Hoppe’s 9 Boresnake Cleaning Kit Review

The Hoppe’s 9 Boresnake Snake Cleaning Kit: Final Thoughts from Me

The Hoppe’s 9 Boresnake Snake Cleaning Kit promises a quick, convenient way to clean your shotgun. As someone who’s spent countless hours maintaining firearms in the field, I was intrigued by its simplicity and portability. Could this little snake really replace my traditional cleaning rod and brushes?

I was initially drawn to this product because I needed a compact and efficient cleaning solution for my shotgun during hunting trips. Carrying a full cleaning kit can be cumbersome, especially when packing light for backcountry hunts. The BoreSnake’s claim of being an all-in-one cleaning tool that fits neatly in a range bag sounded ideal.

Upon unboxing, I was struck by the lightweight nature of the kit. The plastic case doubles as a pull handle, which initially felt a bit flimsy, but the snake itself seemed well-made. The integrated bronze brush and cleaning floss appeared robust enough to tackle carbon buildup and fouling. Compared to a full cleaning kit with segmented rods, brushes, and patches, the Hoppe’s 9 Boresnake Snake Cleaning Kit is significantly more compact and easier to transport. It seemed to offer a simpler, more streamlined approach to gun cleaning than my traditional methods, like using a separate rod and patches soaked in Hoppe’s 9 solvent. I was cautiously optimistic but eager to see how it performed in the field.

Real-World Testing: Putting Hoppe’s 9 Boresnake Snake Cleaning Kit to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Hoppe’s 9 Boresnake Snake Cleaning Kit at the shooting range after a round of trap shooting with my 12-gauge. The range was relatively clean and dry, providing a controlled environment for initial testing. Using the kit was straightforward; I applied a few drops of cleaning solvent to the brush portion of the BoreSnake and threaded it through the barrel from the breech end.

Pulling it through required a bit of effort, especially near the muzzle, suggesting a snug fit for effective cleaning. The BoreSnake did seem to clear out a noticeable amount of residue and powder fouling on the first pass. One initial concern was the slightly awkward grip provided by the plastic case handle, particularly when pulling through a heavily fouled barrel.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, including a duck hunting trip in muddy conditions, the Hoppe’s 9 Boresnake Snake Cleaning Kit has proven to be a valuable addition to my field kit. While it’s not a replacement for a thorough cleaning with a rod and brushes back at home, it’s excellent for quick cleanings in the field to prevent corrosion and maintain performance. The BoreSnake itself has held up well, showing no significant signs of wear and tear despite repeated use.

Cleaning the BoreSnake is relatively easy; I simply run it through a clean cloth to remove excess debris and then wash it with warm, soapy water. Compared to my previous method of relying on separate cleaning rods and patches, the BoreSnake offers a much quicker and more convenient solution for field cleaning. However, I have noticed that for particularly stubborn carbon buildup, a more traditional cleaning approach is still necessary.

Breaking Down the Features of Hoppe’s 9 Boresnake Snake Cleaning Kit

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Hoppe’s 9. Known for their reliable and widely-used gun cleaning products.
• Pieces: 1 (the BoreSnake itself, integrated with the case). This simplifies the cleaning process by minimizing the number of loose parts.
• Condition: New. Ensuring a fresh and unused cleaning tool.
• Gun Type: Shotgun. Specifically designed for shotgun bores.
• Application: Gun Cleaning. Targeted for removing fouling, residue, and carbon buildup.
• The patented case design allows for easy storage and doubles as a pull handle. This enhances usability and portability.

Performance & Functionality

The Hoppe’s 9 Boresnake Snake Cleaning Kit performs admirably as a field cleaning tool. It quickly removes loose fouling and debris, helping to maintain the shotgun’s performance between more thorough cleanings. The integrated bronze brush effectively loosens stubborn carbon deposits, while the trailing floss wipes the bore clean.

While it’s not as effective as a full cleaning kit for removing heavy fouling, it significantly reduces the buildup and prevents corrosion. For light to moderate fouling, the BoreSnake excels, leaving the bore noticeably cleaner.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Hoppe’s 9 Boresnake Snake Cleaning Kit prioritizes portability and ease of use. The lightweight plastic case is easy to carry and store, while the integrated pull handle simplifies the cleaning process. The BoreSnake itself is constructed from durable materials that can withstand repeated use.

There is a slight learning curve in learning to distribute cleaning solvents on the brush properly for best cleaning results. However, once familiar, it’s a breeze to use.

Durability & Maintenance

The Hoppe’s 9 Boresnake Snake Cleaning Kit is designed for long-term use. The durable materials used in its construction can withstand repeated use and cleaning. Maintenance is simple; rinse the BoreSnake with warm, soapy water and allow it to air dry.

Proper care will ensure years of reliable service, making it a worthwhile investment for any shotgun owner. Avoid harsh chemicals when cleaning the BoreSnake, as this can degrade the floss over time.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Hoppe’s 9 Boresnake Snake Cleaning Kit is primarily a standalone cleaning tool, and doesn’t offer much in the way of accessories or customization. You can use it with various cleaning solvents and oils to enhance its cleaning power. It is compatible with most standard shotgun cleaning solvents from various brands, including Hoppe’s 9 solvent.

Pros and Cons of Hoppe’s 9 Boresnake Snake Cleaning Kit

Pros

• Extremely Portable: The compact design makes it easy to carry in a range bag or hunting pack.
• Quick and Easy to Use: Simplifies the cleaning process, especially in the field.
• Effective for Light Cleaning: Adequately removes loose fouling and debris to maintain performance.
• Durable Construction: Designed for long-term use with proper maintenance.
• Affordable: An inexpensive way to keep your shotgun clean in the field.

Cons

• Difficult to Clean Without T Handle: Almost like the string is too long. However, it being a little snug is goo meaning it is doing a better job cleaning.
• Not a Replacement for Deep Cleaning: For heavy fouling, a full cleaning kit is still necessary.

Who Should Buy Hoppe’s 9 Boresnake Snake Cleaning Kit?