W&A Wesson Arms

Using a Bore Snake on Your S&W Revolver: A Quick Field Guide

A Smith & Wesson revolver is a workhorse tool for Australian shooters, whether you're chasing rabbits on a rural property outside Mildura, target shooting at a club affiliated with the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia, or simply maintaining a trusted home defence sidearm in suburban Perth. To keep that revolver cycling smoothly and delivering consistent accuracy, regular bore maintenance is non-negotiable. Among the various cleaning methods available, the bore snake has earned its place as the fastest, most portable solution for field use. This guide walks through how to use one properly, tailored to Australian conditions and regulations.

Across the country, revolver owners must navigate a patchwork of state-based firearms legislation before they ever pull a trigger. In New South Wales, a Category A or B firearms licence is required to possess most S&W revolvers, while Queensland and Victoria maintain their own licensing regimes through the Queensland Police and Victoria Police respectively. Storage rules are equally strict: revolvers must be kept in a locked, steel-reinforced safe that's bolted to the floor or a permanent structure. Given these storage requirements, many Australian shooters find that a compact bore snake—small enough to live in a range bag or glovebox—is far more practical than a full cleaning kit for routine maintenance between deeper cleanings at home.

What a Bore Snake Actually Does

A bore snake is essentially a weighted, cord-like cleaning tool with a brass or nylon brush embedded in the leading section, followed by a length of woven fabric. You attach a weighted end to the muzzle, drop it through the barrel, and pull it out the other end. As it travels, the brush loosens carbon fouling and lead deposits, while the fabric section wipes residue away. For S&W revolvers like the Model 686 or the classic Model 10, this method is particularly effective because the bore is relatively short and straight, allowing the snake to pass through with minimal friction.

Unlike traditional rod-and-patch cleaning, a bore snake requires no disassembly of the firearm and can be operated with one hand in some configurations. That makes it ideal for a quick clean at the end of a shooting session at the Brisbane River Pistol Club or after a hunting trip in the Victorian high country. The trade-off is that a bore snake is best for routine maintenance rather than heavy-duty restoration. If your revolver has been sitting unused for months or has fired thousands of rounds without a proper clean, you'll still want to break out the rods and patches.

Picking the Right Size and Type

Smith & Wesson revolvers come in a wide range of calibres, and using the wrong size bore snake is a common rookie error. For the popular .38 Special and .357 Magnum models—such as the S&W Model 60, Model 686, or the Performance Center versions—a .357/.38-calibre snake is correct. Owners of .44 Magnum revolvers like the S&W Model 629 need a .44-calibre version. .45 Colt shooters using the S&W Model 25 should opt for the corresponding size.

Brass-bristle snakes tend to be more aggressive on tough fouling but can be slightly harder on barrels if used excessively. Nylon-bristle variants are gentler and perfectly adequate for routine cleaning. Some Australian retailers also stock hybrid designs with a bronze brush section followed by a softer mop. When shopping, consider whether you shoot jacketed, lead, or cast bullets, as lead fouling often requires a more aggressive brush. Many shooters across Sydney and Melbourne keep multiple snakes on hand to suit different revolvers in their collection.

Essential Items for the Job

Before heading to the range or setting up at the bench, gather these basics:

Having everything laid out before you start prevents the temptation to cut corners. Most shooters in Adelaide and Hobart keep a dedicated cleaning mat in their gun room to contain solvents and protect surfaces.

Safe Preparation and Disassembly

Safety always comes first. Remove all ammunition from the revolver and the immediate area. Open the cylinder and inspect each chamber visually and physically with a finger to confirm no rounds remain. For modern S&W double-action revolvers like the Model 19 or Model 686, swing the cylinder out fully. Place the revolver on a stable surface with the muzzle pointing in a safe direction. In Australian home setups, this usually means a cleared dining table or dedicated workbench in a locked room.

Apply a few drops of your chosen solvent to the bore before introducing the snake—this helps dissolve powder residue and reduces drag. Let it sit for thirty seconds to a minute for optimal effect. For revolvers with fixed sights, take care not to damage the front sight blade during the process, as replacement sights on older models can be hard to source locally.

The Cleaning Sequence

Start by inserting the weighted end of the bore snake into the muzzle end. Gravity will pull it through the bore. Once the brush end emerges from the cylinder opening or forcing cone area, grasp it firmly and pull the snake through in one smooth, steady motion. Avoid jerking or stopping mid-stroke, as this can cause the brush to bind.

After the first pass, inspect the snake. If it comes out heavily soiled, repeat the process two or three times, possibly reapplying solvent between passes. Once the snake emerges relatively clean, finish by pulling a dry patch through the bore if needed, followed by a light oiling. Wipe down the exterior, check the cylinder gaps for fouling, and reassemble. For range trips, many competitive shooters in Queensland and Western Australia run a bore snake through their revolver every 50–100 rounds, while hunting guides in the Northern Territory might clean after every outing due to dust exposure.

Mistakes That Compromise Your Revolver

Using too much force is the most common error. A bore snake should glide through with gentle pressure; if you feel significant resistance, check for obstructions or stop entirely. Forcing it can damage the crown of the barrel or leave brush fragments behind. Equally problematic is failing to oil the bore after cleaning—dry steel attracts rust, especially in humid coastal areas like the Gold Coast or far north Queensland.

Another mistake is neglecting the forcing cone and cylinder faces. The bore snake cleans the barrel, but carbon builds up in these adjacent areas and can affect accuracy and timing. Use a nylon toothbrush or cotton swabs with solvent to address those spots. Finally, don't store a dirty snake in your range bag. Wash it occasionally according to manufacturer instructions and let it dry completely to prevent mould and solvent degradation.

Field Maintenance in Australian Conditions

Australian shooting environments present unique challenges. Red dust in the outback, salt air along the coast, and high humidity in tropical regions all accelerate fouling and corrosion. Shooters in Darwin and Cairns should clean more frequently than those in drier climates like Canberra or Ballarat. After a day at the range, a quick pass with the bore snake followed by a light oiling is sound practice.

Storage laws also influence routine. Since revolvers must be locked away in a registered safe, keeping a bore snake inside the safe ensures you always have cleaning supplies handy. Some owners in regional Western Australia and South Australia store their maintenance kit in a separate locked cabinet near the safe for quick access. For those attending organised events or club competitions, staying informed about local meet schedules is part of the broader shooting community—resources like community event listings help shooters keep track of gatherings across the country.

Quick checklist for between sessions:

When you remember that consistent accuracy starts with a clean bore, and that a bore snake makes that maintenance achievable in minutes rather than hours, the value becomes obvious. Keep the right calibre on hand, use it gently, and your S&W revolver will deliver reliable performance shot after shot.