Cleaning a gun can be a tedious and daunting task, but if you need it to perform optimally, you have to take the time to give it a proper clean. Thankfully, there are tools available that make gun cleaning easy, and one of those tools is a cleaning jag.
Cleaning jags are mainly used for cleaning the inside of a gun’s barrel, and they are usually attached to a cleaning rod. The jag itself is used with patches to remove dirt, grime, and carbon buildup.
Jags are available in different sizes for different calibers. They are also made of different materials. In this article, we have discussed two main types of jags, brass and nickel-plated cleaning jags highlighting the pros and cons of each.
Brass Cleaning Jags
Brass cleaning jags are the most popular. They are used for brushing, cleaning, and lubricating a gun’s barrel. They offer some level of protection against scratching and denting to the inside of a gun’s bore and chamber.
Brass is soft and durable. It is resistant to rust and corrosion, which is why its commonly used for making cleaning jags.
However, there is one major problem with brass jags, and that is they produce false bluing. This is when a patch comes out with a blue tint. To a new shooter or a shooter who has never experienced this before, it is easy for them to assume that the gun is still dirty, which may lead to overcleaning.
But what happens is that when you use copper cleaning solvents, they will leach the brass metal. Brass jags are made of 60% copper, some of which may come off when they come into contact with a copper solvent, and this the reason why a patch may have a bluish shade.
This in itself is not a problem. It simply shows that the cleaning solvent is working. However, shooters who are not aware of this could waste a lot of time and effort cleaning the barrel, thinking that it still has copper fouling.
Nickel-Plated Cleaning Jags
Nickel-plated cleaning jags can do everything brass jags do effectively with one significant difference – they do not produce false bluing. This explains why many expert shooters prefer nickel-plated jags to brass jags.
They have the same properties as brass jags. They are durable and resistant to rust and corrosion. As for the price, nickel-plated jags are not that much more expensive than brass jags. The difference is marginal.
Buying Cleaning Jags
If you use your firearm frequently, it is important to clean it regularly to keep it in good working condition. Both brass and nickel-plated jags work well. Both types are relatively affordable, but to avoid overcleaning your barrel because of false bluing, nickel-plated would be a more ideal option.
You can get cleaning jags from your local gun store or online. If you are going to purchase online, read the customer reviews first before making a purchase.
It is always wise to go with reputable brands even though they might cost slightly more than other brands because you know you are getting quality. In any case, it is better to spend the extra cash on a good jag that will last a long time.
Also, check to see that you are buying the right-sized jag for your caliber. These small tools come in different sizes, and you don’t want to waste time and money on the wrong jag.
As for durability and other key properties, check to see what other customers are saying, that is, if you are buying the cleaning jag online.
Remember, it is always good to do some research before buying a gun accessory to know what to look for. This can save you a lot of time and money.
Conclusion
We hope this article has been of some help. There are other types of cleaning jags in the market, but they all have the same function. Choosing which one to buy is entirely up to you. But remember, using the right cleaning tools can protect your gun from damage and will make cleaning your firearm easy.
Sometimes it’s not the tools but the cleaning technique that can cause problems. So make sure that you know how to use cleaning jags and other gun cleaning equipment correctly.
