Shotgun Cleaning Rod

Payton Cross
9 min readMar 22, 2024

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Get ready to dive into the world of shotgun cleaning rods as we present you with a curated list of the top products on the market. Whether you’re a novice or an expert, our roundup will help you find the perfect rod to keep your shotgun in top condition.

The Top 5 Best Shotgun Cleaning Rod

  1. Versatile 50 Caliber Shotgun Cleaning Rod Set — This Traditions Deluxe Ramrod Set offers a versatile and efficient cleaning experience for shotguns, featuring a removable wood handle and compact storage, all while providing essential accessories to maintain optimum performance.
  2. High-Quality 12 Gauge Shotgun Cleaning Rod with 3 Inch Polymer Handle — Experience top-quality shotgun cleaning with Dewey’s 1-Piece Brass Rod, designed for all shotgun gauges and offering a durable, 26-inch length with 12/28 male threads.
  3. Professional 50 Caliber Shotgun Cleaning Rod with Anodized Aluminum Handle — The Montana X-Treme 270–50 Cal 36 inch Rod features a one-piece, coated spring steel construction for effortless cleaning of your rifle’s bore, while its slim handle design ensures a comfortable grip and smooth rotation for optimal control and protection.
  4. Kleen-Bore SAF-T-CLAD Handgun Cleaning Rod for 22–45 Caliber Guns — Kleen-Bore SAF-T-CLAD Handgun 22–45 CLN Rod: Efficiently clean guns with its steel rod, SAF-T coating, and comfortable design!
  5. High-Quality Shotgun Cleaning Rod for 17 to 20 Caliber — The Montana X-Treme Shotgun Cleaning Rod is a reliable solution for cleaning even the most challenging gun barrels, with its coated spring steel design, machined aluminum handle, and color-coded caliber identification for easy use.

Reviews

Versatile 50 Caliber Shotgun Cleaning Rod Set

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A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to give the Traditions Deluxe Ramrod Set a try. I was eager to see if it could live up to the hype it received from other users. The first thing that struck me was the handy carry box it came in; it made storage and transportation a breeze.

As I pulled out each piece, I noticed the solid brass rod with its removable wood handle. It felt sturdy and well-made, and I appreciated the attention to detail. However, I noticed that all the tips, except for the one included, were not the standard sizes. This made using some cleaning accessories more challenging than I anticipated.

Despite this minor setback, the multi-purpose ramrod set performed fairly well. The 26.5" length when assembled with tips was convenient for my shotgun, and it was easy to remove the handle to fit into smaller cases or gun racks. The inclusion of a ball/patch puller and an assortment of screw-on accessories was also a nice touch, perfect for those who like to keep their guns clean and in good working order.

In conclusion, the Traditions Deluxe Ramrod Set is a well-designed and functional shotgun cleaning rod set. It has a few minor drawbacks, such as the lack of standard tip sizes, but overall, it’s a worthy addition to any gun enthusiast’s arsenal.

High-Quality 12 Gauge Shotgun Cleaning Rod with 3 Inch Polymer Handle

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After weeks of hunting season, I found my shotgun in dire need of a good cleaning. That’s when I stumbled upon the Dewey 1-Piece Shotgun Cleaning Rod. This bad boy was just the right tool for the job. It’s made of brass with a fixed handle, perfect for fitting all shotgun gauges. The 26-inch length and 12/28 male threads make it a versatile addition to any shotgun owner’s cleaning kit.

I’ve got to say, using this cleaning rod made me feel like a pro. The brass construction felt solid and sturdy, while the fixed handle made it easy to grip and control. The 12/28 male threads are a great feature, as it allows you to adapt it to different shotguns seamlessly. All in all, this cleaning rod is a must-have for all shotgun owners looking to keep their firearms in tip-top shape.

Professional 50 Caliber Shotgun Cleaning Rod with Anodized Aluminum Handle

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The Montana X-Treme shotgun cleaning rod is a reliable and robust tool for maintaining your firearms. Its one-piece, coated spring steel construction ensures it doesn’t bend when pushing a brush or jag through tough fouling. I particularly appreciate the proprietary, non-embedding coating that protects my rifle’s bore from dirt and grit. The slim and comfortable machined aluminum handle gives excellent control while keeping contact with the stock to a minimum. The smooth rotation of the rod, thanks to the bearings at each end, keeps the jag or brush in constant contact with the rifling.

Additionally, the color-coded handles make it easy to differentiate between caliber rods. The soft aluminum ferrule at the threaded end shields the breech from scratches, while the manufacturers, Western Powders, Inc. , ensure compatibility with different firearm styles. The product’s specs include a stainless steel rod with a nylon coating, an anodized aluminum handle, and various female thread patterns depending on the caliber. The Montana X-Treme shotgun cleaning rod is a worthy investment for anyone seeking a durable and easy-to-use cleaning tool.

Kleen-Bore SAF-T-CLAD Handgun Cleaning Rod for 22–45 Caliber Guns

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As someone who has used a variety of handgun cleaning rods, the KleenBore Saf-T-Clad Handgun 22–45 CLN Rod stood out to me. The steel rod, swabbed in epoxy thermal setting resins, and coated with KleenBore’s SaF-T-Clad coating ensures a smoother cleaning process without damaging the bore or assorted parts of the handgun.

