The Hoppes Soft Acrylic Non-Slip Gun Cleaning Mat Made a Bold First Impression
The Hoppes Soft Acrylic Non-Slip Gun Cleaning Mat might seem like a simple accessory, but for anyone who values their firearms and their furniture, it’s a crucial piece of kit. It’s a hunter green pad imprinted with the Hoppe’s name, designed to protect both your work surface and your firearm during cleaning. For years, I’ve made do with old towels and newspapers, which are messy, ineffective, and frankly, a bit embarrassing for a seasoned firearms enthusiast.
I needed a dedicated, reliable surface to protect my workbench from solvents, oils, and the inevitable scratches that come with disassembling and cleaning firearms. I had been eyeing up some of the higher-end, molded plastic mats, but their price tags always made me hesitate. Then I stumbled across the Hoppes Soft Acrylic Non-Slip Gun Cleaning Mat, a seemingly simple yet effective solution at a fraction of the cost.
Unboxing was, well, uneventful, as it comes in a simple plastic bag. The mat itself felt surprisingly soft, a pleasant change from the rough texture of the old towels I was used to. The non-slip vinyl backing gave me confidence that it would stay put on my workbench, a crucial feature when dealing with small firearm parts and potentially hazardous chemicals.
Compared to a similar mat from a no-name brand I saw at a local gun show, the Hoppe’s mat felt sturdier and the non-slip backing appeared to be of a higher quality. I also considered a rubberized mat, but the Hoppe’s mat’s absorbency seemed like a better fit for catching spills. Honestly, I was cautiously optimistic.
My first impression was a pleasant surprise. It was larger than I expected for the price, the material felt good in my hands, and the non-slip backing did its job perfectly. My initial excitement definitely outweighed any concerns, especially considering the price of only $8.99.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hoppes Soft Acrylic Non-Slip Gun Cleaning Mat to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Hoppes Soft Acrylic Non-Slip Gun Cleaning Mat after a particularly muddy day at the shooting range with my AR-15. I set it up on my workbench in the garage, fully expecting a messy cleaning session. The mat immediately proved its worth by containing all the grime, carbon, and excess solvent.
Despite some rain that day, my garage stayed dry. But I did simulate a spill of gun oil. The Hoppes Soft Acrylic Non-Slip Gun Cleaning Mat contained the oil excellently. Cleaning my AR-15 on the mat was also much more comfortable than working directly on my hard workbench.
The mat was incredibly easy to use, requiring no setup or special knowledge. I simply laid it out and got to work. I was surprised by how well it stayed in place, even when I was applying significant pressure while driving out pins.
There were no major issues during the first use, but I did notice some very minor shedding of the acrylic fibers. I hope this problem is not persistent. After wiping down the mat it looked like new again, though.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Hoppes Soft Acrylic Non-Slip Gun Cleaning Mat has become an indispensable part of my cleaning routine. It still sits proudly on my workbench and is used virtually every week. The mat is used most often for my various handguns.
Despite the shedding that I noticed in the beginning, the durability has been surprisingly good. There’s no significant wear and tear, even after repeated exposure to harsh solvents and oils. I have not washed it yet as I don’t want to damage the backing material.
The maintenance is incredibly simple. A quick wipe down with a damp cloth usually takes care of any spills or residue. Comparing it to my old system of using towels and newspapers, it’s night and day. The Hoppes Soft Acrylic Non-Slip Gun Cleaning Mat is far more effective at containing messes and protecting my workbench.
Breaking Down the Features of Hoppes Soft Acrylic Non-Slip Gun Cleaning Mat
Specifications
The Hoppes Soft Acrylic Non-Slip Gun Cleaning Mat is designed to protect working surfaces from chemical spills and firearms from scratches during cleaning. It features a soft acrylic surface and a non-slip vinyl backing. This is essential for both gun maintenance and keeping peace with the wife!
The mat is hunter green with the Hoppe’s name imprinted on the pad. It is water and stain resistant. Its dimensions are approximately 12 inches by 36 inches.
The soft acrylic construction prevents scratches on your firearm’s finish. The non-slip vinyl backing ensures that the mat stays in place on your workbench or table.
Performance & Functionality
The Hoppes Soft Acrylic Non-Slip Gun Cleaning Mat performs its job admirably. It effectively protects my workbench from scratches, chemical spills, and oil stains. The mat is large enough to accommodate most handguns and even disassembled rifles.
Its strengths lie in its simplicity, affordability, and effectiveness. The only real weakness is its somewhat basic construction. I do not know how long it will hold up.
It definitely meets my expectations. For the price, it’s an excellent value.
Design & Ergonomics
The Hoppes Soft Acrylic Non-Slip Gun Cleaning Mat is fairly simple in design. The material is soft and comfortable to work on. It’s lightweight and easy to move around as needed.
The mat is very user-friendly. There’s no learning curve whatsoever.
Durability & Maintenance
While the acrylic surface is relatively durable, it’s not indestructible. I anticipate it will last for several years with proper care.
Cleaning is a breeze. The mat is machine washable and dryable, making maintenance easy.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hoppes Soft Acrylic Non-Slip Gun Cleaning Mat doesn’t come with any accessories. There aren’t any customization options available. I would like to see some attachments however, to hold small pieces in place.
Pros and Cons of Hoppes Soft Acrylic Non-Slip Gun Cleaning Mat
Pros
- Protects both firearms and work surfaces.
- Non-slip backing keeps the mat in place.
- Affordable and effective.
- Machine washable and dryable.
- Soft acrylic surface prevents scratches.
Cons
- Basic construction might not be as durable as higher-end mats.
- Material is absorbent, so spills can soak in if not cleaned quickly.
Who Should Buy Hoppes Soft Acrylic Non-Slip Gun Cleaning Mat?
The Hoppes Soft Acrylic Non-Slip Gun Cleaning Mat is perfect for gun owners of all levels who want a simple and affordable way to protect their firearms and work surfaces. It’s a great option for casual shooters, hunters, and anyone who regularly cleans their firearms.
People who are looking for a heavy-duty, chemical-resistant mat might want to consider a more expensive option. Competitive shooters who frequently disassemble and clean multiple firearms at once might also benefit from a larger, more specialized cleaning mat.
There are no must-have accessories, but a good set of gun cleaning tools and solvents is essential for proper firearm maintenance. I have also seen some people place a small magnetic parts tray on the mat to hold pins and small parts.
Conclusion on Hoppes Soft Acrylic Non-Slip Gun Cleaning Mat
Overall, the Hoppes Soft Acrylic Non-Slip Gun Cleaning Mat is an excellent value for the price. It effectively protects your firearms and work surfaces from scratches and spills, and it’s easy to clean and maintain.
The price is definitely justified. At only $8.99, it’s a small investment that can save you from costly damage to your firearms and furniture.
I would absolutely recommend it. It’s a simple, effective, and affordable solution for anyone who cleans firearms.
If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable gun cleaning mat, the Hoppes Soft Acrylic Non-Slip Gun Cleaning Mat is an excellent choice. Get yours today and say goodbye to messy cleaning sessions!