The Kleen-Bore Super Shooter Cleaning Patches Cotton 25 Per Bag 4″ Square Big Bore Shotgun Made a Bold First Impression
After a decade spent elbow-deep in the world of outdoor and tactical gear, I’ve cleaned my fair share of firearms. Every gauge, every action, every barrel length has passed through my hands. That’s why I was intrigued, but not necessarily blown away, by the arrival of the Kleen-Bore Super Shooter Cleaning Patches Cotton 25 Per Bag 4″ Square Big Bore Shotgun.
My ongoing need for effective cleaning solutions, particularly for the larger-bore firearms I occasionally work with at the range, led me to this specific product. Standard patches often prove inadequate for the task, requiring multiple passes and frustratingly leaving residue behind. These larger, 4-inch square patches promised a solution.
Upon receiving the Kleen-Bore patches, my initial impression was one of practicality over premium quality. The cotton flannel felt adequately absorbent, but the bag itself was pretty basic. I’ve used higher-end patches before that came in resealable containers, which offer better protection from moisture and contaminants, but at this price point ($5.99), expectations need to be tempered.
Compared to standard 1-inch square patches designed for handguns or even the slightly larger 2-inch patches I use for AR-15s, these Kleen-Bore patches are significantly bigger. I considered using cut-up t-shirts, but the lint and inconsistent size always proved frustrating. Pre-cut, consistent patches are definitely the way to go. They seemed preferable to using smaller patches that require more passes and potentially leave streaks of residue.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. They didn’t scream “premium,” but the size and the promise of Kleen-Bore quality suggested a practical and potentially effective cleaning solution. It was time to get them dirty.
Real-World Testing: Putting Kleen-Bore Super Shooter Cleaning Patches Cotton 25 Per Bag 4″ Square Big Bore Shotgun to the Test
First Use Experience
I took the Kleen-Bore Super Shooter Cleaning Patches Cotton 25 Per Bag 4″ Square Big Bore Shotgun to my local shooting range to clean a well-used 12-gauge shotgun after a morning of clay pigeon shooting. The range provides a covered cleaning area, but the air is often thick with powder residue and the occasional gust of wind kicks up dust. It’s a harsh environment for delicate cleaning supplies.
The patches performed admirably, even in the somewhat grimy conditions. The 4-inch size proved to be ideal for the 12-gauge bore, providing full coverage with each pass. The cotton flannel absorbed the solvent and grime effectively. The patches held together surprisingly well, showing minimal tearing or shredding, which I’ve experienced with cheaper alternatives.
Using these patches was definitely easier than trying to maneuver smaller patches through the bore. One patch soaked in solvent followed by one or two dry patches was enough to remove the majority of the fouling. I was pleasantly surprised by how little effort was required.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Kleen-Bore Super Shooter Cleaning Patches Cotton 25 Per Bag 4″ Square Big Bore Shotgun have proven to be a reliable addition to my cleaning kit. I’ve used them on a variety of firearms, including my 12-gauge, a .410 shotgun, and even for initial cleaning of my muzzleloader before using smaller, caliber-specific patches for a final polish.
The patches have shown no significant signs of wear and tear beyond the expected discoloration from solvents and fouling. Stored properly in a dry environment (I transferred them to a small, airtight container after opening the original bag), they maintain their integrity and absorbency. While the cotton will eventually break down over repeated friction, the patches are thick enough to withstand significant cleaning.
Compared to my previous experiences with cheaper patches that often disintegrate halfway through the cleaning process, the Kleen-Bore patches represent a noticeable upgrade in quality and durability. They consistently outperform less expensive alternatives. I previously had to run several patches before feeling like the barrel was adequately cleaned, and these do a much better job.
Breaking Down the Features of Kleen-Bore Super Shooter Cleaning Patches Cotton 25 Per Bag 4″ Square Big Bore Shotgun
Specifications
- Size: The patches are 4 inches square. This generous size makes them ideal for large-bore firearms, ensuring maximum coverage.
- Quantity: Each bag contains 25 patches. This is a decent amount for regular use.
- Material: The patches are made from cotton flannel. This material provides excellent absorbency for solvents and oils.
- Compatibility: These patches are designed for big bore shotguns and grenade/tear gas launchers. Their size also allows them to be folded for use with smaller calibers.
