Here's something that I dug out of the archives
Quote:
Below is the letter to Colt and their reply from engineering on the
use of cleaning rods. This material will apply to all weapons.
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May 21, 1987
Colt Industries Inc.
Attn: Product Engineering Manager
P.O. Box 1868
Hartford, CT 06102
Dear sir:
A controversy exists locally among Colt shooters as to the effect of
using an aluminum cleaning rod, such as the Model 41600 manufactured by
Outers, in the AR-15 barrel. It is reputed that the aluminum material used
in the cleaning rod has been found to be abrasive to the barrel. It is
further alleged that the proper rod material should be stainless steel or
brass.
I find this a bit hard to believe and would appreciate your views on
the subject. Several important clients, including SWAT team members of
local agencies, have brought this to my attention. Your courtesy in
advising me on this matter will enable me to set the record straight.
Thank you and I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest
convenience.
Very sincerely yours,
Richard M. Bash
Owner
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COLT'S REPLY
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June 4, 1987
Historically, some percentage of persons in the firearms industry and
firearms using community have avoided cleaning rods that were felt to be
abrasive to the barrel.
COLT'S REPLY continued
These "abrasive" rods are most often aluminum, brass, wood (shotgun),
plastic coated, etc., or any rod made of a material that is softer than the
barrel material.
The theory is that the soft rod material becomes contaminated by grit
or particles of hard materials that worked themselves into the rod through
use, storage, etc. The then contaminated rod, when used, tends to abrade
the surface of the barrel that it comes into contact with.
The interesting thing is the letter suggests brass as acceptable and
many people believe brass is very bad because it is very soft. Some people
believe a steel rod, especially one with a finish on it, is the worst kind
of rod to use as it approaches barrel hardness.
I believe the choice of cleaning rod material is another of those
personal choices that many people have or do make and are not going to be
readily convinced that their choice is wrong.
I believe a soft rod could become contaminated enough, and if used
vigorously enough, (probably in the wrong manner), could certainly damage a
barrel.
I do not believe those incidents are very common, nor do I believe
that the fear of contamination to the point of it being a problem occurs
very often.
Many more barrels are damaged by improper practices during cleaning
than by cleaning rod material. That is, cleaning from the muzzle end rather
than the breech; improper rod diameter; jointed rods whose joints do not
match, leaving sharp edges; attempts to reverse brushes, rags, etc. in mid
barrel; improper or worn out chamber brushes and tools; and, probably the
worst offender, old, outdated, improper and contaminated cleaners.
The M16/AR15 has a chrome plated bore and chamber which is a great
help in protecting the barrel surfaces. The use of a sound good quality rod
and proper cleaning procedures is more important than the rod material.
Engineering Dept.