Hoppe’s 1-2-3 DONE! Cleaning Kit – .22 LR Review

The Hoppe’s 1-2-3 DONE! Cleaning Kit – .22 LR Made a Bold First Impression

The Hoppe’s 1-2-3 DONE! Cleaning Kit – .22 LR promises a fast, effective, and simple way to maintain your .22LR firearm. As someone who’s spent over a decade dealing with all sorts of firearms and their intricate maintenance needs, the “DONE!” in the name certainly piqued my interest. I wanted to see if this kit truly lived up to the hype of effortless cleaning, especially given the notoriously dirty nature of .22LR ammunition.

Years ago, I ruined a beautiful vintage .22 rifle by neglecting proper cleaning after a squirrel hunting trip. I vowed never to let that happen again, and I’m always searching for faster, more efficient cleaning methods. When I saw the Hoppe’s kit advertised, I was drawn in by the promise of simplifying the cleaning process. It claimed to combine legendary cleaning power with modern convenience, something that immediately caught my eye.

Unboxing the kit, I was immediately struck by its compact size and simplicity. The kit included the iconic Hoppe’s No. 9 Bore Cleaner, lubricating oil, and a BoreSnake, all neatly packaged with photo-based instructions. Compared to my usual collection of rods, brushes, patches, and solvents, this minimalist approach felt refreshing. I had previously been using separate bore brushes, patches, and solvents from various manufacturers, including Otis and Real Avid. The Hoppe’s kit offered an all-in-one solution that seemed more convenient.

My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. The quality of the BoreSnake seemed decent, and the inclusion of Hoppe’s No. 9, a known and trusted solvent, was reassuring. However, I wondered if the simplified approach would be as effective as my traditional cleaning methods. I was eager to put it to the test and see if the Hoppe’s 1-2-3 DONE! Cleaning Kit – .22 LR could truly deliver on its promise.

Real-World Testing: Putting Hoppe’s 1-2-3 DONE! Cleaning Kit – .22 LR to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Hoppe’s 1-2-3 DONE! Cleaning Kit – .22 LR after a range day with my Ruger 10/22. I ran approximately 500 rounds of mixed .22LR ammunition through it, resulting in a noticeably dirty bore. The range conditions were typical: sunny, with a slight breeze and temperatures in the mid-70s.

Using the kit was indeed straightforward. I applied Hoppe’s No. 9 to the BoreSnake, ran it through the bore several times as directed, and then applied a few drops of the lubricating oil. The BoreSnake slid through the bore easily, and the photo instructions were clear and easy to follow. However, I immediately noticed that the BoreSnake alone didn’t remove all the fouling.

After the initial pass, I used a bore light to inspect the barrel, and there was still noticeable residue present, especially near the chamber. While the process was quick, the level of cleanliness wasn’t as thorough as I was used to achieving with traditional brushes and patches. I was a bit disappointed that it didn’t produce a perfectly clean bore on the first attempt.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of using the Hoppe’s 1-2-3 DONE! Cleaning Kit – .22 LR, I found it to be a decent maintenance tool for quick cleanings. It’s especially useful for maintaining my .22 pistol after short shooting sessions. The BoreSnake itself has held up well, showing no signs of fraying or damage after numerous uses.

However, I noticed that for heavily fouled firearms, the kit alone wasn’t sufficient. I still needed to use a traditional bore brush and patches for a truly thorough cleaning. The lubricating oil provided is adequate, but I prefer using a higher-quality gun oil for long-term storage and corrosion protection.

Compared to my previous experiences with other cleaning methods, the Hoppe’s kit is undeniably faster and more convenient for light cleaning. However, it doesn’t completely replace the need for a more comprehensive cleaning kit, especially for firearms that see heavy use or are exposed to harsh conditions. While easy to use, it requires supplementing for optimal cleaning.

