Comments on: Frequently Asked Question: Patches

By: Jim Burkhardt

Jim Burkhardt — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 23:55:21 +0000

Parker Hale makes some high quality rectangular patches (4 X 2 inch). Some of those were provided with my AI .338 Lapua. I have been searching for a supplier of those patches in America or that will ship to America and have not had any luck. Perhaps Sinclair would consider actually supplying those patches and other Parker Hale products.

By: Slim Lundeen

Slim Lundeen — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 14:47:04 +0000

I have found that the patch list is just a place to start. Rarely have I found a patch size listed to match the jag that I have. And that is not just here but other places also specially patch manufacturers. So rule of thumb: the right size patch is the one that just goes through the bore with out bending and banging on the rod on the bore. And if you still can’t find the right patch/jag combination, chuck up the jag in a cordless drill and turn down the OD with a piece of sand paper. Just be sure to mic the diameter constantly. And record the size of what is now your custom jag. Just my 2 cents worth. Slim

By: Phil

Phil — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 20:36:01 +0000

Dear Ken,

The grease I use on my Colt 1911s is the Mil-Comm grease.(#01-880). It works great on the slide rails and the barrel bushing. Don’t use it in the trigger as it is to heavy. You can also wipe down your pistol with it after you use the degreaser and it will rust proof and water proof the metal. As far as using this for bolt grease, I use the Mil-Comm only in my AR-15 rifles for this application. In my other rifles I stick with the TM bolt grease (#100-530). It stays on the lugs no matter what and does a great job of lubricating cold or hot.

Phil H.
Sinclair international

By: Doug White

Doug White — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 17:33:46 +0000

I used to use the patch around a nylon brush like John Bogard recommended. It works fine if you run the rod all the way through the bore.

I now use a process recommended by Krieger, where he strongly warns against letting the patch/brush completely exit the muzzle. This would let the rod contact the crown, and could cause barrel damage.

This means you have to reverse the direction of the rod in the bore, which is difficult to do with a brush. That’s why I switched to just using a patch.

By: Kym

Kym — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 10:31:09 +0000

Before i stumbled onto the Frequently Asked Question about Patches; I ordered some from Sinclair international and agenized over the right size to get for 30 caliber, Thankfully i managed to pick the right ones, It may have been helpful if that chart was some how linked to the patches section as a reference guide to aid in the right selection of patches.

By: John Bogard

John Bogard — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 03:10:05 +0000

Doug White almost has the answer. Instead of the Parker-Hale jag, try a nylon brush and wrap the patch strip spiraly around the brush. It’s been working for me for over 20 years.

By: Robert Bethune

Robert Bethune — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 01:40:34 +0000

I’m partial to boresnakes, myself. Primarily because you can always clean from the breech to the muzzle regardless of the type of firearm you’re cleaning. Also because you can put a heck of a lot of solvent and cleaning fiber through the barrel quickly and easily. And thirdly because they don’t get stuck. And fourth, because they cost less in the long run, since they’re washable and reusable.

The fact is that a patch is a highly overpriced piece of common flannel. If you really want to use patches, and you want to save money, take your favorite patch to a fabric store and have them match it to their stocks of flannel. Then buy a few yards of that flannel. You’ll have enough to cut off the patches you need for years.

By: Jay Kyle

Jay Kyle — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 17:24:52 +0000

The most reliable way I’ve found to fit the patches to the jag is to simply wrap them around the jag much like a “roll your own” cigarette. If you wet them with your solution first, then wrap them, they stay in place better. I get maximum use of the square patch, and more important, it doesn’t get stuck.
This method also is the recommended way by Dewey.

By: Ken Holmberg

Ken Holmberg — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 03:41:43 +0000

I recommend your reloading book with all it’s tips including cleaning to new shooters at club. Must check to see if you have revised edition.

A question I have is there a grease which is denser which you would recommend for pistol slides and may double for bolt lugs. I use Rig for storage but find it does not stand up under heavy shooting sessions. Likely wasn’t designed to.

When second best won’t do there is Sinclair International. Thanks for your support to the shooting sports! Cheers! Ken White Rock BC Canada

By: lawndart

lawndart — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 22:10:00 +0000

I stumbled on this trick ~ 20 years ago. So simple (once you are doing it). I accidentaly stuck a patch off center, and voila, it worked like a charm.