14 replies to this topic

[Bamboo]

For single stackers the J-shaped test tube brushes are the trick as you could clean your mags without taking them apart - just jam the brush in the mag and it will push the follower down, no problem. That systems doesn't really work well with double stacker mags as the brush can push aside the follower and get the brush jammed in the mag and possibly mess up your mag/follower.

So, for double stackers a $1 baby bottle brush from the dollar store works great to clean the tubes since I had to take them apart for cleaning anyway and I used them for a long time. A while back I found these dryer vent brushes at Harbor Freight on sale for $1.49 (normally $2.99) so I picked up a few. Stock they are about 2 1/2 foot long, but a few minutes with a hacksaw, drill, and some 5-minute epoxy and they make a slick mag cleaning brush. The white bristles of the brush are stiff and get in the corners well and the black bristles are softer. The tip and wire shaft have plastic coating on them so there is little risk of damaging the feed lips. Stock length they also work great for cleaning mag tubes on a tube fed shotgun. Oh, and they are decent for cleaning the dryer vent, too.

L-R - Baby bottle brush, shortened brush for the range bag, a little longer one for the home cleaning kit, and an unmodified dryer vent brush.

Attached Files

•  Cheap Mag Cleaning Brushes 1.JPG   71.38K   258 downloads
•  cheap mag cleaning brushes 2.JPG   68.3K   240 downloads

[Roland]

For single stackers the J-shaped test tube brushes are the trick as you could clean your mags without taking them apart - just jam the brush in the mag and it will push the follower down, no problem. That systems doesn't really work well with double stacker mags as the brush can push aside the follower and get the brush jammed in the mag and possibly mess up your mag/follower.

So, for double stackers a $1 baby bottle brush from the dollar store works great to clean the tubes since I had to take them apart for cleaning anyway and I used them for a long time. A while back I found these dryer vent brushes at Harbor Freight on sale for $1.49 (normally $2.99) so I picked up a few. Stock they are about 2 1/2 foot long, but a few minutes with a hacksaw, drill, and some 5-minute epoxy and they make a slick mag cleaning brush. The white bristles of the brush are stiff and get in the corners well and the black bristles are softer. The tip and wire shaft have plastic coating on them so there is little risk of damaging the feed lips. Stock length they also work great for cleaning mag tubes on a tube fed shotgun. Oh, and they are decent for cleaning the dryer vent, too.

L-R - Baby bottle brush, shortened brush for the range bag, a little longer one for the home cleaning kit, and an unmodified dryer vent brush.

I have been using those cheap baby bottle cleaners since my son was born last year. They work ok but the bristles are a little flimsy. About a month ago I bought one of those Harbor Freight dryer brushes. I never though of shortening the brush. Thanks for the idea.

I had seen those Arredondo mag brushes but couldn't bring myself to spend $11 plus shipping on a brush.

Maybe I'm just that cheap.

[Badkarma]

refrigerator coil brushes... usually under $5 at most hardware stores... pick up a length of plastic pipe to store it in from the plumbing section. I cut the handle to about 4 inches, drilled a hole for a lanyard and gave them away as Christmas presents to my fellow Club Directors.

[Roland]

refrigerator coil brushes... usually under $5 at most hardware stores... pick up a length of plastic pipe to store it in from the plumbing section. I cut the handle to about 4 inches, drilled a hole for a lanyard and gave them away as Christmas presents to my fellow Club Directors.

You have any pictures?
Something else that I will have to look at next time I go to the hardware store.

[Sarge]

For big sticks

http://www.bedbathan...9913600520P.JPG

Edited by Sarge, 13 May 2012 - 04:58 PM.

[ChuckS]

After either loosing or having someone liberate 2 Ralph brushes, I have gone to a rag pulled through the tube with forceps. Never missed the brush. The same rag and forceps will also do a nice job cleaning shotgun speedloaders.

I have to admit that our host was the inspiration for this. I just upgraded from the screw driver ;-)

http://www.brianenos...ndpost&p=165396

Later,
Chuck

[Roland]

For big sticks

http://www.bedbathan...9913600520P.JPG

Would those mags even be legal. You would have to shoot open and jam it into the magazine gauge.

[stidad]

Baby bottle brush for $1. I buy a bunch and don't have to worry losing it.

[Steve RA]

If using stainless mags, just disassemble and throw in tumbler for 30 minutes.

[Sarge]

If using stainless mags, just disassemble and throw in tumbler for 30 minutes.

I already have enough stuff in my range bag.

[Steve RA]

Perhaps I should have mentioned that it would be easiest to do at home !!!

[ChuckS]

Perhaps I should have mentioned that it would be easiest to do at home !!!

I am not sure that driving home after each stage is practical either

[Steve RA]

Life is difficult and then you die !!!

[Ranger6]

Some years ago a fellow shooter recommended NOT using a brush at all. "I tends to take the dirt inside the magazine and grind it into the finish inside." Use a soft cloth instead. Get some silicone spray (found in most bike/auto shops) and spray the cloth. Run the cloth from the bottom out through the top of the mag. It cleans the inside and leave a light silicone coating. If the cloth becomes dirty, throw it away and get a clean one. (They're a lot cheaper than new mags.)

[GregJ]

I have the Kleen-Bore magazine brush and they work pretty well. However, at a recent match I tried to just push the follower down with the brush trick, in the hopes it would work without having to break the mag down (smaller squad, faster pace, made time a premium). The mags felt a little cleaner but still very gritty. The brushes will get the big stuff, but I dont think it will do a better job than a rag. I like the silicone idea, and may adopt it. A shop rag with silicone in it over the brush should work nicely.