The Otis Ripcord 20 Gauge Shotgun 8-32 Nomex/Rubber 45″ Long Made a Bold First Impression
As a seasoned outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’ve cleaned my fair share of firearms. The promise of a one-pass cleaning solution always piques my interest, and the Otis Ripcord 20 Gauge Shotgun 8-32 Nomex/Rubber 45″ Long certainly made a bold claim.
Years of experience taught me that shotgun cleaning, while essential, can be a tedious chore. My quest for efficiency and thoroughness led me to explore the Otis Ripcord, hoping to streamline the process and maintain peak performance of my shotguns. The packaging was simple, reflecting the no-nonsense approach I expected from Otis.
The Ripcord’s design immediately stood out, with its rigid, helix-shaped rubber core wrapped in braided Nomex. Its lightweight construction felt promising. I picked the Otis Ripcord over traditional cleaning rods and bore snakes primarily for its advertised breech-to-muzzle cleaning capability and heat resistance, unlike a standard bore snake.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The design seemed innovative, and I was eager to see if the Otis Ripcord could live up to its promise of fast, effective cleaning without the hassle.
Real-World Testing: Putting Otis Ripcord 20 Gauge Shotgun 8-32 Nomex/Rubber 45″ Long to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial test took place at the shooting range after a morning of clay pigeon shooting with my trusty 20-gauge. The conditions were relatively dry, with a slight breeze. I wanted to assess how well the Ripcord performed on a moderately fouled barrel.
The easy-feed design made initial insertion from the breech smooth. However, I needed to exert a bit more force than anticipated to pull it through the 45″ barrel of my shotgun. The Ripcord seemed to collect a decent amount of residue on its first pass, but some stubborn carbon fouling remained near the choke.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, cleaning my shotgun after each range visit, the Otis Ripcord has proven to be a reasonably reliable tool. I’ve noticed some fraying of the Nomex material over time, especially near the threaded end. Maintenance is straightforward: I simply wipe down the Ripcord with a clean cloth after each use and occasionally wash it with mild soap and water.
Compared to using a traditional cleaning rod with patches, the Otis Ripcord offers a faster, more convenient cleaning process. But I still found myself occasionally needing to use a bore brush for a more thorough clean, particularly after using cheaper, dirtier ammunition.
Breaking Down the Features of Otis Ripcord 20 Gauge Shotgun 8-32 Nomex/Rubber 45″ Long
Specifications
The Otis Ripcord 20 Gauge Shotgun 8-32 Nomex/Rubber 45″ Long is specifically designed for 20-gauge shotguns. Its 45-inch length is suitable for most standard shotgun barrel lengths.
- Nomex Construction: The braided Nomex surface is heat-resistant, capable of withstanding temperatures up to 700 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Rubber Core: The rigid, helix-shaped rubber core provides 360-degree cleaning and ensures the cleaning surface remains pressed against the bore.
- 8-32 Threaded Ends: The threaded ends allow for attachment of Otis limited breech cleaning components, such as bore brushes.
- Breech-to-Muzzle Cleaning: Designed for one-pass cleaning from the breech to the muzzle.
These specifications contribute to the Ripcord’s ability to clean a hot barrel immediately after use, making it convenient for range sessions. The threaded ends offer versatility by allowing for the attachment of additional cleaning tools.
Performance & Functionality
The Otis Ripcord performs adequately for light to moderate cleaning. It effectively removes loose powder residue and some fouling, but it struggles with heavily fouled barrels or stubborn carbon deposits. The Ripcord excels in its ease of use and speed.
The strength lies in its quick, one-pass cleaning capability, ideal for maintaining a firearm in the field. A notable weakness is its inability to fully replace a traditional cleaning rod and brush for a comprehensive cleaning. The Otis Ripcord met my expectations for convenience, but slightly underperformed in thoroughness.
Design & Ergonomics
The Ripcord’s design is simple and functional. The rigid rubber core provides a solid cleaning platform, while the Nomex material offers heat resistance and effective residue removal. The lightweight design makes it easy to carry and use in the field.
The design is quite user-friendly, with virtually no learning curve. Insertion and pulling it through the barrel is straightforward.
Durability & Maintenance
The Otis Ripcord is reasonably durable, but the Nomex material is susceptible to fraying with repeated use, particularly if exposed to harsh solvents. Proper maintenance, including regular cleaning and avoiding excessive force, can extend its lifespan. Replacement will likely be necessary after a year or two of regular use.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only basic cleaning with soap and water.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Otis Ripcord itself does not come with any included accessories beyond the Ripcord unit. The 8-32 threaded ends allow for compatibility with Otis breech cleaning components, such as bore brushes and jags. While no significant customization is possible, the ability to add a bore brush enhances its cleaning power.
Pros and Cons of Otis Ripcord 20 Gauge Shotgun 8-32 Nomex/Rubber 45″ Long
Pros
- Easy and quick one-pass cleaning.
- Heat-resistant Nomex material allows for cleaning a hot barrel.
- Lightweight and portable for field use.
- Breech-to-muzzle cleaning eliminates the need for gravity feed.
- Affordable price point.
Cons
- Not as effective as a traditional cleaning rod and brush for heavy fouling.
- Nomex material can fray with repeated use.
- Requires some force to pull through the barrel.
Who Should Buy Otis Ripcord 20 Gauge Shotgun 8-32 Nomex/Rubber 45″ Long?
The Otis Ripcord is perfect for hunters and recreational shooters seeking a quick and convenient cleaning solution for their 20-gauge shotguns. It is also well-suited for individuals who need to clean their firearms at the range immediately after use.
This product might not be ideal for shooters who prioritize absolute cleanliness above all else, or those who frequently use ammunition that leaves heavy fouling. Those shooters should stick to traditional cleaning methods, or use the Ripcord in conjunction with a traditional bore brush.
A must-have accessory would be an Otis 20-gauge bore brush attachment for more thorough cleaning.
Conclusion on Otis Ripcord 20 Gauge Shotgun 8-32 Nomex/Rubber 45″ Long
The Otis Ripcord 20 Gauge Shotgun 8-32 Nomex/Rubber 45″ Long offers a convenient and relatively effective cleaning solution for 20-gauge shotguns. Its heat-resistant Nomex material and breech-to-muzzle design make it ideal for quick cleaning sessions at the range or in the field.
At a price of $13.49, the Otis Ripcord provides good value for its convenience and portability. While it doesn’t completely replace a traditional cleaning rod and brush for heavily fouled barrels, it’s a worthwhile addition to any shotgun owner’s cleaning kit.
I would recommend the Otis Ripcord to anyone seeking a fast and easy way to maintain their 20-gauge shotgun. Try it out for yourself and experience the convenience of one-pass cleaning!