Tipton 479051 Bore Brush Set 22 Cal Nylon/Stainless Steel Nylon Brush Review

First Thoughts on the Tipton 479051 Bore Brush Set 22 Cal Nylon/Stainless Steel Nylon Brush

For over a decade, maintaining my firearms has been a sacred ritual, a process as vital as the shot itself. I’ve always believed that a clean rifle is an accurate rifle, and a reliable one too. That’s why I was intrigued by the Tipton 479051 Bore Brush Set 22 Cal Nylon/Stainless Steel Nylon Brush, promising a modern approach to bore cleaning.

My collection includes several .22 caliber rifles, primarily used for small game hunting and plinking. I needed a brush set that could effectively remove fouling without damaging the bore, a task traditionally handled by bronze brushes. I’d heard that copper solvents can degrade bronze, and I was seeking a more resistant alternative.

The Tipton set came in a simple, functional package. The brushes themselves looked well-made, with a firm nylon bristle structure and robust stainless-steel cores. This combination immediately gave me confidence in their durability and solvent resistance. I’d previously used generic nylon brushes that quickly became misshapen and ineffective.

I also considered the Hoppe’s No. 9 bore brush set and the Pro-Shot bronze brushes. I ultimately chose the Tipton set because of its dual-material construction, specifically the stainless-steel core which promised greater longevity. I was excited to put these brushes to the test and see if they could live up to the hype.

My initial impression was positive: the brushes felt sturdy, well-constructed, and ready for serious cleaning. This set seemed like a step up from my older, more traditional cleaning tools.

Real-World Testing: Putting Tipton 479051 Bore Brush Set 22 Cal Nylon/Stainless Steel Nylon Brush to the Test

First Use Experience

My first use of the Tipton 479051 Bore Brush Set 22 Cal Nylon/Stainless Steel Nylon Brush was at my local shooting range after a long day of .22LR target practice. The range offered a good mix of covered and exposed areas, and the rifles had seen their share of lead and powder residue. I wanted to see how the brushes performed in cleaning the bore after heavy use.

I applied a bore solvent (specifically, Hoppe’s No. 9) to the nylon brush and ran it through the bore of my Ruger 10/22. The brush moved smoothly, providing good resistance, indicating effective contact with the bore. After a few passes with the nylon brush followed by patches, I switched to the nylon/stainless steel brush to loosen stubborn fouling.

I immediately noticed that the Tipton brushes were more effective than my old brushes, seemingly reaching into the grooves of the rifling more thoroughly. There were no issues with the brushes binding or becoming stuck, which can be a problem with some cheaper alternatives. I was pleasantly surprised by how little effort it took to achieve a clean bore.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of using the Tipton 479051 Bore Brush Set 22 Cal Nylon/Stainless Steel Nylon Brush, I’m impressed with their durability and cleaning effectiveness. I clean my rifles after every shooting session, which means these brushes have seen consistent use. They’ve held up remarkably well, showing minimal signs of wear and tear.

The nylon bristles maintain their shape even after prolonged exposure to solvents and repeated scrubbing. The stainless-steel core has shown no signs of corrosion or weakening. Cleaning the brushes themselves is straightforward: a quick rinse with solvent followed by drying is all it takes.

Compared to my experience with bronze brushes, the Tipton set feels more robust and resistant to degradation from copper solvents. This is a significant advantage for anyone who regularly uses such cleaning agents. These brushes consistently outperform my older cleaning tools in terms of both effectiveness and longevity.

Breaking Down the Features of Tipton 479051 Bore Brush Set 22 Cal Nylon/Stainless Steel Nylon Brush

Specifications

• The Tipton 479051 Bore Brush Set 22 Cal Nylon/Stainless Steel Nylon Brush is specifically designed for .22 caliber firearms. This ensures a precise fit within the bore, maximizing cleaning effectiveness.

• The brushes feature durable nylon bristles. This material is resistant to most modern solvents, including copper solvents that can degrade bronze brushes.

• The core of the brush is made from stainless steel. This provides a strong, corrosion-resistant base for the bristles.

• The brush set includes both a nylon brush and a nylon/stainless steel brush. This allows for both general cleaning and the removal of stubborn fouling.

• The brushes are threaded to fit most popular brands of cleaning rods. This offers compatibility with existing cleaning kits.

Performance & Functionality

The Tipton 479051 Bore Brush Set 22 Cal Nylon/Stainless Steel Nylon Brush excels at its primary task: thoroughly cleaning the bore of .22 caliber firearms. The nylon bristles effectively remove powder residue and lead fouling. The nylon/stainless steel brush adds an extra level of scrubbing power for more stubborn deposits.

One of the key strengths is the solvent resistance of the nylon. Unlike bronze brushes, these won’t degrade with prolonged use of copper solvents. The brushes meet and exceed my expectations for bore cleaning.

There is little room for improvement, although a slightly stiffer bristle option for extremely heavy fouling could be beneficial. Overall, the functionality is excellent.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Tipton brushes is simple yet effective. The materials used are high-quality. The brushes feel comfortable to use with any standard cleaning rod.

There is virtually no learning curve. Anyone familiar with basic firearm cleaning will find these brushes easy to use.

Durability & Maintenance

Given the high-quality materials used, I expect the Tipton 479051 Bore Brush Set 22 Cal Nylon/Stainless Steel Nylon Brush to last a considerable amount of time. The nylon bristles are holding up well to repeated use.

Maintenance is very simple: a quick solvent rinse and drying is all that’s required. This makes them easy to care for.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Tipton 479051 Bore Brush Set 22 Cal Nylon/Stainless Steel Nylon Brush itself does not offer extensive customization options, as it is a relatively straightforward cleaning tool. However, it is designed to be compatible with a wide range of standard cleaning rods and bore solvents.

The compatibility ensures that it can be easily integrated into existing cleaning kits. There are no dedicated Tipton accessories specifically designed for this particular brush set, but it works well with universal cleaning tools.

Pros and Cons of Tipton 479051 Bore Brush Set 22 Cal Nylon/Stainless Steel Nylon Brush