Otis Ripcord 12 Gauge Shotgun 8-32 Nomex/Rubber 45″ Long Review

The Otis Ripcord 12 Gauge Shotgun 8-32 Nomex/Rubber 45″ Long Made a Bold First Impression

The Otis Ripcord 12 Gauge Shotgun 8-32 Nomex/Rubber 45″ Long promises a quick and efficient way to clean your shotgun. Otis Technology is known for its innovative firearm cleaning systems, and the Ripcord aims to simplify the process. The prospect of a one-pass cleaning solution, especially one that works breech-to-muzzle, was immediately appealing.

As an avid hunter and range shooter, I constantly battle carbon buildup in my shotguns. Traditional cleaning methods often involve multiple passes with a brush and patches, a time-consuming chore I wanted to streamline. I’ve used bore snakes before, but their reliance on gravity feed always felt awkward with a shotgun; this Otis Ripcord seemed to offer a better solution.

Upon receiving the Otis Ripcord, the build quality was immediately apparent. The rubber core felt rigid and durable, and the braided Nomex surface had a reassuringly heat-resistant texture. Its compact size made it easily packable for range trips.

Compared to a traditional bore snake, like the Hoppe’s BoreSnake Shotgun Cleaner, the Otis Ripcord felt more robust and purposeful. The Hoppe’s relies on a weighted cord for gravity feed; the Ripcord’s rigid core promised more consistent cleaning. I also considered the Real Avid Bore Boss, another all-in-one cleaner, but I chose the Otis Ripcord for its breech-to-muzzle capability.

I was definitely excited to try the Otis Ripcord. The promise of faster, easier cleaning with heat resistance to allow for cleaning at the range appealed to the busy shooter in me. Initial impressions suggested a well-designed and durable product capable of delivering on its promises.

Real-World Testing: Putting Otis Ripcord 12 Gauge Shotgun 8-32 Nomex/Rubber 45″ Long to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Otis Ripcord at my local shooting range after a morning of clay shooting. The temperature was moderate, around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and the shotgun barrels were warm from use, but not excessively hot. Running the Otis Ripcord through my 12-gauge over-under felt surprisingly easy.

The rigid core allowed me to push the cleaner through the bore with minimal resistance, eliminating the awkwardness of gravity-fed bore snakes. The 360-degree cleaning action felt effective, and the breech-to-muzzle design allowed me to clean away from my face. After the first pass, I noticed a significant amount of carbon fouling on the Ripcord, confirming its cleaning power.

Initially, I had no significant issues. The process was noticeably faster and cleaner than using traditional cleaning rods and patches. However, I did notice that some stubborn residue remained in the barrel after the first pass, suggesting that multiple passes, or the addition of a bore brush, might be necessary for a truly deep clean.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, cleaning my shotguns after each range session, the Otis Ripcord has held up remarkably well. There are no visible signs of wear or fraying on the Nomex surface, and the rubber core remains rigid and intact. The braided Nomex surface cleans up easily with a brush and solvent.

Durability has been impressive. I’ve cleaned both my over-under and my semi-automatic shotgun multiple times, and the Ripcord shows no signs of weakening or degrading. Maintenance is simple: a quick wipe down with a solvent-soaked rag after each use keeps it clean and ready for the next session.

Compared to my previous cleaning routine, which involved a multi-piece cleaning rod, brushes, and patches, the Otis Ripcord is a significant improvement in terms of convenience and speed. While it may not completely replace the need for a more thorough cleaning with brushes and solvent occasionally, it serves as an excellent quick-cleaning tool for regular maintenance, definitely outperforming my older methods.

Breaking Down the Features of Otis Ripcord 12 Gauge Shotgun 8-32 Nomex/Rubber 45″ Long

Specifications

The Otis Ripcord 12 Gauge Shotgun 8-32 Nomex/Rubber 45″ Long features a rigid, helix-shaped rubber core that maintains constant pressure against the bore. It utilizes a braided Nomex surface designed to withstand temperatures up to 700 degrees Fahrenheit. Its length is 45 inches, suitable for most standard shotguns.

The Ripcord is designed for one-pass cleaning from breech-to-muzzle. It has 8-32 threaded ends compatible with limited breech cleaning components from Otis. These specifications translate directly into ease of use and cleaning efficiency.

The heat resistance of the Nomex allows for cleaning warm barrels at the range, a huge advantage for maintaining peak performance. The threaded end enhances versatility by allowing the addition of bore brushes for a more aggressive clean. The rigid core design helps maintain even pressure during cleaning for a comprehensive clean.

Performance & Functionality

The Otis Ripcord excels at providing a quick and easy clean, removing loose carbon fouling and debris. Its breech-to-muzzle design prevents debris from entering the action, unlike traditional muzzle-to-breech cleaning methods. It’s easy to use, requiring no special tools or training.

One minor weakness is that it may not remove heavy carbon buildup on its own, especially in areas like forcing cones. For deeply embedded fouling, a separate brush might be needed. The Ripcord definitely meets expectations as a convenient, on-the-go cleaning tool.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Otis Ripcord is excellent. The Nomex material feels durable, and the rubber core is sturdy. The 45-inch length is sufficient for most shotguns.

Its user-friendly design requires no assembly or complicated steps. Simply thread the Ripcord through the breech, pull it through, and the shotgun is cleaner. The ergonomic design allows for easy gripping and pulling.

Durability & Maintenance

Given the quality of the materials and construction, the Otis Ripcord should last for a considerable time with proper care. The Nomex and rubber components are resistant to wear and tear from solvents and heat. Maintenance involves only occasional cleaning with solvent and a brush to remove accumulated fouling.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Otis Ripcord 12 Gauge Shotgun 8-32 Nomex/Rubber 45″ Long has limited customization options, primarily centered around its 8-32 threaded ends. These threads allow for attaching Otis’s compatible bore brushes for a more aggressive cleaning action. While not designed for extensive customization, the ability to add a bore brush enhances its functionality.

It is designed to work with Otis’s cleaning system components, such as their bore brushes and solvent. However, the standard 8-32 thread also makes it compatible with many aftermarket brushes designed for firearms cleaning. The lack of more extensive customization is not a significant drawback given its intended purpose as a quick, one-pass cleaning solution.

Pros and Cons of Otis Ripcord 12 Gauge Shotgun 8-32 Nomex/Rubber 45″ Long