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How to Use Snap Caps

July 22, 2021 by Victor Spratt

A snap cap is a fake cartridge in every sense of the word. It does not contain gunpowder, primer, or bullet. It serves the same objective as a dummy round, which is to ensure that when you dry-fire a firearm, it will not cause impact or stress damage to the barrel breech or firing pin.

If you are new to snap caps and never used one before, you might be wondering how they are used and how they work.

How snap caps work

Snap caps look like live ammunition, except they are not. Some of them have a spring buffered dummy primer made of soft polymer or rubber.

The spring works by absorbing the impact force when you dry-fire your firearm, allowing you to test your firearm action safely and without damaging any of its components.

Snap caps are made of different materials. Some are made entirely of plastic, while others are made of soft aluminum or brass.

As mentioned, they are used for dry-firing and before you test your gun using snap caps, you first need to ensure there are no live rounds in the firearm.

Make sure to remove the magazine, and check that the chamber is empty. Then place a snap cap in the chamber and go ahead and fire your gun. You will hear a click instead of a bang since it’s not a live round.

If you have a rimfire or centerfire firearm, you should not use snap caps to test-fire it when the chamber is empty, particularly if you have an older model. Doing this can weaken or break the firing pin and increase wear to other parts and components of your firearm.

Furthermore, dry-firing a rimfire gun can damage the chamber edge owing to the impact of the firing pin since there is no cartridge rim in the middle. And since the edge is hard, the firing pin’s performance may become affected when you fire a live round.

However, keep in mind that dry-firing a centerfire gun does not affect it as much as it does a rimfire. Therefore, you can use snap caps to dry-fire a centerfire if it is not an old model.

Uses of Snap Caps

One of the primary uses of snap caps is dry-firing your gun to see if the firing mechanism is functioning properly. Shooters use snap caps because they are safe, and they also protect the firearm and its components from getting damaged. In semi-automatic guns, they are used for testing if the magazine is working properly.

Snap caps are also used in malfunction training and trigger training. In both cases, the shooter can combine snap caps and live rounds.

In trigger training, the shooter uses both fake and live rounds to test for flinching. That is, to see how well the shooter anticipates the recoil. The main aim is to give the shooter better trigger control.

Are Snap Caps Useful?

Snap caps are useful because using live ammo to dry-fire your gun can be expensive. Besides, if you are a newbie shooter who is just learning how to shoot a gun for the first time, snap caps can help you have better control of the trigger. In short, they are useful when learning how to load and shoot a gun.

Furthermore, it’s safer to use snap caps when dry-firing a firearm, and it also protects your gun from damage.

Are Snap Caps Noisy

Unlike live ammo that produces a bang when discharged from the gun, snap caps don’t. When you load a snap cap in the gun’s chamber and pull the trigger, you get a click.

Do I need to use Snap Caps?

If you own an old gun, using snap caps to dry-fire the gun can help extend its life. It is important to note that snap caps are available for all calibers. So it does not matter what type of gun you have; they are snap caps for every kind of firearm.

Another advantage of using snap caps is that they can help clean and lubricate your firearm. However, this should not be used as a method for cleaning your gun.

As we also mentioned, snap caps can help detect and cure flinching and help you have better trigger control. Besides, they are not expensive, and you can reuse them.But, if you notice any wear and tear, you should replace them with new ones.

Are Snap Caps Expensive?

Snap caps are expensive. In some cases more costly than live ammo. But the good thing about snap caps is that they are reusable, which is not the same with live ammo.

Some people prefer to make their own than buy ready-made ones, but to do that, you need to know how to make them.

The last thing you need is compromising your safety or damaging your firearm by using poorly made snap caps.

In any case, you can buy snap caps in bulk even though they are expensive because they will go a long way. And since they are reusable, you may not need to purchase new ones in a long time.