These specifications are significant because they directly impact the cleaning efficiency and versatility of the patches. The size ensures comprehensive bore coverage, while the cotton flannel maximizes fluid absorption. The large area of the patch makes sure any debris is trapped within the patch itself and protects the barrel.
Performance & Functionality
The Kleen-Bore Super Shooter Cleaning Patches Cotton 25 Per Bag 4″ Square Big Bore Shotgun excels at its primary function: cleaning firearm bores. The large size and absorbent material allow for efficient removal of powder residue, lead fouling, and other contaminants. The patches grip well with slotted cleaning jags or loops.
The primary strength is their size, which greatly simplifies the cleaning process for larger-bore firearms. One potential area for improvement would be the packaging. A resealable bag would help to protect the patches from moisture and contamination during storage, extending their lifespan.
The patches definitely meet my expectations. They provide a cost-effective and reliable solution for cleaning my shotguns and other large-bore firearms. They have greatly improved my cleaning time!
Design & Ergonomics
The design is simple and utilitarian. The patches are plain squares of cotton flannel, focusing on functionality over aesthetics. The lack of any added texture or embellishments doesn’t detract from their performance.
They are incredibly user-friendly, requiring no special skills or techniques to use effectively. Even a novice shooter can easily use these patches to clean their firearm. The design is simple, so it’s hard to mess up!
Durability & Maintenance
The patches themselves are disposable, so there’s no maintenance required in the traditional sense. Their durability is more a measure of how well they hold up during a single cleaning session, and in this regard, they perform well. The material is tough enough to withstand repeated passes through the bore without shredding excessively.
The material composition allows for a reasonable life span. If kept dry, it’s expected the unused patches should last a year or two.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Kleen-Bore Super Shooter Cleaning Patches Cotton 25 Per Bag 4″ Square Big Bore Shotgun themselves don’t come with any accessories. However, they are designed to be used in conjunction with standard cleaning rods, jags, and solvents. They are compatible with virtually any cleaning rod system designed for shotguns and other large-bore firearms.
You can customize your cleaning setup by choosing specific solvents, oils, and brushes to use in conjunction with these patches. The versatility of the patches makes them a valuable addition to any cleaning kit. You can even cut them down for use with smaller calibers, if needed.
Pros and Cons of Kleen-Bore Super Shooter Cleaning Patches Cotton 25 Per Bag 4″ Square Big Bore Shotgun
Pros
- Excellent absorbency due to the cotton flannel material.
- Large 4-inch size provides maximum bore coverage for efficient cleaning.
- Durable enough to withstand multiple passes through the bore without excessive shredding.
- Versatile and can be used with various solvents, oils, and cleaning rods.
- Cost-effective solution for cleaning large-bore firearms.
Cons
- Basic packaging; a resealable bag would improve storage and protect against moisture.
- The flannel material can leave behind very small lint particles in some barrels.
Who Should Buy Kleen-Bore Super Shooter Cleaning Patches Cotton 25 Per Bag 4″ Square Big Bore Shotgun?
These patches are perfect for shotgun owners, muzzleloader enthusiasts, and anyone who needs to clean large-bore firearms regularly. They are also a great choice for gun ranges and armories. Anyone who needs effective cleaning on a budget will love these.
Those who are extremely meticulous about their firearms cleaning and prefer lint-free synthetic patches might want to explore other options. If you use a lot of high-end, expensive cleaning fluids, you may want to find a patch that is less absorbent, to reduce the amount of cleaning solution that is soaked up by the patch.
A must-have accessory is a good quality cleaning rod with a compatible jag or slotted tip. A bore light can be useful for inspecting the bore after cleaning to ensure all residue has been removed.
Conclusion on Kleen-Bore Super Shooter Cleaning Patches Cotton 25 Per Bag 4″ Square Big Bore Shotgun
The Kleen-Bore Super Shooter Cleaning Patches Cotton 25 Per Bag 4″ Square Big Bore Shotgun provide a reliable and cost-effective solution for cleaning large-bore firearms. While the packaging could be improved, the performance and durability of the patches themselves are commendable. The cotton is absorbent, and the patches are consistent.
At $5.99, the price is more than justified for the convenience and efficiency they offer. They are a definite time saver. The convenience alone is worth the price.
I would definitely recommend these patches to anyone looking for a simple, effective, and affordable way to keep their shotguns and other large-bore firearms clean and well-maintained. Add these to your cleaning kit now, and experience the difference!