Breakthrough Clean Bore Mop 12 Gauge Shotgun 5/16-27 Cotton 3.50″ Review

The Breakthrough Clean Bore Mop 12 Gauge Shotgun 5/16-27 Cotton 3.50″ Made a Bold First Impression

After a long day at the range, nothing is more satisfying than a clean firearm. Over the years, I’ve tried countless cleaning methods and tools, from makeshift patches to high-end bore snakes. But I was always looking for something that could truly get into every nook and cranny of my shotguns. The Breakthrough Clean Bore Mop 12 Gauge Shotgun 5/16-27 Cotton 3.50″ caught my eye with its promise of effective, gentle cleaning at an incredibly affordable price.

I needed a bore mop that would effectively remove fouling from my 12-gauge shotguns without damaging the bore. I had been struggling to properly clean the forcing cone area, where plastic wad residue tends to stubbornly accumulate. This often led to inconsistent patterns and, frankly, took way too much elbow grease.

Upon receiving the Breakthrough Clean Bore Mop 12 Gauge Shotgun 5/16-27 Cotton 3.50″, I immediately noticed the soft, dense cotton. It felt substantial, unlike some of the flimsier mops I’ve used in the past. The 5/16-27 threading appeared clean and precise, promising a secure fit with my existing cleaning rods.

Compared to a bore snake, the mop felt like a more thorough cleaning tool, capable of delivering solvent directly to the bore’s surface. Compared to using just patches and a jag, the mop appeared like it would do a much better job of getting down in the nooks and crannies of the bore. The price was far more attractive than some of the higher-end, multi-piece cleaning kits I’d considered.

I was cautiously optimistic. Could a $3.49 bore mop really deliver superior cleaning performance? Or was it just another cheap tool destined for the back of my cleaning kit drawer? I was excited to see how it would perform on my well-used shotguns.

Real-World Testing: Putting Breakthrough Clean Bore Mop 12 Gauge Shotgun 5/16-27 Cotton 3.50″ to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test involved cleaning my trusty Remington 870 after a day of trap shooting. The range was dusty, and I’d put about 100 rounds through it, so the bore was definitely fouled. I attached the Breakthrough Clean Bore Mop 12 Gauge Shotgun 5/16-27 Cotton 3.50″ to my cleaning rod, applied some Breakthrough solvent (yes, I am a fan of their products) and got to work.

The mop slid smoothly through the bore, and I immediately noticed it picking up a significant amount of carbon and plastic residue. The 3.5″ length was perfect for reaching all sections of the barrel. Even with the dusty range conditions, the cotton mop retained its integrity and didn’t shed excessively.

Using the Breakthrough Clean Bore Mop 12 Gauge Shotgun 5/16-27 Cotton 3.50″ was surprisingly easy. No learning curve was involved. It was a simple screw-on and scrub application.

Initially, I thought the mop might be too abrasive, but the soft cotton proved gentle yet effective. The only surprise was how much fouling the mop pulled out after I thought I had cleaned it thoroughly with patches!

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of regular use, the Breakthrough Clean Bore Mop 12 Gauge Shotgun 5/16-27 Cotton 3.50″ has held up remarkably well. I’ve used it on my Benelli Nova, my Winchester 1300, and even on the over-under I occasionally take out for sporting clays. It has quickly become a staple in my cleaning kit.

Despite multiple uses and cleanings, the mop shows minimal signs of wear and tear. I simply wash it with warm, soapy water after each use and let it air dry. It’s incredibly easy to maintain.

Compared to my previous cleaning methods, the Breakthrough Clean Bore Mop 12 Gauge Shotgun 5/16-27 Cotton 3.50″ definitely outperforms patches and even rivals bore snakes in terms of thoroughness. It leaves the bore noticeably cleaner and smoother, which, in turn, improves the shotgun’s performance. It has exceeded my expectations, particularly given its low price point.

Breaking Down the Features of Breakthrough Clean Bore Mop 12 Gauge Shotgun 5/16-27 Cotton 3.50″

Specifications

The Breakthrough Clean Bore Mop 12 Gauge Shotgun 5/16-27 Cotton 3.50″ is designed specifically for 12-gauge shotguns. The key specifications are:

• Caliber: 12 Gauge Shotgun. This ensures a snug and effective fit within the shotgun bore for optimal cleaning.
• Thread: Standard Shotgun #5/16-27. This is a common threading, compatible with most standard shotgun cleaning rods and accessories.
• Material: 100% Cotton. Soft cotton is crucial for effectively absorbing solvents and removing fouling without damaging the bore.
• Length: 3.50″. The 3.5″ length provides sufficient coverage for a thorough cleaning pass through the shotgun barrel.

These specifications matter because they directly impact the mop’s ability to clean effectively and safely. The cotton material is gentle on the bore but aggressive on fouling. The standard threading ensures compatibility with existing cleaning equipment.

Performance & Functionality

The Breakthrough Clean Bore Mop 12 Gauge Shotgun 5/16-27 Cotton 3.50″ excels at its primary job: cleaning shotgun bores. The 100% cotton construction effectively absorbs cleaning solvents and loosens carbon buildup, plastic wad residue, and other fouling. The density of the cotton allows it to reach into the grooves and corners of the bore for a more thorough clean.

Its strengths lie in its simplicity and effectiveness. It’s easy to use, cleans well, and doesn’t require any special techniques or accessories. A minor area for possible improvement would be to offer the mop with a slightly longer overall length for those who prefer a longer cleaning stroke.

It definitely meets and arguably exceeds expectations for a product in its price range. It’s a no-nonsense cleaning tool that delivers tangible results.

Design & Ergonomics

The design is simple and functional. The mop is essentially a tightly wound cotton swab attached to a threaded connector. The materials used are durable, and the weight is negligible.

The Breakthrough Clean Bore Mop 12 Gauge Shotgun 5/16-27 Cotton 3.50″ is extremely user-friendly. There’s no learning curve whatsoever. Even a novice shooter can use it effectively.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, the Breakthrough Clean Bore Mop 12 Gauge Shotgun 5/16-27 Cotton 3.50″ should last for quite a while. The cotton is surprisingly durable, and the threading is robust.

Maintenance is a breeze. Simply wash the mop with warm, soapy water after each use and allow it to air dry. This prevents the buildup of solvent and fouling, extending the mop’s lifespan.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Breakthrough Clean Bore Mop 12 Gauge Shotgun 5/16-27 Cotton 3.50″ itself doesn’t come with any additional accessories. It’s a standalone cleaning tool.

However, it is compatible with any standard shotgun cleaning rod that uses the #5/16-27 threading. It can also be used with a variety of cleaning solvents and oils.

Pros and Cons of Breakthrough Clean Bore Mop 12 Gauge Shotgun 5/16-27 Cotton 3.50″