In Summary

Snap caps are fake cartridges. They don’t have a primer, bullet, or gunpowder
Snap caps are similar to dummy rounds. You can use either for dry-firing your firearm
When you dry-fire a gun with snap caps, there is no muzzle blast or recoil as with live ammo
Snap caps provide a level of safety and protection to the shooter and the firearm
Snap caps are useful in checking the functionality of a firearm
Snap caps are helpful when your learning how to load and shoot a firearm for the first time
Snap caps are available for all firearms, including shotguns
It is not recommended to use snap caps to dry-fire older versions of centerfire and rimfire guns to avoid damaging them
Always remove a gun’s magazine and check the chamber is empty before loading a snap-cap

Final Remarks

Snaps caps are mainly designed to protect a firearm from damage when dry-firing, and they are often used for malfunction and trigger training. They are cheap and can be used in place of dummy rounds.

Some people prefer to use live ammo, and there is nothing wrong with that if you have enough money to keep buying new ammo. With snap caps, you can reuse them until they cannot be used anymore, which essentially, makes them a much cheaper option for dry-firing than live ammo.

How to Use a Cleaning Jag

July 21, 2021 by Victor Spratt

A cleaning jag is a small metallic tool with a pointed end that is typically attached to a gun cleaning rod. The jag is made of solid brass, and its purpose is to aid in cleaning a gun’s barrel using a cleaning patch.

The patch is usually attached to the jag. So when you move the cleaning rod up and down the gun’s barrel, the patch collects grime, dirt, and fouling buildup.

Cleaning jags are efficient at helping remove powder residue and all kinds of dirt from a gun’s bore. You can buy them separately or buy a kit that comes with a jag.

They are relatively easy to use. Just make sure that you have the right size for your type of gun, and of course, the right size patches.

How to Clean a Gun Using a Cleaning Jag

The first thing is to assemble your cleaning equipment, that is, your gun cleaning solvent and lube, cleaning rod, cleaning jab, brush, and patches. Make sure that the cleaning jag is designed for your type of firearm.

Start by attaching a patch to the cleaning jag and add cleaning solvent. Push the cleaning rod with the attached jag and patch through your gun’s bore. You may need to do this several times to remove all the powder residue and dirt.

Next, remove the jag and attach a cleaning brush. Make sure you dip the brush in your cleaning solvent first. Then run it up and down the barrel to remove all the fouling. Once that’s done, remove the brush, put back the jag, attach a patch, and push it through the barrel. The patch will collect the loosened fouling.

You may need to use a couple of patches to ensure that you remove all the dirt. If the patch comes out clean, that means the bore is clean. Once you have done that, run dry patches down the bore to remove excess solvent.

Check the bore for obstructions. If there are none, lubricate a patch with your gun cleaning oil and run it down the bore only once. The thin film of oil will protect the bore from rust or corrosion.

Uses of a Cleaning Jag

A cleaning jag is mainly used for cleaning a gun’s bore. When you attach the right size patch onto the jag, it will easily remove grime, dirt, and fouling buildup.

Since the patch fits securely on the cleaning jag, it will protect the bore’s interior from scratching since there is no metal-to-metal contact.

The cleaning jag can also help you to identify any defects in the bore. If you run it down the bore and notice any tight or loose spots, this is a sign that there might be a defect. It is advisable to have any defects dealt with before you shoot your weapon.

Shooting a gun with defective parts can be dangerous and may worsen the damage, which may interfere with your gun’s functionality and performance.

A cleaning jag will also help you remove a patch if it becomes lodged into the bore, and you can do this easily and without damaging the bore’s interior. Lastly, it also helps lubricate your gun’s bore, which is important as the oil will protect the inside of the bore from rust and corrosion.

Brass Vs Nickel-plated Cleaning Jags

Most cleaning jags are made of solid brass, and they are pretty efficient at removing dirt and powder residue from the inside of the barrel of a firearm. They also protect it from dents and scratches, which affect the performance of the gun.

Brass cleaning jags are inexpensive, and they come in varying sizes for different caliber barrels.

Nickel-plated cleaning jags are just as efficient as brass cleaning jags but with one huge advantage – they prevent false bluing. This is a problem you get with traditional brass jags, and you can avoid it by simply using nickel-plated jags.

