OTIS Technology RIPCORD – New Product Review

By Bruce Flemings

The OTIS RIPCORD has a retail price of $14.99. 34” rifle length RIPCORDS are available in .223/5.56mm and .308/7.62mm. 22.5” pistol length RIPCORDS are available for .380/9mm/.38/.357, .40/10mm, and .44/45 caliber. Additional sizes will be available in the future.

Otis Technology
https://www.otistec.com/

Otis Technology makes a multitude of cleaning products and cleaning systems for firearms and optics. They offer task specific cleaning systems for Sporting, Law Enforcement, and Military applications. All OTIS products are made in the USA at the company’s facility in Lyons Falls, NY. One of the latest products, the RIPCORD one-pass cleaning device, was featured in the OTIS Technology display at the 2014 SHOT Show.

The RIPCORD is a pull-through-the-barrel dry cleaning system. Each end of the RIPCORD has a coated brass tip that is clearly labeled with the intended caliber. These tips feature 8-32 threading so they can accept most standard cleaning accessories like brushes, bore mops, and patch holders.

The RIPCORD has three sections. The larger diameter cleaning section is 10 inches in length.

Both ends of the RIPCORD are 8-32 threaded to accept a variety of cleaning accessories.

Each RIPCORD has three sections. The first section is a thin leader that contains a high-strength inner cord that is used to pull the RIPCORD through the bore. The second section does the primary cleaning task. This section features a 10 inch long polymer core that is helix shaped and sized to the bore. The last short tail section can be used to attach follow up cleaning items like bore mops and brushes. The entire RIPCORD is covered in a Nomex weave outer layer. The Nomex can withstand temperatures up to 700 degrees Fahrenheit and allows users to clean their barrels when they are hot or cold. The Nomex outer layer is not abrasive, but does act like both a brush and patch when it is run down the bore. All large loose particles and light fouling are removed from the bore and carried out of the barrel by the Nomex fibers.

This close up photo shows the Nomex outer layer and the helix shaped inner core that presses the outer layer into the rifling as the RIPCORD is pulled down the barrel.

A soft nylon brush and square of cotton cloth are all you need to keep your RIPCORD clean.

Keeping your RIPCORD clean is a simple process of bushing any accumulated debris from the Nomex fibers with a soft nylon brush. You can also wipe down the RIPCORD with lint-free cotton cloth. OTIS does not recommend wet cleaning of the RIPCORD.

The RIPCORD from OTIS Technology does a really good job removing large debris, like unburned powder flakes, from the bore. Some light carbon and soot will also be removed during the cleaning process. It will not remove stubborn copper and lead deposits in the rifling. For that level of cleaning you will still need to use a traditional brush and solvent cleaning process.

For me, the RIPCORD will be a welcome addition to my range bag. I use many different pistols frequently, but never for more than 20 rounds per range trip. I always give each pistol a good external wipe down when I get back home, but can’t justify the time required for a full cleaning . With the RIPCORD, I can also include a quick bore cleaning with my exterior cleaning. Also, I pocket carry frequently in holsters that have open muzzles. After several days of pocket carry, I’ve noticed that pocket lint will accumulate in the bore of my pistol. I think the RIPCORD will be a great way to clear the accumulated lint from the barrel between full cleanings.

A before and after look at a revolver cylinder. All loose debris was removed with one pass of the RIPCORD.

The coiled RIPCORD takes up very little room and can be dropped in a cargo pocket or side pocket of your range bag.

Each RIPCORD is clearly labeled on both ends with the intended caliber.