When it comes to cleaning my firearms, I’ve always found that the least effort yields the best results. Continually changing patches, jags, and brushes can be tiresome, particularly if I’m dealing with multiple weapons at once.
Then bore snakes came into my life, a godsend in disguise. These are constructed from sturdy, durable materials with absolutely nothing that could scratch, scrape, or damage your bore or muzzle. The best part? There’s no need to disassemble your weapon to use them.
In essence, bore snakes are typically just one piece of material that’s versatile for a multitude of uses. Over the years, I’ve tried and tested countless bore snakes, and here are my insights.
Choosing the Best Bore Snake
Most Important Component of a Bore Snake
Cleaner Brush
While not all bore snakes are designed with a cleaning brush that runs through first, brands like Hoppe’s are defying the norms. Their bore snakes have potent cleaning heads that break up waste before the bronze bristles even touch it. I’ve tested these myself and found them extremely effective.
Pull Cord
Each bore snake I’ve used has had a pull cord attached, usually with a small brass weight at the end. This feature makes it easy to feed the pull cord down the barrel and out the muzzle, where I can grab it and pull it through the rest of the bore snake. It’s a simple yet ingenious design.
Bronze Bristles
A bore clean wouldn’t be thorough without a golden tip flowing through it. Brass frays are incorporated into the rope of bore snakes, which clean and break down even the toughest carbon waste. It’s worth mentioning, though, that not every bronze cleaner is created equal in bore snakes. If your gun gets really dirty like mine often do, you’d want to look for one with a full-size bronze cleaner.
Cleaning Area
Finally, there’s the cleaning area, which is the last to go through the barrel. This is where I apply my oil to lubricate the barrel after I’ve run my bore snake through it a few times to clean it out, and it typically gets a bit thicker.
Why Use a Bore Snake
Bore snakes are a go-to for modern-day gun owners like me who prioritize speed and efficiency and don’t want to spend all day cleaning our weapons. Don’t get me wrong, it’s perfectly okay if you wish to spend an entire day in your garage, taking apart your firearm and connecting with it. However, in today’s fast-paced world, time is money for many of us.
The faster and more efficiently I clean my firearm, the more time I have to shoot or engage in other enjoyable activities. Or, as I often find myself doing, just shooting some more.
Bore snakes simplify the process of cleaning my firearm, eliminating the need for disassembly. To achieve a thorough clean, I add my solvent to the front of the snake and pull it through a few times. Once I’m satisfied, I apply my oil to the back-cleaning area of the rope and draw it through a few more times. Job done.
Even though bore snakes offer a comprehensive clean, I’ve found it’s still worth stripping down your firearm and giving it a good once-over, making sure any debris or carbon that the bore snake missed is removed.
As a cherry on top, bore snakes require minimal maintenance to stay in peak condition. Once it’s grimy and odorous, I simply toss it in the washing machine and hang it up to dry. That being said, it’s always wise to check the manufacturer’s instructions first, as the bronze bristles might cause damage.
When cleaning your firearm, it’s a good idea to use a gun mat and a gun vise.
The 6 Best Bore Snake Kits
1. Ultimate Rifle Build Barrel Snake
Small or unknown companies don’t appear in these sorts of lists very often, but they’re sometimes worth more than a mention. As most experienced shooters are aware, there are just a few brands that provide adequate value for the quality.
However, there are moments in life when you would want to save a few money or simply give the small guy a chance. You won’t go wrong if you take a chance on the Ultimate, Bore Cleaner by Ultimate Rifle Builds.
This is a one-piece design, as are most huge bore snakes, which makes life so much easier. It begins with a pull cord with a weighted brass tip for ease insertion, then moves on to the cleaning cord with a bronze cleaning brush, and finally to the final cleaning part.
This isn’t a sophisticated thrill ride; all thrills are clean. It simply and modestly performs its function. You can’t go wrong with this bore cleaning in terms of price and quality.
Pros
- Machine-washable, making it easy to clean after each use.
- Reusable, providing great value for money over time.
- Solvent-safe, ensuring compatibility with various cleaning solutions.
