Tipton make the rifle cleaning tools that matter for accuracy: a rod that will not damage the bore and a guide that keeps it aligned. Everything else is consumables.
Use a bore guide. The Universal Bore Guide is the single most useful item here. It centres the rod in the throat and keeps solvent out of the action and the trigger group. Cleaning a rifle without one, particularly from the muzzle, is how throats and crowns get worn by the people trying to look after them.
One-piece rods. The Deluxe carbon fibre rods come as a single length with a rotating handle that lets the jag follow the rifling. Sectional rods flex at the joints and can rub the bore; a one-piece rod costs more once and then stops being a problem. Match the rod length to your barrel — a 36in rod covers most stalking rifles.
Jags, brushes and patches. Ultra Jags are calibre-specific and give a tight patch fit — .22, .25/6.5mm and up. Bronze brushes cut carbon and copper fouling; nylon brushes are for gentler work and for barrels you would rather not put bronze through. Patches are sized by calibre group, so .22–270 square patches cover most rifle work.
Chamber and action. The Action/Chamber cleaning tool set reaches the places a bore rod does not, which is usually where the fouling actually accumulates.
Related: Cleaning Kits, Rods, Brushes, Bore Mops, Cloths & Patches, Maintenance Stations.
