. A must-have accessory for use with the Kleen-Bore Saf-T-Clad Cleaning Rod .22-45 Cal Rifle Steel 33″ would be a high-quality bore solvent and a selection of appropriately sized bore brushes and cleaning patches.
Conclusion on Kleen-Bore Saf-T-Clad Cleaning Rod .22-45 Cal Rifle Steel 33″
The Kleen-Bore Saf-T-Clad Cleaning Rod .22-45 Cal Rifle Steel 33″ is a well-designed and effective cleaning tool that prioritizes bore protection. At a price of $19.99, it offers excellent value for the peace of mind it provides.
I would absolutely recommend this cleaning rod to anyone looking for a safer and more reliable way to clean their rifles. Investing in the Kleen-Bore Saf-T-Clad Cleaning Rod .22-45 Cal Rifle Steel 33″ is a small price to pay for protecting the heart of your rifle: its bore. Protect your investment, keep your rifle clean, and happy shooting!