The HOP BORE SNAKE DEN 35-375 RFL Made a Bold First Impression
Cleaning rifles, especially those chambered in the versatile .35 to .375 caliber range, can be a tedious chore. I’ve seen countless innovations in cleaning tools come and go, often leaving me with more frustration than a sparkling bore. Then I encountered the HOP BORE SNAKE DEN 35-375 RFL.
My journey to finding this cleaning tool began with a growing frustration with traditional cleaning rods and patches. The endless scrubbing, the potential for scratching the bore, and the sheer time commitment had become a deterrent to regular firearm maintenance. I needed something faster, more convenient, and less prone to causing damage. The promise of a one-pass cleaning solution was alluring.
Unboxing the HOP BORE SNAKE DEN 35-375 RFL was surprisingly satisfying. The reusable carrying case, something many bore snakes lack, felt like a thoughtful touch. The T-handle immediately felt more ergonomic than the standard loop, promising a more comfortable pull-through. It was immediately clear that HOP focused on usability.
I’ve used similar bore snakes from Otis Technology and Real Avid in the past. While those were functional, they often lacked a dedicated storage solution and a truly comfortable handle. The HOP BORE SNAKE DEN 35-375 RFL addresses both concerns, making it a clear upgrade in terms of convenience.
My initial reaction was one of cautious optimism. I was excited about the potential time-saving and ease-of-use, but also skeptical about whether a simple bore snake could truly replace a thorough cleaning with traditional methods. I was eager to put it to the test.
Real-World Testing: Putting HOP BORE SNAKE DEN 35-375 RFL to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the HOP BORE SNAKE DEN 35-375 RFL on my Marlin 336 chambered in .35 Remington after a day at the range. The rifle had seen about 50 rounds of lead-cast bullets, leaving a noticeable amount of fouling in the bore. I wanted to see how effectively the Bore Snake could tackle this level of grime.
The conditions were mild, around 65 degrees Fahrenheit and dry. Using the Bore Snake was incredibly straightforward. I dropped the weighted end through the breech, grabbed the T-handle, and gave it a firm, steady pull. The action was smooth, and the T-handle provided a comfortable and secure grip.
To my surprise, a single pass removed a significant amount of carbon fouling and lead residue. The integrated bronze brush clearly did its job in scrubbing the bore. I followed up with a second pass just to be sure, and the patch on my cleaning jag came out nearly spotless. There were no issues.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the HOP BORE SNAKE DEN 35-375 RFL after each range session (approximately 4-5 times per week), it has become an indispensable part of my cleaning routine. It consistently delivers excellent results, significantly reducing cleaning time. I now also use it on my .357 Magnum lever-action rifle.
The Bore Snake has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of fraying or damage to the rope, and the bronze brush remains firmly attached. The reusable carrying case has also proven to be a valuable addition, keeping the Bore Snake clean and organized in my range bag.
Maintenance is a breeze. After each use, I simply spray the Bore Snake with a bore cleaner and let it air dry. I have also occasionally washed it with mild soap and water, which effectively removes any stubborn residue. It outperforms any other single-piece cleaning system I’ve used in terms of speed and ease of maintenance.
Breaking Down the Features of HOP BORE SNAKE DEN 35-375 RFL
Specifications
- Type: Bore Cleaner Rope. This designates it as a flexible, pull-through cleaning tool rather than a rigid rod.
- Size: .35-.375 Caliber. Designed for a versatile range of rifle calibers, making it suitable for various firearms.
- Quantity: 1. Each package contains one Bore Snake.
- Integrated Bronze Brush: Scrubbing out carbon fouling is now easier.
- T-Handle: Providing a more comfortable and secure grip during pull-through.
- Reusable Carrying Case: The BoreSnake is protected during transport.
- Brass Weight with Laser Etching: The pull cord is weighted for easy insertion, with the caliber size clearly marked.
- One-Piece Design: Eliminating the risk of parts separating during use.
