Real Avid Zipwire Cleaning Kit

I have very definite views on rifle cleaning that involves proper rods, jags etc and correct fluids. However, we do not have the luxury of always being able to take that sort of set up into the field, so the Real Avid ZIPWIRE system I have been testing offers a useful alternative, for both field and bench use.

The system is based around a pull-through, but not the old, straggly string-types usually associated with the name. Opening what I have to say is a neat little, clamshell box reveals three brass jags with central loop hole (ZipJag) and three copper brushes. Also included is a 33” length of plastic-covered steel cable with attachment points at either end, finishing it off is a QD T-handle. There is also a block of 25, calibre-specific, butterfly patches made of a felt-like material.

BROAD SPECTRUM

Pull-throughs can be a bit fiddly but Real Avid’s system offers a more efficient approach as both handle and jag or brush connect to the cable by a QD fastening system (ZipClip). This consists of a brass lug with a small, spring-loaded steel catch inset. All you do is offer this lug up to the socket crimped to the end of the pull-through cable where it locks in place via a shaped cut-out. The other end of the cable has the lug/catch crimped to it which engages with the socket in either the jag or brush. The T-handle can rotate 360°, so allowing the brush/jag to following the rifling form for more efficient cleaning. Jags and brushes are in three calibre groups - .22, .270/280/7mm and .30”, though you can go up to .38” if you use a larger patch.  The patches pass through the central loop in the jag and the wide, triangular (butterfly) sections lay back over the slots in its body.

PASS

We are told that this system, which pulls from chamber to muzzle, will not drag any debris back into the bore, which is true! However it’s a bit slower than a rigid rod and relies on very specific patches, which you then need to get a good supply of. It is however an efficient field kit that is compact and light and no problem to store in your pocket or pack.

I used the kit on a few rifles and it worked well enough and was not arduous to use. Slide the lug end of the wire down the bore until it protrudes from the chamber end and clip on a brush and pull it back. Repeat with the jag and patch in place until you’re clean. I did have some initial concerns about the strength of the ZipClip but it took some serious heaving with no apparent damage. But don’t over-patch as you might have problems. No cleaning fluids are included but Real Avid does offer them, though a 1.5oz solvent bottle is included.

FOR
Compact, go anywhere cleaning kit
AGAINST
Bit pricey, dedicated patches
VERDICT
It works and offers a solution to carrying an effective cleaning kit in the field