- More affordable than its competitors, making it a wallet-friendly choice.
Cons
- Begins to fray after extensive use, hinting at possible durability issues.
Conclusion
In my experience, the Ultimate Rifle Build Barrel Snake is an unsung hero in the world of gun cleaning. Its compact and lightweight nature means it effortlessly fits into my pocket as I head out to the range or hunting ground. I’ve found it particularly handy when space is a constraint, and I need a tool that’s both portable and effective.
The fact that it can be used time and again is a testament to its longevity. It does show signs of wear and tear after many uses, but considering the affordability and the overall performance, this is a minor trade-off.
In a nutshell, this product has been a pleasant surprise and proves that quality and affordability can coexist in the world of gun maintenance. I’d recommend the Ultimate Rifle Build Barrel Snake to any shooter looking for a cost-effective, reliable, and user-friendly bore cleaning solution.
2. Hoppe’s BoreSnake Original Pistol with Den
In the world of firearms maintenance, it would be remiss not to mention Hoppe’s. A veritable stalwart in this sector, Hoppe’s has consistently delivered quality products, and their BoreSnake is no exception.
Reliable Efficiency: A Hallmark of Hoppe’s
As an experienced firearm owner, I’ve often found myself turning to Hoppe’s for reliable, high-quality products, and this bore snake is a shining example of why. It stands apart as an economical option without skimping on functionality or effectiveness.
When I recently tested this product on a muddy day out on the range, I was pleasantly surprised by its performance. The BoreSnake Original Pistol with Den lived up to its reputation as the “world’s fastest” three-step bore cleaner, which the company attributes to its high-quality, scratch and damage-resistant materials. It took a mere couple of passes through my pistol to return the bore to its original clean state.
Ingenious Design for Effective Cleaning
This bore snake features a brass weighted pull cord, which you’ll use to draw through your firearm. It starts with a fluffy brush area designed to dislodge stubborn dirt and residue. Following that, there’s a built-in bronze brush to tackle sticky residues. The last segment is a cleaning area 160 times larger than a standard patch, ensuring a thorough and effective cleaning of your entire barrel.
The bore snake’s standout feature, in my opinion, is its cone-shaped bore guide. It facilitates faster alignment and keeps your cord centered, reducing the risk of bore damage and providing a simple and convenient cleaning process.
Pros
- High-quality construction and materials, ensuring long-lasting durability.
- Often bundled with other cleaning products, providing added value.
Cons
- The absence of a detachable head may limit flexibility during cleaning.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Hoppe’s BoreSnake Original Pistol with Den delivers on its promise of simplicity and effectiveness. Its portable nature makes it a handy companion whether you’re going to a shooting range or exploring remote locales.
Although it lacks some features such as a detachable head, the high-quality construction, excellent cleaning efficiency, and the added bonus of sometimes coming bundled with other cleaning products make it an undeniable value proposition.
If you’re searching for a reliable, proven bore snake that prioritizes function over frills, I’d undoubtedly recommend the Hoppe’s BoreSnake Original.
3. Real Avid Bore Boss
Real Avid is well-known for its innovation in the firearms maintenance industry, and the Real Avid Bore Boss is a testament to their commitment to quality and practicality. It’s not your conventional bore snake – this product is compact, easy to use, and packs a punch in cleaning efficiency.
Innovation at Its Best: The Real Avid Design
What stands out about the Real Avid Bore Boss is its unique design. The snake is made of wire coated in plastic, providing a base to attach various elements. The small size, similar to that of a hockey puck, makes it highly portable – a feature I found particularly useful during a recent hunting trip.
The product’s reel-based packaging with a flex case cover securely houses the bore snake, eliminating the potential chaos of tangled cords. This design innovation became a real timesaver during my testing when I had to swiftly clean my firearm in the middle of the action, with the case serving as an easy-pull handle.
Effective Cleaning with Quality Components
The bore guide is crafted from coated stainless steel, ending in a small metal ball that hooks onto the flex casing, drawing the entire bore snake along. Attached to this is a robust phosphor bronze brush with full-length bristles, specifically designed to dislodge residue and dirt from the bore. I was impressed by the thoroughness of cleaning it provided, followed by a final polish using the braided mop.