Performance & Functionality
The HOP BORE SNAKE DEN 35-375 RFL performs exceptionally well in its intended role. It effectively removes carbon fouling, lead residue, and other debris from the bore in just a few passes. The bronze brush provides ample scrubbing power without being overly aggressive, minimizing the risk of damaging the barrel.
The Bore Snake’s primary strength lies in its speed and convenience. It significantly reduces cleaning time compared to traditional methods, making it ideal for shooters who value efficiency. A minor weakness is that it doesn’t replace the need for occasional deep cleaning with a rod and brushes. Overall, the HOP BORE SNAKE DEN 35-375 RFL exceeds expectations as a quick and easy bore cleaning solution.
Design & Ergonomics
The HOP BORE SNAKE DEN 35-375 RFL is well-designed and ergonomically sound. The T-handle provides a comfortable and secure grip, even when wet or greasy. The brass weight ensures easy insertion of the Bore Snake through the breech.
The build quality is excellent. The materials used are durable and resistant to wear and tear. The weight is negligible, adding minimal bulk to your range bag. The Bore Snake is user-friendly, requiring minimal learning curve. Even novice shooters can quickly master its use.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience, the HOP BORE SNAKE DEN 35-375 RFL is built to last. The rope material is strong and resistant to fraying. The bronze brush is securely attached and shows no signs of loosening.
Maintenance is simple. Regular cleaning with bore cleaner and occasional washing with mild soap and water will keep the Bore Snake in optimal condition for years to come. The reusable carrying case further protects the Bore Snake from damage and contamination.
Accessories and Customization Options
The HOP BORE SNAKE DEN 35-375 RFL comes with a reusable carrying case. This is a valuable addition that many other bore snakes lack.
There are no specific customization options for the Bore Snake itself. However, it can be used in conjunction with various bore cleaners and lubricants to enhance its cleaning performance. Its compatibility with any .35-.375 caliber rifle makes it inherently versatile.
Pros and Cons of HOP BORE SNAKE DEN 35-375 RFL
Pros
- Extremely fast and convenient bore cleaning. This significantly reduces cleaning time compared to traditional methods.
- Reusable carrying case included. This provides a dedicated storage solution and protects the Bore Snake during transport.
- Durable construction. It can withstand repeated use and is resistant to wear and tear.
- Easy to maintain. Simply clean with bore cleaner and wash with mild soap and water as needed.
- T-Handle for comfortable pull-through. The T-handle makes cleaning much more comfortable than previous snake pull throughs.
Cons
- Not a substitute for deep cleaning. It cannot completely replace traditional cleaning methods with a rod and brushes.
- May require multiple passes for heavily fouled bores.
Who Should Buy HOP BORE SNAKE DEN 35-375 RFL?
The HOP BORE SNAKE DEN 35-375 RFL is perfect for:
- Hunters who need a quick and easy way to clean their rifles in the field.
- Range shooters who want to maintain their firearms between range sessions without spending hours cleaning.
- Anyone looking for a convenient and effective bore cleaning solution that is easy to use and maintain.
Who should skip this product?
- Shooters who prefer the traditional method of cleaning with a rod and brushes and are unwilling to try a bore snake.
- Individuals seeking a single cleaning tool to completely replace the need for any other cleaning supplies.
Must-have accessories or modifications?
- A quality bore cleaner to enhance the Bore Snake’s cleaning performance.
- Gun oil to lubricate the bore after cleaning.
Conclusion on HOP BORE SNAKE DEN 35-375 RFL
The HOP BORE SNAKE DEN 35-375 RFL is a highly effective and convenient bore cleaning solution that offers excellent value for its price of $9.49. It significantly reduces cleaning time compared to traditional methods, is easy to use and maintain, and comes with a reusable carrying case.
The price is definitely justified by the time savings, convenience, and durability of the product. I would wholeheartedly recommend the HOP BORE SNAKE DEN 35-375 RFL to any shooter looking for a quick, easy, and effective way to clean their .35-.375 caliber rifles.
If you’re tired of spending hours cleaning your rifles, give the HOP BORE SNAKE DEN 35-375 RFL a try. You won’t be disappointed!