The Pro-Shot Coated Cleaning Rod 22 Cal-6.5mm Rifle 36″ Made a Bold First Impression
Maintaining my firearms has always been paramount. A clean rifle is an accurate rifle, and a reliable rifle is a safe rifle. Therefore, a quality cleaning rod is a non-negotiable part of my gear. When I saw the Pro-Shot Coated Cleaning Rod 22 Cal-6.5mm Rifle 36″, I was immediately intrigued by the promise of a coated rod designed to protect the bore.
I was specifically looking to replace an older, multi-piece rod that had begun to show its age. My main concern was damaging the rifling while cleaning, particularly with my more accurate .22LR and 6mm ARC rifles. I wanted something that would minimize contact and potential scratching. The Pro-Shot Coated Cleaning Rod 22 Cal-6.5mm Rifle 36″ seemed to address this concern directly.
Unboxing it, the first thing I noticed was the rod’s substantial feel. It wasn’t flimsy like some cheaper options. The coating appeared to be evenly applied and smooth. The rod felt well-balanced in my hand. The Pro-Shot Coated Cleaning Rod 22 Cal-6.5mm Rifle 36″ felt like a serious piece of gear.
I considered a Bore Tech cleaning rod, known for their high-end construction, and a Hoppe’s rod, a budget-friendly classic. Ultimately, I chose the Pro-Shot Coated Cleaning Rod 22 Cal-6.5mm Rifle 36″ because it seemed to strike a good balance between quality and price. It offered the protection of a coated rod without the extreme cost of some higher-end options.
My first impression was positive. I was genuinely excited to put the Pro-Shot Coated Cleaning Rod 22 Cal-6.5mm Rifle 36″ to use and see how it performed. I was hoping it would live up to its promise of protecting my valuable rifle barrels.
Real-World Testing: Putting Pro-Shot Coated Cleaning Rod 22 Cal-6.5mm Rifle 36″ to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing ground was my workbench after a day at the range with my CZ 457 .22LR rifle. This rifle is incredibly accurate, and I’m meticulous about its cleaning. I also used it on my 6mm ARC AR-15 after some load development.
I tested the Pro-Shot Coated Cleaning Rod 22 Cal-6.5mm Rifle 36″ in relatively controlled conditions in my garage. The weather was mild and dry. Using the rod was straightforward. It threaded easily into my existing jags and brushes. I immediately appreciated the smooth action as I pushed it through the bore.
There were no surprises initially. The Pro-Shot Coated Cleaning Rod 22 Cal-6.5mm Rifle 36″ did exactly what it was supposed to do. It moved smoothly and seemed to effectively clean the bore without any excessive force needed.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Pro-Shot Coated Cleaning Rod 22 Cal-6.5mm Rifle 36″ has proven to be a reliable cleaning tool. I clean my rifles after every range session, so it’s seen a fair amount of use.
The coating has held up remarkably well. There are no noticeable scratches or wear marks. The rod still glides smoothly through the bore. I’ve been careful to avoid excessive bending or forcing it, which undoubtedly contributes to its longevity.
Maintaining the Pro-Shot Coated Cleaning Rod 22 Cal-6.5mm Rifle 36″ is simple. I wipe it down with a clean cloth after each use. I occasionally apply a light coat of oil to the threads to prevent corrosion. This simple routine keeps it in excellent condition.
Compared to my old multi-piece rod, the Pro-Shot Coated Cleaning Rod 22 Cal-6.5mm Rifle 36″ is a significant upgrade. It’s more effective, easier to use, and I have much more confidence that I’m not damaging my barrels. I would say it definitely outperforms my expectations based on similar products I have used in the past.
Breaking Down the Features of Pro-Shot Coated Cleaning Rod 22 Cal-6.5mm Rifle 36″
Specifications
- Caliber Compatibility: .22 Caliber to 6.5mm Rifles. This makes it versatile for a variety of my rifles, from rimfire to centerfire.
- Length: 36 inches. This is a good length for most rifle barrels, providing adequate reach without being unwieldy.