Breaking Down the Features of Hoppe’s 1-2-3 DONE! Cleaning Kit – .22 LR

Specifications

• Caliber: .22 LR
• Contents: Hoppe’s No. 9 Gun Bore Cleaner, High-Viscosity Lubricating Oil, .22LR BoreSnake, Photo Directions.
• BoreSnake Surface Area: The BoreSnake supposedly offers 160x more surface area than standard patches for efficient cleaning. This theoretically allows for better fouling removal in a single pass.
• Cleaner: The Hoppe’s No. 9 is designed to dissolve carbon, lead, powder, and other fouling. This formula has been trusted by shooters for generations.
• Lubricating Oil: The high-viscosity lubricating oil is designed to prevent gumming of the firearm’s action. Properly lubricating your firearm is essential to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

Performance & Functionality

The Hoppe’s 1-2-3 DONE! Cleaning Kit – .22 LR performs adequately for quick and light cleaning of .22LR firearms. It’s particularly effective at removing loose powder residue and light fouling. However, it struggles with heavy lead buildup or stubborn carbon deposits.

The kit’s primary strength is its simplicity and ease of use. It’s a great option for shooters who want a quick and convenient way to maintain their firearms without the hassle of multiple tools and products. A key weakness is its inability to provide a deep clean in heavily fouled barrels, necessitating additional cleaning methods.

While it meets the basic expectation of cleaning a .22LR bore, it falls short of providing a truly thorough cleaning experience. Shooters seeking pristine bore conditions will need to supplement this kit with additional cleaning tools and solvents.

Design & Ergonomics

The kit’s design is straightforward and functional. Its compact packaging makes it easy to store and transport. The BoreSnake is easy to grip and pull through the bore, and the photo instructions are clear and concise.

The kit is very user-friendly, even for novice shooters. There’s virtually no learning curve, and the entire cleaning process can be completed in a matter of minutes.

Durability & Maintenance

The BoreSnake appears to be relatively durable. It has held up well to repeated use without significant fraying or damage. However, like all cleaning tools, it will eventually need to be replaced with frequent use.

Maintaining the kit is simple. The BoreSnake can be washed with soap and water, and the Hoppe’s No. 9 and lubricating oil have a long shelf life. Overall, the kit is designed for easy maintenance and long-term use.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Hoppe’s 1-2-3 DONE! Cleaning Kit – .22 LR is a self-contained cleaning solution, so there aren’t any specific customization options. The kit doesn’t come with additional accessories beyond the BoreSnake, cleaner, and oil.

While there aren’t official accessories for this specific kit, you could easily supplement it with other cleaning tools like bore brushes, jags, and patches from other brands to achieve a more thorough cleaning. The Hoppe’s No. 9 cleaner is compatible with a wide range of bore cleaning accessories.

Pros and Cons of Hoppe’s 1-2-3 DONE! Cleaning Kit – .22 LR

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Who Should Buy Hoppe’s 1-2-3 DONE! Cleaning Kit – .22 LR?

The Hoppe’s 1-2-3 DONE! Cleaning Kit – .22 LR is perfect for casual shooters, plinkers, and anyone looking for a quick and easy way to maintain their .22LR firearms. It’s an excellent addition to a range bag for cleaning at the range after use, preventing buildup until a deeper cleaning can be performed. It is great for new shooters who are intimidated by more involved cleaning processes.

Competitive shooters or those who demand pristine bore conditions should skip this product. Those individuals would require more specialized and thorough cleaning equipment.

A must-have modification or addition would be a bore light to check for remaining fouling after using the BoreSnake. High-quality gun oil would also be a welcome supplement.

Conclusion on Hoppe’s 1-2-3 DONE! Cleaning Kit – .22 LR

The Hoppe’s 1-2-3 DONE! Cleaning Kit – .22 LR is a decent, convenient, and affordable option for basic .22LR firearm maintenance. While it doesn’t replace the need for a more comprehensive cleaning routine, it’s a great tool for quick cleanings and maintaining firearms in the field.

The price is definitely justified for the convenience and ease of use it provides. The Hoppe’s name carries weight, and the kit delivers on its promise of simplicity.

I would recommend this kit to anyone looking for a no-fuss way to keep their .22LR firearms in good working order. If you want a simple and affordable way to keep your .22LR firearm clean, pick up the Hoppe’s 1-2-3 DONE! Cleaning Kit – .22 LR and get cleaning!

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