Cowboy Campfire - July 2006
Welcome ‘round the campfire friend and sit a spell, while we chat about the care and shooting of those firearms from the cowboy days. While the 1800’s is now more than a century behind us, it lives on forever in the hearts of those who enjoy shooting firearms of this era. You know, folks, other parts of this world still believe that the period of old west cowboys is still alive in this country. In 2001, I invited one of my business partners at that time to come visit the USA. I had been to his country of Italy many times and saw wonderful sites and wanted to show him an equally good time in America. I took him by auto through South Dakota, Montana and Wyoming. We were traveling I-90 the first day, just the other side of Chamberlain, SD. Luigi was running his camcorder mile after mile. Finally, I couldn’t take it any longer and asked him what he was seeing that was so interesting. His response: “I see nothing, absolutely nothing, kilometer after kilometer. My family at home will not believe this – where are the towns and the people? You truly have shown me the Old West I dreamed of.”
You know what pardner – Luigi did see the ‘old west.’ Open skies, vast plains, and people scattered few and far between. He was content with the world, and we hadn’t even gone 200 miles from my business in Vermillion! I think a large part of what draws us to this sport is that we dream of a simpler time with fewer folks and a less hectic life – just as my friend Luigi saw. Oh, the things we take for granted!
For this installment folks, I want to devote the Campfire to cleaning rods. Sure, a cowpoke can drop into any of the local ‘marts’ and pick up a cheap rod for a few dollars. Well, in cleaning rods as in many products we buy, you ‘get what you pay for.’ A lot of folks think nothing of dropping big bucks to purchase the best premium ammo that money will buy, but are content to poke any cheap rod through the bore to handle cleaning chores. Damage that bore with a cheap rod and that ammo – whether inexpensive or premium, will never live up to its potential. Brownells carries the finest cleaning rods available – let’s have a look at a few.
Mention the name Dewey and anyone that has been around shooting sports for any time will tell you that the Dewey line of rods are some of the finest available, and have been for many years. Dewey makes Nylon-coated rods (#234-230-044 and others), Large Bore Rods (#234-035-044), Stainless Steel Rods (#234-027-036), Coated Shotgun Rods (#234-010-034), Brass Chamber Rods (#234-009-027) and rods for every application the shooter is likely to find a need for. Whether 1-piece, 2-piece, or specialty rod such as the AR-15 Chamber Cleaning Combo, Dewey covers all the bases. Check out the selection on-line or in Catalog #58 on pages 278-279.
The people at Bore Tech offer their Bore Stix (#509-000-010) in seven different SKU’s that we carry. Their cushioned handles feature dual ball-bearing raceways, and the rod is spring steel and covered with powder coated epoxy. Index dots on the handle allow you to easily check twist rates. Their 6mm BR model gives an exact fit to 6mm benchrest, varmint, and hunting rifles.
Another premium rod is the Tetra Prosmith Cleaning Rod and others. This hardened stainless steel rod features a Corvel coating to help protect the bore from damage. The Delrin handles are free spinning, and there is a Delrin muzzle bushing that stores in the handle. These are small diameter rods that allow the patch to fit better and the rods are heat-treated to reduce flexing.
Each of these rods should provide trouble-free service for years with minimum care. Everyone has their own preference for rod material to pass down their bore, as well as coating types. These four brands cover the most popular options.
In addition to a high-quality rod, Badlands recommends two other products associated with the cleaning system. First, you need a good cleaning rod rack for your work space, and Brownells Cleaning Rod Rack (#080-000-035) is just the ticket for keeping rods out of harms way. I don’t know about you hombres, but I own several expensive rods, and I want to be certain that when not in use they are racked and ready. This unit has spaces for six rods and works with all of the cleaning rods noted in this article. The rack is made from aluminum and is powder-coated green, and anchors easily to the wall with screws. Whether your rod needs are for pistol, rifle or shotgun, this unit keeps your investment organized.
The second item is a Brownells Cleaning Rod Safety Case and this is a natural for us cowboy action shooters. It’s made from high-impact plastic and protects four rods during storage, and, more importantly, during transportation. Unless I am headed home following a shoot, my rods go with me along with other cleaning supplies, so I can get my chores done in the motel room or campground. This unit has four internal tubes to keep the rods apart and protected, as well as a padded end cap and nylon shoulder strap. When you make the investment in high-quality rods, it only makes sense to invest a few more dollars to protect them – this product does that task handsomely!
Pardners, the Campfire is burning down for this chat, but be certain to stop in again next month, ya hear! Meanwhile, keep your aim straight and your belly full!