The Hoppes 24018VD BoreSnake Viper Den Bore Cleaner Rope .35/.350/.358/.375 Cal Made a Bold First Impression
For over a decade, I’ve preached the gospel of firearm maintenance. Cleaning rods, patches, solvents – a whole ritual. But sometimes, you need speed and portability. The Hoppes 24018VD BoreSnake Viper Den Bore Cleaner Rope .35/.350/.358/.375 Cal promised exactly that. It’s from Hoppes, a trusted name, and claims to be the fastest bore cleaner on the planet.
I needed a faster, more convenient cleaning solution for my lever-action .357 Magnum and my old .35 Whelen hunting rifle. Dragging a full cleaning kit to the range was getting old. Upon unboxing, the BoreSnake felt solid, and the Viper Den case was a nice touch. The design looked simple yet effective, and the quality of the materials seemed robust.
I considered the traditional cleaning rod and patch method and even a different brand of bore snake. But I chose the Hoppes BoreSnake because of the brand reputation and the convenience of the Viper Den. My initial thought was cautiously optimistic. Could this really replace my traditional cleaning routine?
Real-World Testing: Putting Hoppes 24018VD BoreSnake Viper Den Bore Cleaner Rope .35/.350/.358/.375 Cal to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Hoppes BoreSnake at my local outdoor shooting range after a session with the .357 Magnum. The weather was dry and sunny, perfect conditions for shooting. The ease of use was immediately apparent. I simply dropped the weighted end through the bore and pulled it through.
Cleaning was remarkably quick and easy. There were no issues on the first try. It took only a few seconds, and the bore looked visibly cleaner.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of using the BoreSnake on both my .357 Magnum and .35 Whelen, I can say it holds up well. There are no signs of significant wear and tear on the bronze brush or the rope itself. Cleaning the BoreSnake is also easy. I simply wash it with soap and water and let it air dry.
Compared to my previous cleaning routine with rods and patches, the BoreSnake is far more convenient. It is faster and easier, especially for quick cleanings at the range. However, I still use a traditional cleaning rod for a deep clean after extensive use.
Breaking Down the Features of Hoppes 24018VD BoreSnake Viper Den Bore Cleaner Rope .35/.350/.358/.375 Cal
Specifications
- Type: Bore Cleaner Rope
- Caliber: .35/.350/.358/.375 Cal
- Quantity: 1
- Den Case: Included for storage and handling.
- Integrated Bronze Brush: Scrubs out carbon fouling.
- Surface Area: Tail clears debris with a surface area 160x larger than a standard patch.
These specifications are important because they define the intended use case. The .35 caliber range makes it suitable for various popular cartridges. The integrated bronze brush and large surface area are critical for effective cleaning.
Performance & Functionality
The Hoppes BoreSnake performs its job exceptionally well for a quick cleaning. It effectively removes loose carbon fouling and debris from the bore. While it won’t replace a deep cleaning with a rod and patches, it’s perfect for maintaining the firearm between thorough cleanings.
The biggest strength is its speed and ease of use. A weakness is that it doesn’t provide the same level of scrubbing power as a rod and brush. Overall, it meets my expectations for a portable and convenient cleaning solution.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is solid, with durable rope and a well-attached bronze brush. The Viper Den carrying case is a great addition. It keeps the BoreSnake clean and organized in my range bag. The handle on the Viper Den makes it easy to pull.
The BoreSnake is very user-friendly. There’s no learning curve – just drop and pull. The weighted end makes it easy to feed through the barrel.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience, the Hoppes BoreSnake should last a long time with proper care. Regular cleaning after use is essential. So far, I have seen no signs of wear.
Maintenance is simple. I just wash it with mild soap and water and let it air dry. I expect to get years of use out of it.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hoppes 24018VD BoreSnake Viper Den Bore Cleaner Rope .35/.350/.358/.375 Cal doesn’t offer many customization options. It’s a straightforward cleaning tool. However, you can use it with various bore cleaning solvents for enhanced cleaning power.
It is compatible with most .35 caliber rifles and handguns. There are no accessories to add to it.
Pros and Cons of Hoppes 24018VD BoreSnake Viper Den Bore Cleaner Rope .35/.350/.358/.375 Cal
Pros
- Extremely fast and convenient. Perfect for quick cleanings at the range or in the field.
- Compact and portable. The Viper Den case keeps it organized and clean.
- Easy to use. No complicated assembly or procedures.
- Effective for removing loose fouling. Helps maintain firearm performance.
- Trusted Hoppes brand. A reputable name in firearm maintenance.
Cons
- Not a replacement for deep cleaning. Does not provide the same level of scrubbing as a rod and brush.
- May require solvent for heavy fouling. For stubborn deposits, a solvent is recommended.
Who Should Buy Hoppes 24018VD BoreSnake Viper Den Bore Cleaner Rope .35/.350/.358/.375 Cal?
The Hoppes 24018VD BoreSnake Viper Den Bore Cleaner Rope .35/.350/.358/.375 Cal is perfect for: shooters who want a quick and easy cleaning solution, hunters who need a portable cleaning tool in the field, and anyone who values convenience and efficiency in firearm maintenance. It is a great addition to any range bag.
This product might not be ideal for shooters who primarily focus on benchrest accuracy and require the most meticulous cleaning possible. Those users would likely prefer the traditional rod and patch method. Someone who only owns one firearm might not need it if they don’t shoot often.
A must-have accessory to pair with the BoreSnake is a good quality bore cleaning solvent to loosen stubborn fouling.
Conclusion on Hoppes 24018VD BoreSnake Viper Den Bore Cleaner Rope .35/.350/.358/.375 Cal
Overall, the Hoppes 24018VD BoreSnake Viper Den Bore Cleaner Rope .35/.350/.358/.375 Cal is a valuable tool for any firearm owner. It is fast, convenient, and effective for maintaining firearms between deep cleanings. The Viper Den case is a welcome addition.
At $12.49, the price is definitely justified. It’s an affordable and practical investment in firearm maintenance.
I would definitely recommend the Hoppes BoreSnake to anyone looking for a faster and easier way to clean their firearms. It will not replace a deep cleaning but is perfect for keeping your firearms in good working order. Grab one and make cleaning easier!