The Hoppe's 1-Piece Carbon Fiber Pistol Cleaning Rod, 8" .22 Caliber and Up (RC22P, 6 per case, UPC 026285022001) is a dedicated handgun cleaning tool designed for smooth, safe bore maintenance on pistols chambered in .22 caliber and larger. Using a single-piece carbon fiber shaft, a free-spinning handle, and standard cleaning rod threads, it helps shooters clean their barrels without risking damage from steel or jointed rods, while maintaining rigidity and control during use.
Model Identification and Intended Use
Brand: Hoppe’s
Product Type: Pistol cleaning rod
Model / Part Number: RC22P
Length: 8 inches (approximate working length)
Caliber Range: .22 caliber and larger handguns
Configuration: One-piece, carbon fiber pistol cleaning rod
Case Quantity: 6 rods per case (dealer/wholesale packaging)
Typical Use: Routine bore cleaning and maintenance of rimfire and centerfire pistols
This rod is purpose-built for handgun-length barrels, offering enough length to traverse common pistol barrel lengths while remaining compact and easy to pack in a range bag or cleaning kit.
Carbon Fiber Shaft Construction
The core of the RC22P is its one-piece carbon fiber shaft:
Material: Carbon fiber, chosen for its high stiffness-to-weight ratio and non-marring properties.
Flex behavior: Carbon fiber will flex under stress but is designed to spring back to straight and resist permanent bending, unlike some softer metals.
Bore safety: Being non-ferrous and smooth, carbon fiber is much less likely to scratch or gouge steel barrels when used properly with a bore guide or careful alignment.
The one-piece design eliminates joints and sections that can loosen or misalign, providing a straighter path through the bore and a more consistent cleaning stroke.
Length and Pistol Compatibility
The rod’s 8-inch length is optimized for handguns:
Suitable for most pistol barrel lengths, including common 3"–6" semi-automatic and revolver barrels.
Compact enough to store easily in a pistol cleaning kit, range bag, or bench drawer.
It is designed for .22 caliber and up, meaning it can be used with:
.22 LR, .22 WMR, and other .22-caliber rimfire pistols
Typical centerfire handgun calibers such as 9mm, .380 ACP, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, etc.
Actual brush/mop/jag sizes will depend on the caliber being cleaned and must be selected accordingly.
Handle Design and Rotation
The Hoppe’s 1-piece carbon fiber rod uses an ergonomic, free-spinning handle to support proper bore cleaning technique:
Free-spinning handle:
The handle is designed to rotate freely around the rod as the brush or jag follows the rifling inside the barrel.
This allows the cleaning attachment to track the rifling twist rather than forcing the rod to twist inside the bore, reducing stress on both the rod and barrel lands.
Ergonomic grip:
The handle shape supports a comfortable, controlled grip during pushing and pulling strokes.
A solid grip helps maintain straight rod alignment and prevents lateral force that could damage the crown or throat if mishandled.
Threading and Accessory Compatibility
The RC22P is set up to accept standard pistol-cleaning accessories (brushes, jags, mops, and patches):
Standard threads:
Uses commonly accepted rod thread (e.g., 8-32 or similar typical pistol-cleaning standard; actual thread spec depends on Hoppe’s configuration).
Compatible with most Hoppe’s brand cleaning tips and brushes, as well as many other accessories that match the same thread size.
This allows the rod to be integrated into existing cleaning setups and used for multiple calibers simply by changing the brush or jag.
Advantages of Carbon Fiber vs. Traditional Rods
Compared to steel or multi-section aluminum rods, a 1-piece carbon fiber rod like the RC22P offers several technical advantages:
Reduced bore wear risk: Carbon fiber is less likely to damage the bore or crown if it makes contact with the barrel.
No segment joints: Eliminates the possibility of sections unscrewing or misalignment that can occur with multi-piece rods.
Rigidity with resilience: Provides a stiff but slightly flexible cleaning platform that can better tolerate slight off-axis forces without permanent bending.
Corrosion resistance: Carbon fiber will not rust and is highly resistant to solvents commonly used in firearm cleaning.
These characteristics make it particularly appealing to shooters who frequently clean precision rimfire pistols or higher-end defensive and competition handguns.
Case Quantity and Use Environment
The “6 per case” specification indicates bulk packaging suitable for:
Retailers and gunsmiths stocking multiple rods for sale or shop use
Clubs, training schools, or armories that maintain cleaning stations for multiple shooters or pistols
Individual users typically purchase a single rod, but the case quantity is helpful information for dealers and institutional buyers.
Maintenance and Care
To maintain the performance and longevity of the rod:
Wipe the carbon fiber shaft with a clean cloth after use to remove fouling and solvent residue.
Avoid bending the rod excessively or using it as a prying tool.
Store it in a clean, dry place—ideally in a rod rack, tube, or the original packaging to protect the shaft and handle.
Use appropriate bore guides or take care entering the chamber to keep the rod centered and avoid impacting the crown.
Proper care ensures the rod remains straight, clean, and ready for repeat use over many cleaning cycles.
Technical Specification Summary
Hoppe’s 1-Piece Carbon Fiber Pistol Cleaning Rod – RC22P
Brand: Hoppe’s
Model: 1-Piece Carbon Fiber Pistol Cleaning Rod
Part Number: RC22P
UPC: 026285022001
Length: 8 inches
Construction: One-piece carbon fiber shaft
Handle: Free-spinning ergonomic handle
Caliber Range: .22 caliber and larger pistols
Threading: Standard cleaning rod thread for pistol brushes/jags (compatible with matching Hoppe’s accessories)
Use Case: Routine bore cleaning for rimfire and centerfire handguns
Case Pack: 6 rods per case (wholesale/retail quantity)
By combining a one-piece carbon fiber shaft, free-spinning ergonomic handle, and .22 caliber and up compatibility in an 8-inch pistol-length format, the Hoppe’s 1 Piece Carbon Fiber Pistol Cleaning Rod 8 in .22 Cal+ (RC22P, 6 per case) provides a robust, non-marring, and technically optimized cleaning solution for handgun owners seeking to maintain barrel integrity and performance over the long term.
The End