How to choose a cleaning jag

Material

Mainly there are two types of cleaning jags: brass jags and nickel-plated jags. Although both jags do an excellent job at cleaning a gun’s barrel, brass jags sometimes can produce false bluing, which may indicate that the barrel is still dirty when it’s not. This is not a problem you get with nickel-plated cleaning jags.

Size

https://youtu.be/6XupURMUYC0 — Source: YouTube

Cleaning jags come in different sizes for different calibers. So when you buy one, make sure that you get one designed for your type of firearm.

Price

Cleaning jags are generally affordable. You could buy a gun cleaning kit that includes one, or you can buy one separately. They are pretty durable, and one can last many cleans if appropriately handled.

Final Remarks

Now that you have an idea about cleaning jags and their role in gun maintenance, always make sure to use a jag designed for your firearm. Always use the right cleaning tools to prevent damaging your firearm.

Tipton Gun Vise 782731 Review

July 15, 2021 by Victor Spratt

A clean gun is an efficient gun. If you shoot your firearm regularly, you need to clean it just as regularly to keep it in good working condition.

Gun cleaning, especially when it comes to rifles, can be a bit daunting. For this reason, you should consider investing in a quality gun vise if you own one or more rifles.

The purpose of the gun vise is to hold your gun in place to make it easier for you to clean it. This nifty device can ease the process of brushing, cleaning, and lubricating or fixing your firearm.

You don’t need to fumble with your rifle trying to hold it in place with one hand while using the other to do the cleaning. First, you will not do a good job of removing all the dirt, grime, or fouling, and second, you will overwork your hands. Hence, the reason for a good quality gun vise.

Complete set of a vise for a Tipton pistol — Source: YouTube

That said, one of the top-quality gun vises based on customer ratings and feedback is the Tipton Gun Vise 782731. So let us take a look at why this gun vise is so beloved.

Tipton Gun Vise 782731 Design and Features

One key feature that stands out about the Tipton Gun Vise 782731 is the design. It is a handsome device that literally screams quality. It comes in two different colors: Red and Grey.

The gun vise is made of high-quality polymer that is durable and resistant to marring.

Every component is made of this strong material, and the jaws and cradle are rubberized to protect your gun from scratching and other damage.

The support holds guns securely, and there is a quick-release cam block for easy access. There are two adjustable offset clamping mechanisms for a firm grip on different buttstocks. The device also comes with molded-in compartments for holding screws, parts, and bottles.

This Tipton model is ideal for rifles, shotguns, and handguns. You can use it for cleaning, building, fixing, and boresighting a firearm. As for the price, the gun vise is reasonably priced.

Pros:

Ideal for cleaning, boresighting, fixing, or building a firearm
Made of non-marring high-quality polymer
Rubberized jaws and cradle for extra protection against scratching and damage
Quick-release cam block for easy access
Comes with two adjustable mechanisms for a better grip on different buttstocks
Comes with molded-in compartments for holding parts, screws, bottles
It is ideal for rifles, handguns, and shotguns
Stable, sturdy, secure, and durable
Affordable

Cons:

Heavy and cumbersome
Assembly instructions are not clear

What to consider when choosing a gun vise

Assembling a Vise for a Tipton Pistol — Source: YouTube

A gun vise is helpful when you need to hold your gun in a secure position to clean, lubricate, or fix it. There are several reputable brand gun vises available, but every gun vise is not the same. These devices come in varying sizes, and some have advanced features.

To know which gun vise to buy, here are some factors you need to consider.

Gun vise type

Generally, there are two basic types of gun vises: Rotational and fixed.

Rotational gun vises are ideal for cleaning firearms, while fixed gun vises are ideal for sighting. So when making a decision, let it be based on what you need the vise for most. You can buy a fixed gun vise, which serves the same purpose as a rotational vise when it comes to cleaning your firearm.

Features

If you own several firearms, you need a gun vise that can help you clean them all without a problem. The Tipton gun vise 782731 is one good example of a quality gun vise that can accommodate different types of firearms.

You should also look at the durability of the gun vise since there are not made of the same material. Some are made of metal, and others are made of strong plastic or wood.

Check adjustability and the clamping mechanism as well. You want a gun vise that can accommodate different buttstocks, which means it should be able to adjust easily to any buttstock.

