How do you use your mop?

[TeddyBallgame]

I pretty much do the job with my cleaning patches, never use the mop very much, but, maybe I'm doing something wrong?

In what instances do you use it, or, is it an individual preference?

[350skylark]

was hoping this was going to be a bbq thread.

[bigbully]

I don't use any of the mops I have, because they shed too easily and leave lots of lint.

[hambam105]

Think properly sized jag with properly sized patch.

[TeddyBallgame]

Think properly sized jag with properly sized patch.

that is exactly what I finish up with...seems to do the job without the left over lent, like bigbully mentioned

[scidx]

The mops, for me, get tossed along with the multi-piece rods. Cleaning is an often debated topic that can be more volatile than the AR vs. AK or 9MM vs. .40 S&W arguments. A large enough group believes that these mops are useful, so they come with the do-all kits. There are many different ways to get to the same ending. The mops are for convenience (faster spread/clean-up of chemicals?), I think.

There are those that clean properly; and those that do not agree with my technique.

[Metal God]

I use a dry mop to mop out or dry out the chamber before going shooting . oils from the barrel drip down in to the chamber while in the safe . I was taught not to oil your chamber so it only makes sense to dry it out before shooting .

I do use the mop to apply solvent when cleaning my shotgun and I use a patch wrapped around a brush to clean and dry my shotgun

[Raider888]

I don't use mops.
Wire brush, Qtips, and patches for cleaning.

[bikr4jc]

Maybe I'm doing it wrong, I run the mop wet with hopps down the barrel before cleaning to saturate the walls of the barrel. Is this wrong? How do you guys start your cleaning?

[scidx]

Maybe I'm doing it wrong, I run the mop wet with hopps down the barrel before cleaning to saturate the walls of the barrel. Is this wrong? How do you guys start your cleaning?

See, that's the thing. It isn't "wrong" to do what you are doing. There are many ways to skin a cat. There are many ways to end with a clean gun. There are people that do the same with a patch before cleaning.

One thing to consider:
If you do not wash your Hoppes saturated mop between uses, you are pushing a dirty mop down the bore each subsequent cleaning session. As the mop runs down the dirty bore, it picks up a little of what is in the bore. Think of it as mopping your kitchen floor with a dirty mop each day.

[waho]

I use my mops for polishing the inside of my reloading dies.

[bikr4jc]

See, that's the thing. It isn't "wrong" to do what you are doing. There are many ways to skin a cat. There are many ways to end with a clean gun. There are people that do the same with a patch before cleaning.

One thing to consider:
If you do not wash your Hoppes saturated mop between uses, you are pushing a dirty mop down the bore each subsequent cleaning session. As the mop runs down the dirty bore, it picks up a little of what is in the bore. Think of it as mopping your kitchen floor with a dirty mop each day.

Thanks for the tip. I always finish up with patches. Maybe I will try to start with them also.

[Cactus_Tim]

I don't use them.
It's always patches and jags when I'm cleaning.
Well, sometimes a wire brush, too.

[scidx]

Thanks for the tip. I always finish up with patches. Maybe I will try to start with them also.

The mop works, too. I would simply wash the mops under tap water after each use; then hang dry. Advantage: less patches to be used/bought. Disadvantage: lack of convenience.

Also, the mop may be using too much chemical solvent. This depends on how you apply it. Do you use an eye-dropper or do you dip the mop? The use of an eye-dropper and patches may save you some solvent over time.

[damndave]

I have a few mops and if I remember correctly, they are all still brand new.