I bought a new 17HMR Ruger Single Six last year and absolutely love it. It's the first revolver I've ever owned so that also makes it the first revolver I've ever cleaned. This is also the first 17 cal firearm I've ever owned or cleaned.

So here's my question:

The rod, jag, brush, and muzzle crown protector in the cleaning kit I bought seem to fit way too snug in the bore, tighter than I feel comfortable with anyway. I've never had this much difficulty cleaning a firearm before. I'm using a .17 cal rifle cleaning kit since I can't find a pistol/revolver cleaning kit anywhere. I was thinking 17cal is 17cal regardless but now I'm thinking maybe the bore is tighter on a revolver.

Does anybody here own a 17HMR Single Six or any other 17cal revolver and if so what do you use to clean it with? Any suggestions on what I can use or do differently to clean it?

I use an Otis kit for all my 17s including air guns. I don't think they have one specificly for 17 handguns but the system works great.
Always clean in one direction. Breach to muzzle. Let your cleaning solution work and do not scrub with the brass brush just put it through in one direction. If you think you need to scrub us a swab.

I no longer use cleaning "rods". Check the Otis site for what I am talking about.

http://www.otisgun.com/cgistore/store.cgi?...etup=1&cart_id=

I see they do have a 16 inch flex rod for small cal. That is the one you want for a 17 handgun.