You could check other features, including built-in compartments for organizing your parts, screws, cleaning supplies, and quick-release elements.

Gun-scratching qualities

This is where you need to be careful because a gun vise made of poor-quality materials might scratch your gun. So you may want to stay away from a vise that is mostly made of metal, particularly one that has metal jaws.

Instead, consider buying a gun vise made of strong and sturdy plastic and with rubberized parts for extra protection.

The bottom line is, you want a gun vise that will not in any way scratch your gun’s finish when cleaning or gunsmithing.

Price

Gun vises vary in price, but if you go for the cheapest one, cleaning your gun will be the least of your problems. First of all, cheap gun vises are likely to mar your gun, and secondly, they may not do a good job at holding your firearm securely.

Application of a Vise for a Tipton pistol — Source: YouTube

Honestly, there are devices you can pay coins and dimes for, but a gun vise is not one of them. If you want a quality gun vise that will do what it’s designed to do well without damaging your firearm’s finish, be ready to spend the extra bucks.

Look at it as a worthwhile investment, particularly if you own a collection of firearms.

If you buy one good one for cleaning your guns, you will never need to buy another one.

Wrapping Up

If you consider buying a gun vise, check out the ratings for Tipton gun vise 782731. It is a well-made vise with some pretty cool features. You could also check out other brands and see how well they compare to the Tipton model.

The one thing you shouldn’t do when choosing a gun vise is to buy one based on price. If you go for the cheapest vise you can find, you may quickly regret your decision. Avoid cheap vises as they may mar your gun, which will expensive to fix.

Just spend the extra cash and get yourself a quality vise that will do a good job, serve you a long time, and not damage your firearms.

Tipton Carbon Fiber Cleaning Rod Review

July 14, 2021July 13, 2021 by Victor Spratt

Tipton Carbon Fiber Cleaning Rod Review 300

Gun cleaning rods play a huge role in helping maintain a firearm. They are designed to clean the inside of a gun’s barrel, and they are available in varying materials and sizes.

The Tipton cleaning rod is made of carbon fiber, and there is a considerable advantage to this when you compare it to gun cleaning rods made out of steel. Although steel cleaning rods are incredibly good at removing fouling and dirt, they are not good at picking out abrasive particles.

Another problem with steel rods is that they can scratch your gun’s bore if used carelessly, and they have a propensity to bend, again, if not used properly.

This is not a problem you are likely to face with carbon fiber gun cleaning rods. They don’t scratch a gun’s bore, and they flex back to their original straightness even when you bend them to an extreme degree.

Tipton gun cleaning rod features

Tipton carbon fiber cleaning rod has amassed a huge fan base because they clean a firearm’s bore effectively without damaging or scratching it.

The rod is called deluxe because of the way it’s designed and the materials used.

It features an ergonomic handle, two high-quality sets of ball bearings, and a carbon fiber shaft. It also has a hanging hole for easy storage.

The handle spins on the two ball bearings, and the bearings roll effortlessly, allowing cleaning brushes and patches to be well-aligned and connected to the bore rifling. The bearing balls are designed to withstand pressure, and they make cleaning smooth, easy, and accurate.

The carbon shaft does not embed particles and, therefore, will not damage the rifling. It is flexible but stiff enough to be used with ease. It is robust, sturdy, and durable.

The rod comes in five different sizes: 12, 26, 36, 40, and 44 inches that vary in price depending on the size. Generally, Tipton cleaning rods are affordable; however, since they are made of carbon fiber, they are much more expensive than models made of aluminum and brass. But of course, they offer a greater advantage in that they don’t scratch or damage a gun’s bore.

You can choose to buy the rod separately or in a kit. Tipton offers gun cleaning kits that come with all the gun cleaning equipment you need, including a cleaning rod. If you choose to buy the cleaning rod alone, you will need to purchase the cleaning attachments, that is, the brush and bore swab, since they don’t come with the rod.

The handle spins on the two ball bearings — Source: YouTube

The rod comes in a plastic storage tube with removable rubber end caps, and one cup has an eyelet to hang it up.

