The Shooters Choice Firearm Degreaser Made a Bold First Impression
I’ve spent years battling the relentless buildup of carbon, grease, and gunk in firearms, from meticulously cleaning my grandfather’s old hunting rifle to maintaining modern tactical weapons. The constant search for the ultimate cleaning solution has led me through countless products, each promising a miracle cure for firearm fouling. Shooters Choice Firearm Degreaser, a name synonymous with quality gun care, boldly entered this arena, piquing my curiosity.
What drove me to Shooters Choice Firearm Degreaser? I needed a safe and effective degreaser for my AR-15, which sees a lot of range time and accumulates carbon fouling quickly. The Shooters Choice promise of polymer safety was especially attractive, as I didn’t want to risk damaging the rifle’s furniture. Upon receiving the can, I immediately noticed its no-nonsense packaging – a clear indication that the Manufacturer, Shooters Choice, prioritizes performance over flashy marketing. The weight felt right, not too light and not too heavy, suggesting a substantial amount of product.
Compared to other degreasers I’ve used, like Hoppe’s No. 9 or CLP Break-Free, Shooters Choice Firearm Degreaser distinguished itself with the polymer-safe claim and a reputation for dissolving carbon fouling, where others may require excessive scrubbing. My initial thought was, “Can this really live up to the hype?” I was cautiously optimistic, eager to witness firsthand the cleaning prowess promised by Shooters Choice.
Real-World Testing: Putting Shooters Choice Firearm Degreaser to the Test
First Use Experience
My first encounter with Shooters Choice Firearm Degreaser took place at my home workbench after a particularly grueling range day. My AR-15 was coated in carbon residue and unburnt powder. I applied the degreaser liberally to the bolt carrier group, the upper receiver, and other heavily fouled areas. The product sprayed evenly and emitted a mild, solvent-like odor, not overpowering like some other cleaners.
The degreaser worked surprisingly quickly, dissolving the carbon deposits with minimal effort. Even stubborn carbon buildup around the gas rings softened rapidly, allowing me to wipe it away with a rag. In terms of ease of use, Shooters Choice Firearm Degreaser required no special techniques or prolonged soaking times. It simply worked.
However, my first use revealed that while excellent at degreasing, it did leave a very dry surface. Immediate lubrication was needed to prevent possible corrosion.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, Shooters Choice Firearm Degreaser has become a staple in my gun cleaning routine. It consistently removes carbon fouling, grease, and grime without any noticeable degradation of my firearms’ finishes or polymer components. There are no signs of wear or damage to my guns due to using the cleaner. Maintenance is simple, requiring only a quick spray, some dwell time, and a thorough wipe down.
Compared to previous degreasers, Shooters Choice undoubtedly performs better regarding polymer safety and carbon removal speed. It’s less aggressive than some industrial solvents, but far more effective than milder, general-purpose cleaners. The need for immediate lubrication following the degreasing process is still a must.
Breaking Down the Features of Shooters Choice Firearm Degreaser
Specifications
The Shooters Choice Firearm Degreaser is a solvent-based cleaner specifically designed for firearms and sporting equipment. The product claims to remove: dirt, oil, grease, grime, powder, fouling, and soft carbon. It is marketed as polymer safe, meaning it is harmless to polymers, plastics, and camouflage finishes commonly found on modern firearms. It can be used on conventional firearms and black powder firearms, as well as fishing tackle and sporting equipment.
These specifications are crucial because they address the primary concerns of gun owners: effective cleaning without damaging the firearm. Polymer safety is paramount for modern firearms. Effective carbon removal saves time and effort.
Performance & Functionality
Shooters Choice Firearm Degreaser excels at removing fouling and grease from firearms. The degreaser’s ability to quickly dissolve carbon deposits is particularly noteworthy, significantly reducing cleaning time. It effectively cleans tight spaces and intricate parts, ensuring thorough fouling removal.
However, the product can leave a dry surface and offers no lubricating properties, requiring a follow-up lubrication step. Despite this minor inconvenience, Shooters Choice Firearm Degreaser meets expectations for a dedicated firearm degreaser.
Design & Ergonomics
The Shooters Choice Firearm Degreaser is packaged in a standard aerosol can, making it easy to apply directly to the affected areas. The spray nozzle provides a consistent and even application. The can is lightweight and easy to handle, even with gloved hands.
There is no significant learning curve associated with using the product. Anyone familiar with aerosol cleaners can easily use Shooters Choice Firearm Degreaser.
Durability & Maintenance
The longevity of Shooters Choice Firearm Degreaser depends on usage frequency, but a single can should last a reasonable amount of time with regular firearm maintenance. The product itself requires no maintenance or repair. As long as the can is stored properly (away from extreme heat and direct sunlight), it should remain effective for a long time.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Shooters Choice Firearm Degreaser does not come with any specific accessories. It is compatible with most standard gun cleaning tools, such as brushes, patches, and cleaning rods. There are no customization options available for the degreaser itself. Because it is non-reactive with most metal and polymer finishes, it is compatible with most accessories used on firearms.
Pros and Cons of Shooters Choice Firearm Degreaser
Pros
- Effective degreasing: Quickly dissolves carbon, oil, and grime.
- Polymer safe: Will not damage polymer components or finishes.
- Versatile: Suitable for conventional firearms, black powder firearms, fishing tackle, and sporting equipment.
- Easy to use: Simple spray-on application with no special tools required.
- Reduces cleaning time: Speeds up the firearm cleaning process.
Cons
- Leaves a dry surface: Requires immediate lubrication after use.
- Strong solvent odor: May require adequate ventilation.
Who Should Buy Shooters Choice Firearm Degreaser?
Pros
- Effective degreasing: Quickly dissolves carbon, oil, and grime.
- Polymer safe: Will not damage polymer components or finishes.
- Versatile: Suitable for conventional firearms, black powder firearms, fishing tackle, and sporting equipment.
- Easy to use: Simple spray-on application with no special tools required.
- Reduces cleaning time: Speeds up the firearm cleaning process.
Cons
- Leaves a dry surface: Requires immediate lubrication after use.
- Strong solvent odor: May require adequate ventilation.
Shooters Choice Firearm Degreaser is perfect for firearm enthusiasts, competitive shooters, law enforcement officers, and anyone who regularly cleans and maintains their firearms. Anyone who values polymer safe cleaning products should purchase this item. Those who prioritize all-in-one cleaning and lubrication solutions should skip this product. A quality gun oil is a must-have accessory to use with this degreaser.
Conclusion on Shooters Choice Firearm Degreaser
Shooters Choice Firearm Degreaser delivers on its promise of effective and safe firearm cleaning. Its ability to dissolve carbon fouling quickly and without damaging polymer components is a significant advantage. The price of $9.49 is justified, considering the product’s performance and polymer safety.
I wholeheartedly recommend Shooters Choice Firearm Degreaser to anyone seeking a reliable and effective degreaser for their firearms. Ditch the harsh chemicals and unreliable cleaners and invest in Shooters Choice for a cleaner, better-maintained firearm.