HOPPES 28 GAUGE SHOTGUN DEN Review

The HOPPES 28 GAUGE SHOTGUN DEN Made a Bold First Impression

Cleaning a shotgun, especially after a long day in the field chasing quail with my trusty SA28, has always felt like a necessary evil. I needed something faster and more efficient than traditional rods, patches, and brushes. That’s where the HOPPES 28 GAUGE SHOTGUN DEN comes in.

I was drawn to Hoppe’s BoreSnake because of its promise of a quick, all-in-one cleaning solution. The bore snake concept has been around for a while, but I was especially interested in one designed specifically for my 28 gauge, a caliber often overlooked. My hands-on experience with the HOPPES 28 GAUGE SHOTGUN DEN started with an SA28 shotgun, and cleaning that firearm after purchasing it from BudsGunShop made me realize a better solution was necessary.

Upon receiving the package, the small, cylindrical plastic case felt deceptively light. Inside, the BoreSnake itself felt sturdy, with a clearly marked brass weight indicating the 28 gauge size. Compared to a traditional cleaning rod, patches, and brushes, the Hoppe’s BoreSnake seemed incredibly compact and portable.

I’ve used similar products before, generic bore snakes for other calibers, but the HOPPES 28 GAUGE SHOTGUN DEN‘s specific sizing and Hoppe’s reputation for quality made me choose this one. While other options are available, the perceived quality and convenience of the Hoppe’s brand tipped the scales. I was cautiously optimistic.

Real-World Testing: Putting HOPPES 28 GAUGE SHOTGUN DEN to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test run was after a morning of skeet shooting with my Beretta A400 Xcel Sporting 28 Gauge. The barrel was moderately fouled with powder residue. I applied a few drops of Hoppe’s No. 9 solvent to the BoreSnake as instructed and carefully fed the weighted end through the breech.

Pulling the BoreSnake through was surprisingly smooth. The bronze brush seemed to scrub effectively, and the cleaning area left a noticeably cleaner surface. After that first use I knew I wouldn’t go back to the old way of cleaning.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the HOPPES 28 GAUGE SHOTGUN DEN has become an indispensable part of my cleaning routine. I typically use it after every range session and after every hunting trip. So far, it has held up remarkably well.

There are no signs of fraying or damage to the cleaning rope itself. The bronze brush remains intact. Cleaning the BoreSnake is simple. A quick wash in warm, soapy water, followed by air drying, keeps it fresh and ready for the next use. Compared to the tedious process of cleaning rods and patches, the HOPPES 28 GAUGE SHOTGUN DEN significantly reduces cleaning time. I can confirm that it greatly outperforms my previous method.

Breaking Down the Features of HOPPES 28 GAUGE SHOTGUN DEN

Specifications

• Type: Bore Cleaner Rope. The BoreSnake is designed to be a pull-through bore cleaner.
• Size: 28 Ga. Specifically sized for 28 gauge shotguns.
• Quantity: 1. Each package contains one BoreSnake.
• Design: Patented one-piece design. This feature eliminates the need for multiple parts.
• Material: Durable rope with integrated bronze brush and cleaning area. The rope material is machine washable.
• Weight: Brass weight on pull cord. It is stamped with the size for easy identification.
• Storage: Includes storage container. This keeps the BoreSnake clean and organized.

These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the cleaning efficiency and ease of use. The correct gauge ensures a proper fit. The bronze brush and oversized cleaning area maximize cleaning effectiveness.

Performance & Functionality

The HOPPES 28 GAUGE SHOTGUN DEN excels at quickly removing powder residue and fouling from the shotgun barrel. Its one-pass design streamlines the cleaning process. It makes it significantly faster than using traditional methods.

The integrated bronze brush effectively loosens stubborn deposits. The cleaning area then swabs the bore spotless. The BoreSnake meets and exceeds my expectations. I am very satisfied with the time it saves and how effective it is at cleaning my shotgun.

Design & Ergonomics

The HOPPES 28 GAUGE SHOTGUN DEN features a simple, yet effective design. Its compact size and lightweight construction make it easy to carry in a range bag or hunting pack. The included storage container keeps it clean and organized.

There is virtually no learning curve. Anyone familiar with basic gun cleaning can use it immediately. The weighted pull cord makes it easy to feed through the barrel.

Durability & Maintenance

The HOPPES 28 GAUGE SHOTGUN DEN appears to be built to last. The durable rope and integrated bronze brush show no signs of wear after months of use. Maintenance is simple. Washing and air drying keep it clean.

With proper care, the HOPPES 28 GAUGE SHOTGUN DEN should provide years of reliable service. Its robust construction and easy maintenance make it a worthwhile investment.

Accessories and Customization Options

The HOPPES 28 GAUGE SHOTGUN DEN comes with a plastic storage container. No additional accessories are included, nor are they needed. The BoreSnake is designed to be a standalone cleaning tool.

While not a customization option, the BoreSnake works seamlessly with Hoppe’s No. 9 Lubricating Oil or Hoppe’s Elite Gun Oil for added lubrication and protection. This is what Hoppe’s recommends.

Pros and Cons of HOPPES 28 GAUGE SHOTGUN DEN