Pros:

Ergonomically designed handle
Two sturdy ball bearings
Carbon fiber shaft that does embed particles that could damage your gun’s bore
Durable, sturdy, and lightweight
Available in five different sizes
Fairly affordable
Flexible carbon shaft that doesn’t bend permanently
Comfortable and easy to use
No metal on metal sound when cleaning

Cons:

It is slightly more expensive than brass and aluminum rods
It takes up quite a bit of storage space

Commonly asked questions

Can a cleaning rod damage a gun’s bore?

It all depends on the material the cleaning rod is made of. Steel cleaning rods are not considered the best for gun cleaning because they can damage the rifling. Given that the bore is made of metal, a metal cleaning rod can lead to scratching and other damage due to the metal-to-metal contact.

Carbon fiber cleaning rods are the most preferred because they don’t damage the rifling, plus they are flexible. Aluminum and brass rods are also not a great choice for cleaning your firearm because they collect steel fragments, which also don’t help.

Which is better? A cleaning rod or a bore snake?

Some shooters say cleaning rods are better than bore snakes, while some shooters say the opposite. Both cleaning tools are great; however, bore snakes take up less space than cleaning rods, and they clean more quickly.

Cleaning rods are great for deep cleaning, while bore snakes are ideal for quick cleaning.

Can a bore snake damage a gun’s bore?

Bore snakes cannot damage a gun’s bore. You can use them to clean your gun before and after firing it, and they are pretty helpful at removing fouling.

Should you oil gun’s barrel?

Like every part of your gun, you should oil the barrel. This will not only protect it from rust and corrosion, but it will also help extend its life.

Shooters are advised to clean and lubricate their firearms before storage to prevent corrosion and increase their reliability and longevity.

How often should you gun?

Expert shooters recommend you clean your gun as regularly as you use it to prevent fouling buildup. When you clean it immediately after using it, this can avoid carbon and dirt buildup, and it can also extend the life of your gun.

But if you use your gun regularly without cleaning it, this will affect its performance and shorten its life. Good and proper maintenance of your firearm will give you years of use and help maintain its performance.

It also helps if you do some deep cleaning occasionally, as this will require you to disassemble the firearm to see if all the components are in good condition. It is also important to always lubricate your firearm after cleaning it and before storing it to protect it from rust and corrosion and to maintain its performance.

If you notice that some components are rusty, a good clean can remove the rust. However, if you notice damage to any of the components, you should replace them immediately.

Always put your safety first when handling guns, and never use a firearm with rusted or damaged parts.

Wrapping up

If you are looking to buy a cleaning rod, get one that will not damage your gun’s barrel. Carbon fiber cleaning rods do a good job at removing dirt and fouling without scratching or damaging the rifling.

You can choose to go with a bore snake instead, but they are not a great option if you plan on doing some deep cleaning. Besides, carbon fiber cleaning rods are flexible, easy to use, effective, and safe.

Tipton Carbon Fiber Cleaning Rod Review 1

Best .458 SOCOM Upper Receiver

April 25, 2021 by Victor Spratt

If you are looking to build your first AR-15 that uses a .458 Upper Receiver, this guide is for you. There are plenty of AR parts, but to build an AR-15 .458 SOCOM rifle, you would need to do some proper research to determine what parts to purchase.

That said, a .458 SOCOM round is a great round, and it is extremely accurate at short ranges. If you are a hunter or shooter who prefers shoot range shooting, then this round would be an excellent option for your recreational activity.

The first thing you would need to do is build an .458 SOCOM Upper Receiver. You can buy a stripped one or an assembled one; either way, there are some good options out there. In this guide, we are going to discuss .458 Upper Receivers.

We have compiled a short list of some of the best .458 SOCOM Upper Receivers available. We have also included a buyer’s guide discussing what factors you need to consider when choosing an AR-15 .458 Upper Receiver.

Best AR15 Upper Receiver Vise Block

April 22, 2021 by Victor Spratt

If you are new to AR15s, in time, you’ll come to quickly know the different types of tools you might need in your at-home armory.

