What Are Jags Used For In Gun Cleaning?

When we clean our guns, we usually need jags. The jag itself is rather simple, an attachment that is found at the end of a cleaning rod. But do you know why we need jags, what are gun cleaning jags used for?

The best use of a proper jag is to make cleaning a barrel more efficient. Because the patch will fit securely on the jag, the barrel can be cleaned of the grime, dirt, and debris that is building up in the bore. The gun cleaning jag will move the patch into the hard-to-reach areas of the barrel to scour out the breech and the rifling for a clean result.

1. Protection

Because the patch remains secure on the jag, it protects the inside of the barrel or the bore. This is because there is no contact between the metal of the bore and the cleaning rod itself. This does require a properly sized patch for this to work.

2. Inspection

The most practical way to inspect a new barrel for any defects inside is to run a cleaning patch through it using a jag.

Any loose or tight spots in the barrel will be noticed quickly when you run the jag up and down the inside of the barrel. Any small imperfections can be smoothed out before you fire the weapon.

3. Unblocking

If you should lose the patch inside the barrel, a jag is a simple way to get it out. You can grab and pull the patch out using the jag without damaging the inside of your barrel.

4. Lubrication

Once the barrel is cleaned, you can then lubricate the inside to prevent it from rusting. A little oil on the patch will provide plenty of lubrication without fouling up the barrel. The trick is to reach these areas without wearing down the inside of the barrel.

When you are choosing the gun cleaning kit for gun cleaning, be sure to use good quality alloy jags along with a proper cleaning kit, which will last longer and perform better.