Kleen-Bore Lead Away Gun Cloth Review

The Kleen-Bore Lead Away Gun Cloth Made a Bold First Impression

The Kleen-Bore Lead Away Gun Cloth promises a simple solution to a persistent problem: the stubborn buildup of lead and carbon on firearms. From Kleen-Bore, a name synonymous with gun cleaning, this cloth boasts the ability to remove even the toughest fouling, particularly burn rings on cylinders and stainless steel surfaces. My journey to this particular product was born out of frustration with traditional cleaning methods.

I’ve spent years scrubbing, brushing, and solvent-soaking, always chasing that elusive “factory-new” gleam. I was especially looking for something effective, yet gentle, for my stainless-steel revolvers. Opening the package, my initial impression was…understated. It’s just a cloth.

Compared to dedicated lead removal solvents or ultrasonic cleaners, the Kleen-Bore Lead Away Gun Cloth felt almost too simple. I considered using Hoppe’s No. 9 Lead Remover or even a brass brush, but both have drawbacks (strong smell and potential scratching, respectively). The promise of a single cloth that could safely and effectively remove lead deposits won me over, at least enough to give it a try. It seemed almost too good to be true.

Real-World Testing: Putting Kleen-Bore Lead Away Gun Cloth to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test subject was a Smith & Wesson Model 686 .357 Magnum after a particularly heavy range session. The cylinder face was coated with the telltale grey ring of lead residue. I took the Kleen-Bore Lead Away Gun Cloth to the range with me. It was a sunny day, and the humidity was low.

I followed the instructions (which, admittedly, are pretty minimal – just wipe). I was impressed by how quickly the cloth began to lift the lead. There was minimal effort involved. The burn rings on the cylinder face started to disappear with gentle rubbing.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of regular use, the Kleen-Bore Lead Away Gun Cloth has become a mainstay in my cleaning kit. I use it after every range trip. The cloth itself is holding up surprisingly well. I haven’t noticed any significant deterioration or loss of effectiveness.

A quick wipe-down after each shooting session keeps my firearms looking their best. Compared to my previous routine of using solvents and brushes, the Kleen-Bore Lead Away Gun Cloth is a significant time-saver. It’s far less messy. It consistently outperforms my previous cleaning methods in terms of speed and ease of use.

Breaking Down the Features of Kleen-Bore Lead Away Gun Cloth

Specifications

• Size: 10″ x 10″. This is a decent size for handling and provides ample surface area for cleaning multiple firearms.
• Quantity: 1 Cloth. While seemingly minimal, the longevity of the cloth justifies the single-unit purchase.
• Material: The manufacturer doesn’t explicitly state the cloth’s material composition, but it has an impregnated chemical treatment designed to lift lead deposits. This is the core of the product’s functionality and requires careful handling (more on that later).
• Intended Use: Designed specifically for removing lead and carbon build-up from firearms, particularly on stainless steel. It is not for use on blued or case-hardened finishes. This is a crucial caveat.

Performance & Functionality

The Kleen-Bore Lead Away Gun Cloth excels at its primary function: removing lead and carbon fouling. It works exceptionally well on stainless steel revolvers. Burn rings on cylinders and lead deposits on frames disappear with minimal effort.

The cloth significantly reduces the amount of time and elbow grease required to clean firearms. However, it’s essential to adhere to the manufacturer’s warning. Using it on blued or case-hardened finishes will damage them.

Design & Ergonomics

The design is deceptively simple. It’s a 10″x10″ cloth. The effectiveness stems from the impregnated chemicals, not elaborate features. The cloth is easy to handle and manipulate.

There’s no real learning curve involved. The only real consideration is understanding the limitations of the cloth and avoiding its use on incompatible finishes.

Durability & Maintenance

The durability of the Kleen-Bore Lead Away Gun Cloth is surprisingly good. It can withstand repeated use over an extended period. Proper storage (in a sealed bag or container) will likely extend its lifespan even further.

There is no required maintenance. The cloth is not washable. Once it loses its effectiveness, it’s time to replace it.

Accessories and Customization Options

There are no accessories or customization options. It’s a single-use cleaning cloth. The effectiveness of the Kleen-Bore Lead Away Gun Cloth makes it an accessory to other cleaning tools.

It complements brushes, solvents, and bore snakes. The Kleen-Bore brand itself offers a wide range of cleaning supplies, all designed to work in conjunction with this cloth.

Pros and Cons of Kleen-Bore Lead Away Gun Cloth