Hoppes .22 Caliber Quick Cleaning Boresnake Review

First Thoughts on the Hoppes .22 Caliber Quick Cleaning Boresnake

As someone deeply entrenched in the world of firearms and outdoor gear, I’ve seen countless cleaning kits come and go. The Hoppes .22 Caliber Quick Cleaning Boresnake caught my eye because of its promise of portability and convenience, especially for rimfire rifles, which can be notoriously dirty after a day at the range or in the field. I was hoping for a genuinely effective, all-in-one solution that wouldn’t take up much space in my pack.

I needed a compact cleaning solution for my .22 rifle that I could easily carry on hunting trips and range days. Before, I was lugging around a bulky cleaning kit with a segmented rod, patches, and various solvents, which was impractical for quick field maintenance. The promise of a lightweight, self-contained system was incredibly appealing.

Upon unboxing, the first thing that struck me was the compactness of the Hoppes .22 Caliber Quick Cleaning Boresnake. The soft-sided nylon case is surprisingly small and well-organized. The build quality seemed decent for the price, though the materials felt fairly standard.

Compared to a traditional cleaning rod and patch system, or even some of the other minimalist pull-through cleaners I’ve used, the Hoppes Boresnake seemed to offer a faster and potentially more thorough cleaning experience. I was primarily looking for a lighter and faster method. I chose it over a bulkier traditional kit.

My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. The size and apparent simplicity were definitely attractive. However, I reserved full judgment until I could put it through its paces in the field, ensuring it lived up to the Hoppes name.

Real-World Testing: Putting Hoppes .22 Caliber Quick Cleaning Boresnake to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test of the Hoppes .22 Caliber Quick Cleaning Boresnake was at an outdoor shooting range after a morning of plinking with my Ruger 10/22. It was a moderately dusty day, and I’d put a few hundred rounds through the rifle, leaving the bore noticeably dirty.

The instructions were straightforward, and the Boresnake was remarkably easy to use. I applied a few drops of the included No. 9 Solvent to the front of the snake, dropped the weighted end through the breech, and pulled it through the barrel. The bronze brush and integrated cleaning floss seemed to do a good job of removing residue in a single pass.

The speed and simplicity were impressive during initial use. However, I did notice some resistance when pulling the snake through, particularly in areas with heavy fouling.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use and multiple range trips, the Hoppes .22 Caliber Quick Cleaning Boresnake has proven to be a reliable and convenient tool. It consistently removes the majority of fouling from my .22 barrels.

After about a dozen uses, there’s some minor fraying of the cleaning floss near the bronze brush, but nothing significant. The nylon case is showing no signs of wear. I’ve found that cleaning the Boresnake itself is relatively easy; I simply wash it with warm soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and let it air dry.

The Hoppes .22 Caliber Quick Cleaning Boresnake exceeds my expectations for quick cleaning. It’s far faster than a traditional rod and patch and significantly more compact. I would still use a rod for serious cleaning.

Breaking Down the Features of Hoppes .22 Caliber Quick Cleaning Boresnake

Specifications

• The Hoppes .22 Caliber Quick Cleaning Boresnake is specifically designed for .22 caliber rifles and pistols. This ensures a proper fit and effective cleaning action within the bore.
• The kit includes the Boresnake itself, a bottle of Hoppes No. 9 Solvent, lubricating oil, Weatherguard cloths, and a pulling tool, all housed in a nylon case. This provides a complete cleaning solution in a portable package.
• The Boresnake features an integrated bronze brush followed by a woven floss cleaning area. The bronze brush loosens fouling, while the floss removes it from the bore.
• The case is made of durable nylon with a belt loop for easy attachment. This makes it convenient to carry on the go.
• The entire kit weighs only a few ounces. Its lightweight and compact design are perfect for field use.

Performance & Functionality

The Hoppes .22 Caliber Quick Cleaning Boresnake performs admirably for quick, routine cleaning. It removes the majority of powder residue, lead fouling, and carbon buildup from the bore in just a few passes. It makes cleaning significantly faster than other cleaning methods.

Its strength lies in its speed and convenience, while its weakness is its inability to address heavy or stubborn fouling. For a deep clean, a traditional rod and brush are still necessary. It certainly meets expectations given its compact design.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Hoppes .22 Caliber Quick Cleaning Boresnake is remarkably simple and effective. The weighted end makes it easy to drop the snake through the breech, and the integrated brush and floss provide comprehensive cleaning in a single pull. There is very little learning curve.

The Boresnake is lightweight and comfortable to handle, even when pulling it through a tight bore. The nylon case is well-designed and keeps all the components organized.

Durability & Maintenance

The Hoppes .22 Caliber Quick Cleaning Boresnake appears to be relatively durable, although the cleaning floss will eventually wear down with repeated use. Routine cleaning of the Boresnake is essential to maintain its effectiveness. It should last for years.

Cleaning the Boresnake involves washing it with soapy water, rinsing thoroughly, and allowing it to air dry. Proper maintenance will extend its lifespan and performance.

Accessories and Customization Options

• The kit comes with Hoppes No. 9 Solvent and lubricating oil. The Solvent is a widely-trusted cleaner.
• It also includes Weatherguard cloths. The cloths are perfect for wiping down the exterior of the firearm.
• The Boresnake itself is not customizable. It’s a simple, all-in-one cleaning tool.
• While you can use different solvents and oils with the Boresnake, it’s designed to work best with Hoppes products. This encourages purchasing additional Hoppes products.

Pros and Cons of Hoppes .22 Caliber Quick Cleaning Boresnake