Easy Storage and Identification
Storing the Real Avid Bore Boss is a breeze. Once you’ve completed your cleaning task, the product can be neatly wrapped around the flex case. The sides of the case, made from polycarbonate, fold back over themselves, offering a clean and compact storage solution. Plus, the distinct plastic casing makes this bore snake easily identifiable among others, a feature that many users, including me, greatly appreciate.
Pros
- Dual-function handle serving as a pull cord, simplifying the cleaning process.
- Convenient storage and portability.
- Unique casing, making it easy to distinguish.
Cons
- The reel-based design may not suit all users.
- The plastic casing may be prone to cracks under harsh conditions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Real Avid Bore Boss is a product that sets a new standard for bore snakes, with its emphasis on easy functionality and innovative design. While the reel-based approach and potential durability of the casing may not work for everyone, these concerns are minor compared to the overall convenience and effective cleaning this bore snake offers. Whether you’re new to the world of firearms or a seasoned shooter, this bore snake offers a straightforward and efficient way to keep your firearm in top shape.
4. EZshoot 2 PCS Gun Clean Snake
When it comes to reliable firearm cleaning tools, the EZshoot 2 PCS Gun Clean Snake stands out among the crowd. I was impressed by its robust construction, ease of use, and versatility in handling multiple firearm models. Here’s my experience and analysis of the product.
Quality Construction and One-Pass Cleaning
What struck me about the EZshoot Gun Clean Snake was its sturdy and durable construction. Made from resilient, specially-made nylon and exhibiting top-notch stitching, the product promises longevity. I can attest to this as, after repeated uses during my testing, I observed no signs of wear and tear.
EZshoot commits to delivering a one-pass cleaning solution, and my experience confirms this. The bore snake efficiently cleared the barrel of my .22 Cal firearm of all loose debris in a single pass, saving time and effort.
Reusable and Versatile: Ready for Multiple Uses and Models
One of the standout attributes of this product is its reusability. The EZshoot Gun Clean Snake can endure hundreds of uses before exhibiting any signs of fraying, an attribute that adds great value to this cleaning tool.
The product also boasts impressive versatility. It caters to a range of firearms, from .22 Cal to .25, and even 12 GA Gauge. I was able to utilize it across several of my different firearms, highlighting its capacity to offer a comprehensive cleaning solution.
Pros
- Soft brass brush to ensure your gun isn’t scratched during cleaning.
- Brass weight at the snake’s end to facilitate smooth pulling through the firearm.
- Distinct color for each model, making identification easy.
Cons
- May present a tight fit on some firearm calibers, which could make the cleaning process a bit challenging.
Conclusion
In summary, if you’re a gun owner with multiple firearms of various models, the EZshoot 2 PCS Gun Clean Snake is an excellent choice. It offers a quick, effortless cleaning experience, enhancing your firearms’ performance to near-new condition. The inclusion of a brass weighted end and the product’s durable construction mark this cleaning kit as one of the best on the market. Despite a minor drawback concerning the fit on some calibers, the product’s overall performance is hard to beat.
5. Hoppe’s 24015VD Viper Boresnake
I found the Hoppe’s 24015VD Viper Boresnake an essential addition to my gun cleaning arsenal. Known for their high-quality products, Hoppe’s doesn’t disappoint with this compact and efficient bore snake that outperforms many competitors.
Design, Use, and Efficiency
The design of the Hoppe’s Viper Boresnake is remarkably practical. The inclusion of a rope with a brass weight at one end facilitates easy pull-through in the firearm’s barrel, ensuring a swift and thorough cleaning process. The brass clip at the rope’s end features markings indicative of the rope’s caliber, making the task of determining the bore snake’s caliber a breeze.
Using the tool is a piece of cake – all it takes is a few drops of your preferred gun cleaning solvent. On one occasion, I applied a little solvent and ran the bore snake through my .30 caliber rifle’s barrel. In just one pass, it effectively cleaned, brushed, and dried the barrel, eliminating the need for a preliminary scrubbing with a bore brush and saving me a great deal of time.
