by Steve Ware
I was first introduced to Otis Technology ( PO Box 582, Dept. TGM, Lyons Falls, NY 13368.; phone 800-OTIS-GUN; online: otistec.com) in 1987 or 1988. I was living in Ohio and shooting IHMSA sanctioned handgun matches. One of our clubs was in Elmore, just a hop, skip and a jump to Camp Perry outside of Port Clinton. We would shoot a match then drive to Camp Perry and buy our year’s supply of reloading components and .22 LR ammunition.
Walking through Commercial Row, I noticed a man sitting in a corner at a counter-height table demonstrating a new cleaning system involving a coated cable that cleans any firearm from breech to muzzle. The system also allowed one to dislodge a stuck case or bullet. I immediately saw the benefit of this system for some of my silhouette pistols such as the falling block MOA or Freedom Arms revolvers. I could clean the handguns without the need of a bore guide and with no worry of damaging the barrel’s crown. This modest gentleman was Jerry Williams, patriarch of the company and father of Doreen Garrett, the company’s current president. One of the highlights of my annual visit to the SHOT Show is seeing Jerry.
Not long ago I heard that Otis Technology had released a new product, the Ripcord. The Ripcord comes in four caliber-specific models, .22/.223 cal.5.56mm, .308 cal./7.62mm, .38 cal./9mm, and .45 cal. As is implied by its name, it is a cord of advanced design, which will clean fouling and crud from a weapon quickly without the need to disassemble it.
The outer layer is made of Nomex® , the same fire resistant material trusted for years by firefighters, racecar drivers, and the US military. It is heat resistant up to 700 degrees F, ensuring that it will not melt in a hot barrel. Nomex ® also acts as both a brush to loosen fouling and a patch to capture particles. The cleaning surface is 10 inches long, providing adequate surface for a quick clean.
The core is of a molded rubberized material. Its purpose is to keep the Nomex® in contact with the barrel. Additionally, the core is helix shaped to ensure that it engages the rifling as the cord passes through the barrel.
Finally, the ends have coated solid brass ends that will not scratch or damage the bore and will accept all Otis cleaning components.
OK, so the Ripcord appears to be a well thought out product using high tech engineering and high tech components. But, the real question is how does it work?
It had been a while since my Daniel Defense M4 had been cleaned, so, it was my test bed. The long, slender end of the cord was inserted through the breech after locking back the bolt, removing the magazine and ensuring the rifle was unloaded. It was of sufficient length to easily go through the barrel with enough of the cord protruding out the muzzle to get a firm grip on it. Remembering that the rubberized core was designed to keep the Nomex ® pressed against the sides of the bore, I expected some resistance. And indeed there is significant resistance. I found the best way to pull the cord through was to place the butt of the rifle on the floor and pull upward after wrapping the cord around my hand. Once started, the cord was easily pulled through the barrel.
I ran the cord through the barrel three times and inspected it. There was obvious grit and grime in the surface of the Nomex ®, so there is no question that it effectively cleans well.
When in the field or at the range the ultimate quick clean solution is the Ripcord with one of Otis Technology’s Mongoose Duel Technology Brushes. The Mongoose is a combination brush and swab. It scrubs with the brush while the swab will pick up and remove crud. Simply screw the Mongoose onto the Ripcord and you have the ultimate “in the field” cleaning machine!
