Tetra ProSmith .22 Cal Rifle Cleaning Rod Review

The Tetra ProSmith .22 Cal Rifle Cleaning Rod Made a Bold First Impression

As an outdoor and tactical gear specialist with over a decade of experience, I’ve seen my fair share of cleaning rods. The Tetra ProSmith .22 Cal Rifle Cleaning Rod promised something different: maximum barrel protection with its DuPont TufCoat coated stainless steel construction and thoughtful design elements like the Delrin bushing and spinning handle. I needed a reliable cleaning rod for my vintage .22 rifles, and the promises made by Tetra piqued my interest.

For years, I’ve relied on a patchwork system of old military surplus rods and cheap, generic options. This often resulted in frustrating experiences involving scratched barrels and difficult maneuvering. The Tetra ProSmith rod, with its protective coating and smooth action, seemed like a worthwhile upgrade over my old kit.

Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was the solid feel of the rod. The stainless steel felt sturdy, and the DuPont TufCoat coating gave it a smooth, almost silky texture. The spinning Delrin handle felt comfortable in my hand, promising effortless rotation.

Compared to a cheaper, uncoated steel rod I own, the Tetra ProSmith rod felt significantly more refined. While my old rod feels like a potential barrel-scratching hazard, the Tetra rod exuded confidence. It seemed like a precision instrument.

I was initially excited and cautiously optimistic. The rod looked and felt promising, but the real test would be in the field. Would it live up to its claims of maximum barrel protection and ease of use?

Real-World Testing: Putting Tetra ProSmith .22 Cal Rifle Cleaning Rod to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Tetra ProSmith .22 Cal Rifle Cleaning Rod at my home workshop after a long day at the shooting range with my favorite .22 LR rifle. The rifle had seen hundreds of rounds, leaving a significant buildup of lead and powder residue. I wanted to see how the rod performed on a heavily fouled barrel.

Cleaning was completed in humid conditions within my unconditioned workshop. The spinning handle made it easy to rotate the rod, even with slightly sweaty hands. The Delrin bushing helped center the rod in the barrel, preventing unwanted contact with the rifling.

The rod moved smoothly through the bore with minimal resistance, effectively dislodging fouling. However, I did notice a small fleck of the DuPont coating come off near the tip of the rod after several passes. I was initially concerned, but remembered reading online that this wasn’t a critical issue.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of regular use, the Tetra ProSmith .22 Cal Rifle Cleaning Rod has held up reasonably well. I’ve cleaned five different .22 rifles with it, ranging from bolt-action to semi-automatic. No additional flaking has occurred to the coating, except for the small area noticed at the beginning.

Despite the initial coating imperfection, there are no signs of significant wear and tear on the rod itself. I clean the rod after each use with a dry cloth to remove any residue. This seems sufficient to keep it in good working order.

Compared to my previous experiences with cheaper rods, the Tetra ProSmith rod definitely offers a more controlled and less stressful cleaning experience. While I still wish the coating had held up perfectly, the core functionality remains intact. It still outperforms my old uncoated rod.

Breaking Down the Features of Tetra ProSmith .22 Cal Rifle Cleaning Rod

Specifications

• Caliber: .22 (3/16″) – Specifically designed for .22 caliber rifles, ensuring a snug and effective fit within the bore.
• Material: Stainless Steel with DuPont TufCoat Coating – The stainless steel provides strength and resistance to corrosion, while the TufCoat coating minimizes the risk of scratching the barrel.
• Length: Available in 29″, 36″, and 44″ lengths – This allows users to select the appropriate length for their specific rifle, ensuring optimal reach and maneuverability. I am reviewing the 36″ length.
• Handle: Exclusive Spinning Delrin Handle – The spinning handle facilitates smooth and efficient cleaning, reducing friction and strain on the user.
• Bushing: Screw-on Delrin Bushing & Brass Collar – These components center the rod in the barrel, preventing it from scraping against the rifling and potentially causing damage.

Performance & Functionality

The Tetra ProSmith .22 Cal Rifle Cleaning Rod performs its primary function – cleaning a .22 caliber rifle barrel – effectively. The spinning handle and properly sized rod allowed me to remove fouling with ease. While the coating issue is a concern, the rod’s functionality has not been significantly impacted.

The main strength is the smooth action and reduced risk of scratching the barrel compared to uncoated rods. The weakness, unfortunately, is the potential for the DuPont coating to flake off. However, the rod still does exceed expectations because the coating flaking has not increased, and it’s smooth action remains.

Design & Ergonomics

The design is well-thought-out, with the spinning handle and Delrin bushing contributing to a user-friendly experience. The stainless steel construction feels solid and durable. The handle is comfortable to grip, even for extended cleaning sessions.

There is virtually no learning curve. Using this rod is simple and straightforward. It’s an easy task to quickly learn the proper cleaning method, and the rod is an exceptional tool for completing the process.

Durability & Maintenance

The stainless steel construction suggests that the Tetra ProSmith .22 Cal Rifle Cleaning Rod will last for many years with proper care. As long as the coating flaking doesn’t get worse, the tool should be durable. Keeping the rod clean and dry after each use is essential for maintaining its longevity.

The rod is easy to clean with a simple wipe-down. There are no complex mechanisms or intricate parts that require special attention. That is, unless the coating flakes to the point of causing friction against the gun barrel.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Tetra ProSmith .22 Cal Rifle Cleaning Rod comes with a screw-on Delrin bushing and brass collar, which are essential for centering the rod in the barrel. There are no further customization options available for this particular product. However, the threaded end allows compatibility with various jags, brushes, and loops from other brands.

Pros and Cons of Tetra ProSmith .22 Cal Rifle Cleaning Rod

• Smooth spinning handle for easy cleaning.
• DuPont TufCoat coating reduces the risk of scratching the barrel.
• Delrin bushing centers the rod in the barrel for added protection.
• Stainless steel construction for durability.
• Good value for the price compared to high-end alternatives.