How to Make a Swab

Hunters and gun owners need to keep their firearms properly maintained to ensure optimal weapon performance in the field. Part of weapon maintenance is keeping the bore clean. This requires using a bore swab to clean away powder residue, and to apply lubrication. Gun cleaning swabs are generally available where guns are sold. You can also make your own swabs out of scrap cloth from around your home. Making a bore swab can be accomplished with little difficulty.

Things You'll Need

  • Scissors
  • Old white cotton T-shirts or available scrap cloth
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Instructions

    • 1

      Identify your firearm's caliber. This will indicate how big of a swab you'll need to make to adequately clean your weapon's bore. Typically, a one to two inch square swab patch will suit most calibers. Larger caliber weapons such as shotguns and muzzle-loaders will require a swab patch about four to five inches square.

    • 2

      Find suitable materials to make the swab patch from. Old cotton T-shirts and scrap cloth are ideal materials to use for a swab patch.

    • 3

      Use scissors to cut as many swab patches that you want to use out of the material based on your weapon's caliber. You can cut the patches into squares or circles, whichever you prefer.

    • 4

      Cut a 1/2-inch slit in the center of the swab patch. This will be used to attach to the weapon's bore cleaning jag.

    • 5

      Slide the swab patch through the slit on the bore jag. Pull one end of the swab patch through the slit you cut in the center. Pull the end you just pulled through the slit over the top of the bore jag. Fan out the sides. You're now ready to clean your bore.