The question is: Do you push the rod all the way through the barrel or do you not and why.??

I have allways cleaned my rifles by pushing the rod all the way through. That's what I was told was the right thing to do, 20 years ago. But is it really..?

Niels,

Everything I read tends to support the notion that the rods are pushed all the way through (from chamber to muzzle).

The number one reason seems to point to pushing the fouling material(s) outside of the barrel at the muzzle and thereby not fouling up the chamber. The second seems to point to the fouling materials are not moved back and forth inside of the barrel.

It is the technique that I have followed (4-ever) only because it seems to be the most plausible reasons for the practice.

Guys,
I've been cleaning guns for 40 years and I still like to re-visit these subjects from time to time. I find myself falling into 'patterns' regarding solvents, techniques etc. I don't often shoot rifles that can be cleaned from breach to muzzle short of using a rope. So what is the current view on swabbing auto loaders and why? I use a device on my M1A that not only holds the bolt open and prevents it from being released by impacting it with a brush but also has a valley to collect the gunk. I currently use Butch's which I really like after years of one stop cleaning using Break Free CLP. I wonder what I'll use next month / year?

Alex, I love that signature line. Thanks for reminding us of it.