- Thread: American Standard 8-32. This is a very common thread size, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of jags, brushes, and other accessories.
- Coating: Polymer Coated. The coating is designed to protect the bore from scratches and damage during cleaning.
- Construction: Solid Steel Core. This provides the rod with strength and rigidity while cleaning.
These specifications are critical for a cleaning rod. The caliber compatibility ensures it can be used on multiple rifles. The length is appropriate for most rifle barrels. Most importantly, the coated construction prevents damage to the rifling, and 8-32 threads ensure wide accessory compatibility.
Performance & Functionality
The Pro-Shot Coated Cleaning Rod 22 Cal-6.5mm Rifle 36″ performs its job exceptionally well. Its smooth action makes cleaning easy and efficient.
Its primary strength is the coated design, preventing metal-on-metal contact within the bore. This reduces the risk of scratching and preserves the accuracy of the rifle. A minor weakness might be the length for shorter barreled rifles, requiring a little more care to avoid bending.
The Pro-Shot Coated Cleaning Rod 22 Cal-6.5mm Rifle 36″ exceeds my expectations, especially considering the price point. It’s a well-made, functional tool that I trust to protect my rifles.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Pro-Shot Coated Cleaning Rod 22 Cal-6.5mm Rifle 36″ is excellent. The materials feel durable and well-made.
The rod is comfortable to use, with a smooth rotation. The design is simple and effective. There’s no learning curve. It’s ready to use straight out of the packaging.
Durability & Maintenance
The solid steel core and durable coating suggest the Pro-Shot Coated Cleaning Rod 22 Cal-6.5mm Rifle 36″ will last for many years with proper care. It’s a robust piece of equipment.
Maintenance is easy. Simply wiping it down after use is sufficient to keep it clean and prevent corrosion. I would expect years of use before seeing any significant wear.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Pro-Shot Coated Cleaning Rod 22 Cal-6.5mm Rifle 36″ itself doesn’t come with accessories. However, its 8-32 thread allows for a wide range of customization.
It is compatible with a huge variety of jags, brushes, mops, and other cleaning attachments from Pro-Shot and other manufacturers. This makes it highly versatile. This is extremely helpful because I can use all of my existing cleaning attachments without having to buy new ones.
Pros and Cons of Pro-Shot Coated Cleaning Rod 22 Cal-6.5mm Rifle 36″
Pros
- The coated design protects the rifle bore from scratches and damage.
- Its smooth action makes cleaning easy and efficient.
- The 8-32 thread is compatible with a wide range of accessories.
- The 36-inch length is suitable for most rifle barrels.
- The solid steel core provides strength and durability.
Cons
- For very short barrels, the 36-inch length can be slightly unwieldy.
- It does not come with any included accessories.
Who Should Buy Pro-Shot Coated Cleaning Rod 22 Cal-6.5mm Rifle 36″?
The Pro-Shot Coated Cleaning Rod 22 Cal-6.5mm Rifle 36″ is perfect for anyone who values the accuracy and longevity of their rifles. This includes target shooters, hunters, and anyone who takes pride in maintaining their firearms.
If you’re on a tight budget and only clean your rifles sporadically, a cheaper, uncoated rod might suffice. This is for someone who truly values the condition of their rifle barrels.
A must-have accessory is a quality bore guide to further protect the chamber and crown during cleaning. This is essential to minimize the risk of damage.
Conclusion on Pro-Shot Coated Cleaning Rod 22 Cal-6.5mm Rifle 36″
Overall, the Pro-Shot Coated Cleaning Rod 22 Cal-6.5mm Rifle 36″ is an excellent cleaning rod that offers great value for the money. It effectively cleans rifles while protecting the bore from damage.
The price is justified by the quality of construction and the peace of mind it provides. Knowing that I’m not damaging my expensive rifle barrels is worth every penny.
I wholeheartedly recommend the Pro-Shot Coated Cleaning Rod 22 Cal-6.5mm Rifle 36″ to anyone looking for a reliable, effective, and bore-safe cleaning solution. Invest in your rifle’s longevity, and you won’t be disappointed. Add one to your cleaning kit today!