Cleaning first rifle - Damaged barrel?

[the_shepherd]

Hi all,

I just bought my first rifle (bolt action .22) and after taking it out for a spin with my buddy, decided to clean it. I bought one of those cheapo Hoppe's rifle and shotgun cleaning kits with the aluminum rods with a bronze brush and made a couple of passes through the bore, breech to muzzle. The fit of the brush felt very tight (normal for new brushes?) and after looking at the rod, I noticed that it was scratched up. I looked down thebarrel and I think I may have seen some scratching. Can aluminum rods cause damage that quickly? After doing a little bit of research it seems as those segmented aluminum rods are frowned upon and that a single-unit piece seems to be the way to go. The name Dewey keeps popping up.

Anywho, just wondering if you guys think these rods may have caused damage after only a couple of passes, or if I'm just going a little nutty over my new baby. Any general cleaning tips for newb would also be appreciated.

Thanks for any advice you may have.

[RobertMcC]

I wouldn't worried I doubt softer alum would destroy a barrel when military uses steel rods in hands of privates.

[Doors of Perception]

Not likely - Aluminum is a lot softer than steel. Keep on cleaning you won't damage anything.

[Magellann]

It will be fine, but get yourself a decent one piece cleaning rod such as a Tipton or a Dewey, Ive broken a few of those cheap aluminium or brass sectional rods over the years.

[tjsudbury]

It's phuked now. I'll give you ten bucks for it, you pay the shipping.

[kodiakjack]

I'll give you $12, plus a recently expired coupon for Burger King.

[kodiakjack]

It's fine. No need to worry about it :-)

By the way, what type of rifle is your "baby"?

[bsand]

I'm curious to know if you bought the rifle from Lever Arms? If so, I was the guy behind you getting some magpul goodies..

[sunray]

Aluminum rods will never cause damage to steel. You don't need high priced brand name stuff for cleaning either.
Brushes can be a bit tight when new. Really tight means it's the wrong brush.

[the_shepherd]

Thanks for the reply. After posting this I decided to look up the comparative hardnesses of steel and aluminum and realised I had nothing to worry about. And I bought a CZ455 Lux in .22LR.