An AR15 upper receiver vice block is one of those tools you might consider having if you own an AR15 rifle.

It is a tool that allows you to put your AR rifle together easier by allowing you to place your gun’s receiver in a vise securely without damaging or distorting it. The block is a great device for maintaining your rifle.

That said, there are many AR15 upper receiver vise block options, and choosing one that meets your needs can be a bit hectic.

To help you make a sound decision, keep reading on to find out which are the best AR15 upper receiver vise blocks available and how to go about choosing the right one.

Gun scrubber vs Brake cleaner

April 17, 2021 by Victor Spratt

Part of owning a gun is not just shooting it for fun or sport, that is the easy part, the hard not so fun part is cleaning and maintaining it. A gun might look good on the shelf but if it cannot shoot, then its pretty useless to you.

The performance of a firearm highly depends on how well it is maintained. A thumb of rule is to clean your gun after you shoot it to prevent carbon fouling. The tricky part is knowing what solvents to use to get rid of the fouling.

Some people use soap and water, and while soapy water may help remove dirt and grime, it is not a good choice for removing heavy fouling. Some people prefer to use a gun scrubber and others a brake cleaner.

These two solvents are known to remove grease, oil, dirt from metal surfaces, and they do an excellent job.

However, the question is, should you use a brake cleaner to clean your gun? And of the two, which is the best for gun cleaning?

Notably, these solvents have the same chemical composition with some minor differences, and they are manufactured for different purposes. While it might be confusing which one to use, its best to do a fact check and know the pros and cons of each.

Best Powder for Pistol Reloading

April 12, 2021 by Victor Spratt

For your ammo to be accurate and reliable, you need a good powder, and choosing the right powder is not easy. There are countless powder options, and trying to figure out the best option can be daunting. But if you have an idea of what to look for, it should be relatively easy.

In this guide, we are going to review some of the best powders for pistol reloading. We are also going to discuss factors that you need to consider when buying gun powder.

Let’s get started.

How to Clean a Browning BAR

April 9, 2021 by Victor Spratt

Cleaning a gun is not as fun as shooting it, but it is vital to maintain your firearm for it to continue operating optimally. A Browning BAR is a highly accurate gun, which could be why many shooters use it for hunting.

But like all other firearms, it does require cleaning. Although it is tasking and time-consuming to clean a Browning BAR, particularly if you have to disassemble it, it is necessary if you want to keep hitting your targets.

A dirty gun can reduce its accuracy and overall performance.

An extremely dirty rifle can result in malfunction problems, which is not ideal because this could lead to serious injury.

If you are a new owner of a Browning BAR and you don’t know how to go about cleaning it, read on.

Best Ultrasonic Cleaner for Gun Parts

April 8, 2021 by Victor Spratt

Whether you spend your time shooting targets or hunting, shooting is a fun sport. But then there is the cleaning and maintaining of your firearm. Carbon fouling and dirt buildup can cause malfunction problems, which is why it is vital that you clean your gun after a shooting session.

Although the process can be daunting and time-consuming because you have to take your firearm apart to clean every piece, lube them, and put them back together, it is necessary.

The problem is that sometimes you cannot get the best gun cleaning solvents and lubricants when you want. This is why you should consider getting an ultrasonic cleaner for gun parts.

It is a cost-effective solution that can effectively and efficiently clean your firearms.

You can find ultrasonic cleaners being sold in gun stores or online at pretty affordable prices.

But you might be wondering, what is an ultrasonic cleaner?

An ultrasonic cleaner is a gun cleaning machine that uses high-frequency sound vibrations to physically move the cleaning solution, which in turn breaks up the dirt in your firearm. It is like a washing machine for guns, and it’s extremely effective and time-saving.

Washing machine for guns — Source: YouTube

The machine comes with everything you need to clean and lubricate your gun. Since it uses ultrasonic vibrations, the cleaning solvent can reach the small joints and crevices of your firearm and remove any dirt or powder residue inside.

There are good reasons you should consider buying an ultrasonic cleaner, but the two mains ones are efficiency and speed.

Your days of spending a lot of time cleaning and lubing your gun will be long gone if you buy this machine.