Reusable and Portable
The Hoppe’s Viper Boresnake’s washability is an attractive feature. This allows it to be used repeatedly without showing signs of degradation. Its compact and lightweight nature made it a handy companion during my hunting trips and target shooting practice. The snake fit comfortably in my bag, requiring minimal space, and its portability is something I greatly appreciated.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry around.
- Washable and reusable, offering great value for money.
- Made with durable and robust materials that stand the test of time.
Cons
- Although highly efficient, it might not fully eliminate powder residue.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Hoppe’s 24015VD Viper Boresnake is a top-notch choice for maintaining your firearm in good working order. For those seeking a mix of simplicity, efficiency, and affordability, this product ticks all the boxes. Despite a minor issue with powder residue, the overall convenience and performance it offers make this boresnake a worthy investment for any gun owner.
6. Ctrshif Gun Snake Cleaner Rifle Cleaning Snake
It was an intriguing experience to try out the Ctrshif Gun Snake Cleaner Rifle Cleaning Snake. Ctrshif might not be a household name for many, but their commitment to quality and practicality shines through in their products. Here is my comprehensive review, which I hope will shed light on the unique benefits of this gun snake cleaner.
Efficiency and Versatility
Ctrshif’s Gun Snake Cleaner stands out for its quick and efficient cleaning capability. The company takes immense pride in offering a product designed for rapid and effective results. During a recent trip to the shooting range, I found this bore snake to be a reliable companion, quickly sprucing up my firearm between sessions.
The cleaner’s standout feature is its “1-pass” technology. I tested this feature on my .308 caliber rifle. A single pass indeed did wonders, leaving my gun functioning smoothly within minutes. The speed and effectiveness of this cleaning method genuinely impressed me.
Portability and Durability
Given its lightweight nature, the Ctrshif Gun Snake Cleaner is exceptionally easy to carry. On my hunting expeditions, I found it to be an invaluable tool that takes up minimal space in my bag.
It is evident that Ctrshif has invested significantly in the product’s material quality and construction. The bore snake features sturdy, high-quality material with top-notch stitching. Moreover, the brass bristles showcased outstanding durability during my repeated uses, with no significant wear and tear.
Cleaning Recommendation
While Ctrshif recommends applying a pre-scrub solution before using the snake, it isn’t an absolute necessity. I did try this extra step, and while it slightly prolonged the cleaning process, it resulted in an even cleaner bore. Nevertheless, the snake performs well without this step too.
Pros
- Extremely lightweight and easy to transport.
- Available in multiple colors, catering to individual preferences.
- Versatile – compatible with various gun brands and calibers.
- Efficient cleaning with its perfected 1-pass technique.
Cons
- The suggested pre-scrub solution application can prolong the cleaning process.
Conclusion
Ctrshif may not be a well-known brand for some, but their Gun Snake Cleaner Rifle Cleaning Snake is worth considering. If you’re a hunter, shooter, or simply a gun owner seeking a reliable, efficient, and portable cleaning tool, this product deserves a place in your arsenal. It proves that, sometimes, the lesser-known brands can offer unexpectedly outstanding performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Reuse a Bore Snake?
Yes, after washing your bore snakes, you can reuse them up to three times. Don’t worry, most of them are simple to clean by hand or in the washing machine.
However, when cleaning them, you must take the right precautions and use the proper cleaning solutions to avoid damaging them.
Can You Put Gun Oil on a Bore Snake?
Yes, a little gun oil can be used to clean a bore snake. Understand that your bore snake may leave a light oil coat when you’re finished with it. So, after using a bore snake with oil, try wiping down your pistol.
Will A Bore Snake Scratch the Barrel?
Bore snakes, regardless of brand or quality, are not intended to harm the barrel. When using the snake, make sure you use all of the best gun cleaning solutions, oils, and other supplies.
Bore snakes are one of the best and cheapest ways to clean a dirty barrel without scratching it if you follow the appropriate instructions.
Jerry Miculek is one of the most versatile shooters in the world. Guns are not just a hobby for him, they are his passion and life. You can learn more about Jerry on our About us page.