Emjimb,
Welcome to the forum.
Glad to hear you have the new R9. You are at the right place, to meet all the fine R9 owners.
I'm just coming up on my first 50 rounds, and the gun will receive its first cleaning at that time.
Never tried the Bore Snake. I've spent tons of money on cleaning kits (really cheap ones), and finally decided to get the Otis kit which does both rifles and pistols. It contains unique patches with multiple slots, such that one patch fits all when you fold them a certain way.
Welcome, again.
Bill