Its small size of just 6.5 inches makes it perfect for fitting in the pocket, making it convenient to carry around. However, I noticed that the rod, while strong, was a bit prone to bending. Additionally, I encountered an issue with the coating peeling off after one use.

Overall, the KleenBore Saf-T-Clad Handgun 22–45 CLN Rod offers a great cleaning experience, but its durability and coating quality could be improved.

High-Quality Shotgun Cleaning Rod for 17 to 20 Caliber

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The Montana X-Treme 17–20 Cal 36in Cleaning Rod 9140 was my go-to cleaning rod during hunting season. Its one-piece construction made it easy to keep handy and its coated spring steel offered extra toughness against the toughest fouling. The proprietary, nonembedding coating was a game changer, as it kept dirt and grit from clinging and protected my rifle’s bore like a charm.

The machined aluminum handle was slim enough to avoid contact with my rifle’s stock, yet comfortable and easy-to-grasp for excellent control. Bearings at each end of the handle allowed the rod to rotate smoothly, ensuring the jag or brush stayed in contact with the rifling without any hiccups.

I also appreciated the color-coded handles, which made it easy for me to pick up the correct caliber rod. And with a soft aluminum ferrule at the threaded end, I never had to worry about damaging the breech or muzzle. This cleaning rod was definitely worth the investment, and I’m already considering getting another for my collection.

Buyer’s Guide

Selecting the perfect shotgun cleaning rod is crucial for maintaining the performance and longevity of your firearm. In this guide, we will help you navigate through the features and considerations to consider when choosing a shotgun cleaning rod.

Material

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The material of the cleaning rod is an important aspect to consider. Shotgun cleaning rods can be made of various materials such as aluminum, steel, or nylon. Each material offers different advantages: aluminum rods are lightweight and durable, while steel rods provide extra strength and rigidity. Nylon rods are more flexible and less likely to damage the gun’s barrel internals.

Barrel Lengths

Shotgun cleaning rods come in different barrel lengths. A general rule is to select a cleaning rod with a barrel length no shorter than the barrel of your firearm. Shorter barrels may not reach all parts of your shotgun’s barrel, while longer barrels might be unnecessary for smaller shotguns.

Adaptability

Your shotgun cleaning rod should be adaptable and compatible with various firearms. Check for available extensions or adapters, and note if the cleaning rod can accommodate different calibers.

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Maneuverability

The length and handle design of the cleaning rod should allow for convenient cleaning without causing discomfort or strain. Adjustable handles with comfortable grips can greatly enhance the user experience and usability.

Price

The price of a shotgun cleaning rod can vary significantly. Consider your budget and determine which features are necessary for your specific needs. While a more expensive rod may offer enhanced durability or features, it’s essential to find a balance between cost and performance.

Additional Tips

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  • Clean your shotgun after each usage to prevent buildup of debris and dirt which can damage your firearm.
  • Inspect your cleaning rod before each usage, ensuring no dents or damage that may affect its functionality.
  • Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning and maintenance of both the cleaning rod and your firearm.

A high-quality shotgun cleaning rod is a valuable investment in the care and maintenance of your firearm. By taking the time to research and consider the various features available, you can find the perfect cleaning rod to keep your firearm in top working order.

FAQ

Why is it important to clean a shotgun regularly?

Cleaning your shotgun regularly is important to ensure the firearm functions properly and maintain its accuracy. It also helps to prevent damage from rust or corrosion, which can weaken the gun’s components over time.

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What are the different types of cleaning rods?

There are several types of cleaning rods available, including threaded rods, flexible rods, and solid rods. Each type has its own advantages and is suitable for different gun types and settings.

What should I look for when choosing a cleaning rod?

  • Material: It should be made of durable and sturdy materials such as steel or aluminum
  • Length: It should be long enough to reach the full length of the shotgun barrel
  • Versatility: It should be suitable for all sizes of shotguns and can be used for different types of cleaning tasks
  • Portability: It should be easy to transport and carry with you while hunting or at the shooting range

How do I use a cleaning rod to clean my shotgun?

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First, ensure that your shotgun is unloaded. Next, carefully insert the cleaning rod into the barrel, making sure not to damage any internal components. Push the cleaning rod through the barrel, and use a cleaning patch with cleaning solution to remove any residue. Finally, remove the cleaning rod and wipe down any excess cleaning solution.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when cleaning a shotgun with a cleaning rod?

  • Forgetting to unload the gun before cleaning
  • Using the wrong type of cleaning rod for your shotgun
  • Not following the proper cleaning procedure, which could damage the gun’s internal components
  • Not cleaning your shotgun regularly, which can lead to corrosion and damage to the gun’s components

Which shotgun cleaning rod is the best choice for me?

The best cleaning rod for you depends on your specific needs and requirements. It’s recommended that you do some research and read reviews before making a purchase to ensure that you’re getting a quality product that meets your needs.

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