I can see the sense in using a rod that has minimal chances of harming the bore. I know in the Army I cleaned my M-14 from the muzzle with a sectioned steel rod. I wonder how much damage I may have done.
As far as cleaning from the breech as in bolt guns, I do not get overally anal as the brush and patch pretty much center them selves and with a one peice rod. I suspect the chances of actually hitting the rifling and in reality damagining it is pretty remote. That said, I too have gone to a carbon fiber rod, it just makes some amount of sence to be as careful as posible. If I couldn't afford the price of a carbon fiber I sure as hell would use a stainless or any kind of solid rod and not expect to harm my barrel with normal care.
I really don't know what the problem actually is with an aluminum or brass rod..I guess if you drag it through the kids sand box and claen your gun there is a "chance" you could in fact put a scratch on the barrel, that is if the rod actually hit the bore. I have a Gradiant borescope and if you could see the inside of most bores, a fine scratch, if there, wouldn't bother anyone. You ought to see the leade of most rifles that have had many rounds down the barrel. I have seen brick paved roads that look smoother.
Cleaning from the muzzle really does dictate some sort of bore protection device, regardless of brand as they all work well, some better than others.
To me, we all tend to get caught up in the advertising hype and disregard common sense at times. How many times would you have to clean your rifle with your grit and trash embedded aluminum rod before accuracy was totally shot? You ever wipe the rod off prior to cleaning?
Like I said, we tend to get caught up in someone coming up with reasons we should buy their product because what you have will destroy your gun... I really doubt anyone ever cleans a gun enough to wear out a barrel.
