Lyman 16 Ounce Bore Cleaner Review

First Thoughts on the Lyman 16 Ounce Bore Cleaner

The Lyman 16 Ounce Bore Cleaner enters a crowded market of gun cleaning solutions, promising to effectively remove fouling and maintain firearm accuracy. Offered by Lyman, a company with a long history in shooting and reloading, this bore cleaner aims to provide a reliable and affordable option for gun owners of all levels.

My journey to finding the Lyman 16 Ounce Bore Cleaner started with a frustrating issue: persistent carbon fouling in my AR-15. Despite using other popular bore cleaners, I was struggling to maintain the rifle’s accuracy after extended range sessions; I wanted a cleaner that could truly cut through the grime without requiring excessive scrubbing.

Upon receiving the Lyman 16 Ounce Bore Cleaner, the first thing I noticed was its simple, no-frills packaging. The bottle felt sturdy, and the cleaner had a slightly noticeable, but not overpowering, solvent smell. Compared to other bore cleaners I’ve used, like Hoppe’s No. 9 and Bore Tech Eliminator, the Lyman cleaner appears to be a more traditional solvent-based formula, perhaps without some of the newer, low-odor innovations. I chose it over these, primarily for its lower price point and the strong reputation of the Lyman brand for delivering quality products.

My initial impression was cautiously optimistic; while the packaging and scent didn’t scream “high-end,” the Lyman name instilled confidence. I was eager to see if its cleaning performance would live up to the brand’s reputation.

Real-World Testing: Putting Lyman 16 Ounce Bore Cleaner to the Test

First Use Experience

The first test of the Lyman 16 Ounce Bore Cleaner was conducted at my local outdoor shooting range after a particularly heavy day of AR-15 training. The rifle had seen about 300 rounds of .223, and the bore was visibly fouled with carbon and copper residue.

I applied the Lyman Bore Cleaner liberally to a bore brush and ran it through the barrel several times, followed by patches. In terms of ease of use, the Lyman cleaner was straightforward; no special tools or techniques were required. After a few passes, the patches were coming out black, indicating the cleaner was actively removing fouling. I did notice that it seemed to take a bit more scrubbing compared to some of the more aggressive foaming cleaners I’ve tried.

A slight surprise was the cleaner’s relatively slow evaporation rate. It lingered in the bore longer than some of the quick-drying solvents, which might be an advantage for allowing it to soak and loosen stubborn deposits.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of using the Lyman 16 Ounce Bore Cleaner on various firearms, including rifles, pistols, and shotguns, I’ve developed a solid understanding of its capabilities. The cleaner has consistently proven effective at removing powder fouling and light copper deposits.

Durability-wise, there are no concerns, as it is a liquid cleaner contained within a plastic bottle. It is stored in a cool, dry, and safe place. Maintenance is nonexistent, as the product is a consumable and is simply disposed of responsibly once empty. Compared to my previous experiences with other bore cleaners, the Lyman offering stands out as a reliable and budget-friendly option for general firearm maintenance.

The Lyman 16 Ounce Bore Cleaner hasn’t disappointed me, proving to be a solid all-around cleaner that effectively tackles common fouling issues.

Breaking Down the Features of Lyman 16 Ounce Bore Cleaner

Specifications

• Type: Bore Cleaner – The Lyman 16 Ounce Bore Cleaner is formulated specifically for cleaning the internal bore of firearms. Its purpose is to dissolve and remove fouling buildup.

• Size: 16 oz – The bottle contains 16 fluid ounces of bore cleaner. This provides a good amount of cleaner for multiple uses, making it cost-effective for regular firearm maintenance.

• Quantity: 1 – This product is sold as a single 16-ounce bottle of bore cleaner. It contains enough for cleaning multiple firearms over time.

The specifications highlight the product’s simplicity and focus on its primary function: cleaning firearm bores. The generous 16-ounce size ensures a long-lasting supply for consistent maintenance.

Performance & Functionality

The Lyman 16 Ounce Bore Cleaner performs its job adequately, effectively removing powder residue and some copper fouling. It’s a decent all-around cleaner, but it might require more elbow grease for heavily fouled barrels compared to more specialized copper solvents.

One of its strengths is its general usability and effectiveness across a range of firearm types. A potential weakness is that it is a traditional solvent, lacking some of the advanced, low-odor, or foaming characteristics of newer products.

For routine cleaning, the Lyman bore cleaner meets expectations and is a practical choice.

Design & Ergonomics

The Lyman 16 Ounce Bore Cleaner is packaged in a straightforward plastic bottle, designed for easy pouring and application. The bottle is lightweight and easy to handle.

The design prioritizes function over form, and there is no real learning curve. It is very user-friendly.

Durability & Maintenance

As a chemical cleaning product, durability is not a major concern. The Lyman 16 Ounce Bore Cleaner itself should last until the bottle is empty, provided it is stored properly.

There is no maintenance needed, as it is a consumable product.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lyman 16 Ounce Bore Cleaner does not come with any additional accessories; it’s a standalone cleaning solution. It can be used with a variety of bore brushes, patches, and cleaning rods from different brands.

Because it’s a bore cleaner, customization is not applicable here. Any standard bore cleaning tools will work.

Pros and Cons of Lyman 16 Ounce Bore Cleaner