First Thoughts on the Cowboy Blend
The Montana X-treme™ Cowboy Blend firearm cleaner promises a solution to a very specific problem: lead and powder fouling, especially relevant for cowboy action shooters. This 4oz bottle, priced at $11.99, stakes its claim on a focused application. The product’s endorsement by top handgun shooters in the cowboy action shooting sport immediately piqued my interest.
My own shooting experience, while broad, often involves firearms that are notorious for leaving behind a significant amount of residue. I was looking for a cleaner that specifically targeted those stubborn lead deposits and powder residue. I’ve struggled with generic cleaners that require excessive scrubbing or leave behind a greasy film.
Upon receiving the Cowboy Blend, the first thing I noticed was its compact size. The 4oz bottle is easy to store in my range bag. It seemed like a no-nonsense product focused on doing one thing exceptionally well.
I considered other bore cleaners like Hoppe’s No. 9 and Ballistol. However, the Cowboy Blend’s specific formulation for lead and powder fouling, along with the endorsement from cowboy action shooters, made it the more appealing choice for this particular problem. It felt like a specialized tool for a specialized job.
My initial reaction was cautiously optimistic. I was eager to see if the Cowboy Blend could live up to the hype and make cleaning my black powder firearms a less tedious process. I was hoping for a product that would significantly reduce cleaning time and effort.
Real-World Testing: Putting Cowboy Blend to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Cowboy Blend at my local shooting range after a session with my Pietta 1858 Remington black powder revolver. Black powder revolvers are notoriously dirty. The build-up of fouling after just a few cylinders is significant.
The weather was dry and warm. These conditions typically exacerbate fouling issues. I followed the directions on the bottle, applying a small amount of Cowboy Blend to a bore brush and running it through the barrel.
The Cowboy Blend seemed to loosen the fouling almost immediately. I noticed a significant difference compared to using a standard CLP. There was noticeably less scrubbing required to remove the majority of the residue.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use, the Cowboy Blend has become my go-to cleaner for black powder firearms and any firearm with heavy lead fouling. It consistently outperforms other cleaners I’ve used in the past. The Cowboy Blend makes cleaning quicker and easier.
So far, there are no signs of wear and tear on the firearms I’ve cleaned with Cowboy Blend. The formula doesn’t seem to damage bluing or other finishes. A quick wipe down with a clean cloth after cleaning is all that is needed.
Maintenance is simple: a quick wipe of the bottle and cap after use prevents any spills or messes. Compared to my previous cleaning routine, the Cowboy Blend has significantly reduced the amount of time and effort required. The Cowboy Blend has consistently exceeded my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Cowboy Blend
Specifications
- Size: 4 oz bottle. This compact size makes it convenient for storage and transport in a range bag.
- Formulation: Specifically designed for lead and powder fouling. This targeted approach sets it apart from general-purpose cleaners.
- Application: Suitable for any firearm with lead and powder fouling. It is not limited to cowboy action shooting firearms.
- Endorsement: Tested and recommended by top handgun shooters in the sport. This provides credibility and assurance of its effectiveness.
These specifications matter because they highlight the product’s focused design and intended use. The Cowboy Blend is not a jack-of-all-trades cleaner. Instead, it is a specialist for a specific type of fouling, promising superior performance in that area.
Performance & Functionality
The Cowboy Blend excels at its primary task: removing lead and powder fouling. The firearm cleaner makes cleaning easier. This is evident in the reduced amount of scrubbing required.
The Cowboy Blend’s strength lies in its targeted formula. However, it is not a complete replacement for general-purpose cleaners. It may not be as effective on other types of fouling or grime.
It has met and exceeded my expectations for lead and powder fouling removal. I expected a slightly better performance than standard cleaners. The cleaning agent proved itself better.
Design & Ergonomics
The Cowboy Blend comes in a simple, no-frills bottle. The 4oz size is manageable and easy to handle. The product packaging is effective for its primary purpose.
The bottle is user-friendly. However, it lacks any special features such as a precision applicator tip. This is a minor drawback.
Durability & Maintenance
The Cowboy Blend itself does not degrade or expire quickly. It is a chemical solution that should last for a reasonable amount of time if stored properly. Proper storage is critical.
Maintenance involves simply keeping the bottle clean and tightly sealed to prevent evaporation or contamination. It is a low-maintenance product. It should be stored in a cool, dry place.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Cowboy Blend does not come with any specific accessories. It is a standalone cleaning solution. No accessories come included.
There are no customization options for the product itself. The Cowboy Blend is designed to be used as-is. It can be paired with various bore brushes and cleaning patches from other brands. Compatibility allows for some degree of personalization.
Pros and Cons of Cowboy Blend
Pros
- Excellent at removing lead and powder fouling. This is its primary strength and the reason to buy it.
- Reduces cleaning time and effort. It gets the job done faster and with less scrubbing.
- Recommended by top shooters in cowboy action shooting. This endorsement adds credibility and assurance of performance.
- Easy to use. Simple application and no special tools required.
- Compact size for easy storage. The 4oz bottle fits easily in a range bag.
Cons
- It is specifically formulated for lead and powder fouling and may not be as effective on other types of grime.
- It lacks special features such as a precision applicator.
Who Should Buy Cowboy Blend?
The Cowboy Blend is perfect for cowboy action shooters, black powder enthusiasts, and anyone who regularly shoots firearms that produce significant lead and powder fouling. People who value reducing cleaning time will benefit.
Those who primarily shoot modern firearms with jacketed bullets and experience minimal fouling may not find the Cowboy Blend as essential. General purpose cleaners may be sufficient for their needs.
A must-have accessory is a good set of bore brushes and cleaning patches in the appropriate caliber for your firearms. Quality materials can improve the cleaning process.
Conclusion on Cowboy Blend
The Montana X-treme™ Cowboy Blend is a highly effective and specialized firearm cleaner that excels at removing lead and powder fouling. It is a targeted cleaning agent. It simplifies the cleaning process.
The price of $11.99 for a 4oz bottle is justified by its superior performance and the time it saves. A better cleaning product makes it worth the cost.
I would definitely recommend the Cowboy Blend to anyone who struggles with stubborn lead and powder fouling in their firearms. If you need to remove these types of buildups, it is the perfect product to assist in the cleaning process. Give the Cowboy Blend a try!