The Shooters Choice Shotgun/Choke Tube Cleaner Made a Bold First Impression
I’ve seen a lot of shotgun cleaning products in my decade-plus of working with firearms, and frankly, most of them seem like repackaged versions of the same old solvents. I first encountered the Shooters Choice Shotgun/Choke Tube Cleaner while attempting to restore a neglected Beretta A300 Outlander that had seen better days. The previous owner had clearly skipped cleaning duties, resulting in a build-up of plastic wad fouling and powder residue that normal solvents simply couldn’t touch.
I was specifically looking for a cleaner that could tackle stubborn plastic wad fouling and lead deposits without damaging the bluing on the receiver. I had heard whispered praises of Shooters Choice from a few competitive trap shooters and decided to give it a shot. Upon unboxing, the Shooters Choice Shotgun/Choke Tube Cleaner immediately impressed me with its professional packaging and the strong, solvent-like scent that promised serious cleaning power.
Compared to Hoppe’s No. 9, which I’ve always found to be a decent general cleaner but lacking in heavy-duty fouling removal, and Birchwood Casey’s Gun Scrubber, which is effective but often harsh on finishes, the Shooters Choice cleaner seemed to strike a balance. The Shooters Choice Shotgun/Choke Tube Cleaner appeared to be designed with the shotgun in mind. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism, hoping that it would live up to its claims and restore my Beretta to its former glory.
Real-World Testing: Putting Shooters Choice Shotgun/Choke Tube Cleaner to the Test
First Use Experience
I put the Shooters Choice Shotgun/Choke Tube Cleaner to the test at my workbench, focusing on the Beretta’s heavily fouled barrel and choke tubes. The initial application was straightforward: I sprayed the cleaner liberally into the barrel and onto the choke tubes, letting it soak for about 10 minutes as recommended. After soaking, I ran a bore brush through the barrel, and I was shocked at the amount of plastic wad fouling that came loose with minimal effort.
I also tested the product on a particularly grimy trigger assembly. The cleaner performed exceptionally well. It was tested in relatively dry conditions, inside my well-ventilated workshop.
The solvent smell was noticeable, but not overpowering, and the cleaner didn’t seem to harm the bluing on the receiver after careful application and quick removal. There were no immediate issues. The fouling dissolved with astonishing ease.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Shooters Choice Shotgun/Choke Tube Cleaner on various shotguns – including a Benelli Super Black Eagle and a Remington 870 – I’ve been consistently impressed with its performance. The Shooters Choice Shotgun/Choke Tube Cleaner continues to deliver excellent cleaning results. It effectively removes plastic wad fouling, lead deposits, and powder residue.
There are no signs of corrosion or damage to the firearms finishes. I clean my shotguns after every use, and the Shooters Choice Shotgun/Choke Tube Cleaner makes the process significantly faster and easier. The Shooters Choice Shotgun/Choke Tube Cleaner also makes the maintenance extremely quick.
Compared to some of the harsher solvents I’ve used in the past, this Shooters Choice cleaner feels gentler on the gun’s components, while still delivering superior cleaning power. This Shooters Choice Shotgun/Choke Tube Cleaner outperforms many of its competitors.
Breaking Down the Features of Shooters Choice Shotgun/Choke Tube Cleaner
Specifications
The Shooters Choice Shotgun/Choke Tube Cleaner is a specialized solvent designed for removing fouling from shotgun barrels, choke tubes, and operating mechanisms. Its primary function is to dissolve plastic wad fouling, lead shot residue, powder fouling, and carbon build-up. The Shooters Choice Shotgun/Choke Tube Cleaner is sold in a convenient spray bottle for easy application.
The cleaner is also formulated to protect against rust, pitting, and corrosion, ensuring long-term firearm maintenance. The cleaner assures an even shot pattern after the weapon has been cleaned. The effectiveness of the Shooters Choice Shotgun/Choke Tube Cleaner comes from its ability to remove fouling without damaging the firearm’s finish or internal components, making it an essential tool for shotgun owners.
Performance & Functionality
The Shooters Choice Shotgun/Choke Tube Cleaner excels at its primary task: removing stubborn fouling from shotgun components. It is particularly effective at dissolving plastic wad fouling, which can be notoriously difficult to remove with traditional solvents. The Shooters Choice Shotgun/Choke Tube Cleaner performs well on heavy duty cleaning of lead and powder.
The cleaner’s ability to penetrate and loosen carbon build-up in the operating mechanism ensures smooth and reliable cycling. It works perfectly on trigger assemblies and critical internal parts. The one area for improvement would be the sprayer nozzle, which could benefit from a more focused spray pattern for precise application.
The Shooters Choice Shotgun/Choke Tube Cleaner consistently meets expectations and delivers on its promise of superior cleaning performance. This Shooters Choice Shotgun/Choke Tube Cleaner lives up to its reputation.
Design & Ergonomics
The Shooters Choice Shotgun/Choke Tube Cleaner is packaged in a straightforward and functional spray bottle. The Shooters Choice Shotgun/Choke Tube Cleaner is easy to hold and use. The spray nozzle is adequate, but could be improved.
The cleaner has a noticeable solvent smell, so it is best used in a well-ventilated area. The product does not stain and is quite user friendly. There is a slight learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The Shooters Choice Shotgun/Choke Tube Cleaner appears to be long-lasting. A single bottle can clean multiple shotguns multiple times. Regular use of the Shooters Choice Shotgun/Choke Tube Cleaner helps prevent fouling build-up.
This helps keep the firearm in optimal working condition. The solvent is easily applied and removed. Overall, the product is incredibly easy to maintain.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Shooters Choice Shotgun/Choke Tube Cleaner does not come with any additional accessories, as it is a standalone cleaning solution. The Shooters Choice Shotgun/Choke Tube Cleaner is used in conjunction with other cleaning supplies. This includes bore brushes, cleaning patches, and gun oil.
The cleaner is compatible with any shotgun, regardless of brand or model. It can be used safely on blued, parkerized, and synthetic finishes. The Shooters Choice Shotgun/Choke Tube Cleaner helps protect and maintain the firearms finish.
Pros and Cons of Shooters Choice Shotgun/Choke Tube Cleaner
Pros
- Exceptional Fouling Removal: Dissolves plastic wad fouling, lead deposits, and powder residue with minimal effort.
- Protects Against Corrosion: Formulated to prevent rust, pitting, and corrosion, ensuring long-term firearm maintenance.
- Versatile Application: Safe to use on various shotgun components, including barrels, choke tubes, receiver, and trigger assembly.
- Easy to Use: Convenient spray bottle allows for easy and precise application.
- Improves Performance: Ensures smooth cycling and an even shot pattern by removing fouling from critical areas.
Cons
- Strong Solvent Smell: Requires use in a well-ventilated area.
- Basic Packaging: The spray nozzle could be improved for a more focused spray pattern.
Who Should Buy Shooters Choice Shotgun/Choke Tube Cleaner?
The Shooters Choice Shotgun/Choke Tube Cleaner is perfect for avid shotgun shooters, hunters, and competitive shooters who demand peak performance and reliability from their firearms. It is especially useful for those who shoot frequently or use ammunition known to produce heavy fouling, such as those with significant plastic wad components. Owners of vintage or collectible shotguns will also appreciate the cleaner’s gentle formulation, which effectively removes fouling without damaging delicate finishes.
Those who prioritize odorless cleaning solutions or have sensitivities to strong solvents may want to explore alternative options. Someone should skip the product if they are allergic to certain solvents. It would be beneficial to obtain a high-quality bore brush and cleaning patches for optimal results.
Conclusion on Shooters Choice Shotgun/Choke Tube Cleaner
The Shooters Choice Shotgun/Choke Tube Cleaner is an outstanding product that delivers on its promises. The Shooters Choice Shotgun/Choke Tube Cleaner is a must have for gun owners. Its ability to dissolve stubborn fouling quickly and effectively, while also protecting against corrosion, makes it an invaluable tool for any shotgun owner.
The price of $11.49 is more than justified given its superior performance and long-lasting formula. I wholeheartedly recommend the Shooters Choice Shotgun/Choke Tube Cleaner to anyone looking to maintain the performance and longevity of their shotgun. Give it a try and experience the difference it makes in keeping your shotgun clean and reliable!