First Thoughts on the Shooters Choice MC 7 Bore Cleaner and Conditioner 4 oz Bottle
In the world of firearm maintenance, a reliable bore cleaner is as essential as ammunition itself. The Shooters Choice MC 7 Bore Cleaner and Conditioner 4 oz Bottle promises to be a one-stop solution for cleaning, maintaining, and conditioning firearms. Shooters Choice claims this solvent is safe, quick, and easy to use on handguns, rifles, and shotguns, making it a contender for a staple in any shooter’s cleaning kit. My decade-plus in the tactical gear and outdoors industry has taught me to be skeptical until proven otherwise.
I was initially drawn to this product because I was looking for a single solvent that could handle the varied needs of my personal armory. Between black powder fouling from my muzzleloader, copper buildup in my precision rifle, and lead residue from my handguns, cleaning could feel like a full-time job. The promise of a single solution was undeniably appealing.
Upon receiving the Shooters Choice MC 7 Bore Cleaner and Conditioner 4 oz Bottle, my first impression was mixed. The bottle itself is small and compact, easy to store in a range bag. The liquid solvent had a distinct, almost medicinal smell, which wasn’t necessarily off-putting, but definitely noticeable. Compared to other bore cleaners I’ve used, like Hoppe’s No. 9 (a classic) and Bore Tech Copper Remover, the Shooters Choice product seemed less specialized, aiming for a more universal approach. The Bore Tech product is great for copper, but it’s not an all-in-one solution. I chose this one because I needed a quick and easy solution and to see if it delivered on the “one-step” promise.
Honestly, I was cautiously optimistic. The “cleaner and conditioner” claim seemed ambitious. Would it truly remove all types of fouling, and would it leave the bore conditioned without damaging it? The initial feel was that of a product trying to be everything to everyone, but I was ready to put it through its paces.
Real-World Testing: Putting Shooters Choice MC 7 Bore Cleaner and Conditioner 4 oz Bottle to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Shooters Choice MC 7 Bore Cleaner and Conditioner 4 oz Bottle took place at my local shooting range, immediately after a morning of putting rounds downrange with my AR-15 and Glock 19. This allowed me to test it on both copper and powder fouling. I applied the solvent to a bore brush and ran it through the barrels of both firearms several times, followed by patches.
The immediate result was decent. The patches came out black with carbon fouling. I repeated the process several times until the patches came out relatively clean. In comparison to dedicated copper solvents, the Shooters Choice cleaner required more scrubbing and several applications to achieve similar results on the AR-15. However, it performed admirably on the Glock, effectively removing lead residue. The ease of use was indeed a positive – no complex mixing or prolonged soaking required. I was a little surprised that my hands didn’t feel dry or irritated after using it.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Shooters Choice MC 7 Bore Cleaner and Conditioner 4 oz Bottle after each range visit, I have a clearer picture of its performance and reliability. The solvent has held up well, showing no signs of degradation. It consistently removes carbon fouling and lead residue from my firearms.
As for durability, I noticed that the metal components of my firearms (especially the Glock) seemed to have a slight sheen after cleaning. I can’t confirm that the “conditioning” aspect of the cleaner had a protective effect, but the metal certainly looked well-maintained. Maintaining a clean firearm is essential to its longevity and reliability.
The Shooters Choice product is remarkably easy to clean up; a simple wipe-down with a cloth is usually sufficient. Compared to some of the more aggressive solvents I’ve used, it’s far less harsh on my skin and doesn’t leave a lingering odor. It’s not the most powerful cleaner I’ve used, but its ease of use and decent performance make it a practical choice for regular maintenance. In the end, I’ve come to appreciate the product more than I expected.
Breaking Down the Features of Shooters Choice MC 7 Bore Cleaner and Conditioner 4 oz Bottle
Specifications
- Type: Bore Cleaner. This indicates its primary function is cleaning the inside of a firearm barrel.
- Size: 4 oz. The compact size is convenient for storage and portability.
- Quantity: 1. Each purchase includes a single 4 oz bottle.
- Non-Abrasive: This is important as abrasive cleaners can damage the bore over time.
- Safe on Bore Surface: This assures users that the product is formulated to be safe for firearm barrels.
- Removes All Types of Fouling: The product aims to remove carbon, lead, and copper fouling.
These specifications matter because they define the Shooters Choice MC 7 Bore Cleaner and Conditioner 4 oz Bottle as a universal cleaner. Its non-abrasive formula ensures the longevity of the firearm barrel, while the claim of removing all types of fouling suggests efficiency and convenience. The 4 oz size is also a practical consideration, offering enough product for multiple cleaning sessions without being excessively bulky.
Performance & Functionality
The Shooters Choice MC 7 Bore Cleaner and Conditioner 4 oz Bottle performs its job adequately, though not exceptionally. It excels at removing carbon fouling and lead residue. However, it falls slightly short when dealing with heavy copper buildup, requiring more applications and scrubbing compared to dedicated copper solvents.
The strength of this product is its usability; it is straightforward to apply and doesn’t require any special tools or procedures. A weakness, though, is its limited effectiveness on stubborn copper fouling. Overall, it meets expectations as a general-purpose bore cleaner but doesn’t exceed them.
Design & Ergonomics
The Shooters Choice MC 7 Bore Cleaner and Conditioner 4 oz Bottle is designed for practicality. The small bottle is easy to handle and store.
The solvent is a thin liquid, making it easy to apply with a bore brush or patches. There’s no learning curve associated with its use, making it user-friendly for both experienced shooters and beginners.
Durability & Maintenance
The Shooters Choice MC 7 Bore Cleaner and Conditioner 4 oz Bottle should last a reasonable amount of time with proper storage. As it is a chemical solution, it’s recommended to keep the bottle sealed tightly and away from extreme temperatures.
Maintenance is not really applicable to this product. You can simply dispose of the bottle when empty.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Shooters Choice MC 7 Bore Cleaner and Conditioner 4 oz Bottle doesn’t come with accessories, as it’s a stand-alone product. Its effectiveness can be enhanced by using quality bore brushes and patches of appropriate sizes for the firearm being cleaned.
The product is compatible with firearms of various calibers and types, but users may need to use specialized brushes and jags for specific firearms. A quality bore snake can also be used, instead of the brush and patches.
Pros and Cons of Shooters Choice MC 7 Bore Cleaner and Conditioner 4 oz Bottle
Pros
- Convenient one-step solution for cleaning, maintaining, and conditioning firearms.
- Effective at removing carbon fouling and lead residue, making it suitable for routine maintenance.
- Non-abrasive formula is safe for all bore surfaces, prolonging the life of the firearm barrel.
- Easy to use with no complicated procedures or tools required.
- Mild odor compared to harsher solvents.
Cons
- Not as effective as dedicated copper solvents on heavy copper fouling.
- The 4 oz bottle may not last long with frequent use.
- Reports of leaky bottles during shipping are concerning.
Who Should Buy Shooters Choice MC 7 Bore Cleaner and Conditioner 4 oz Bottle?
The Shooters Choice MC 7 Bore Cleaner and Conditioner 4 oz Bottle is perfect for:
- Casual shooters who want a simple and effective all-in-one cleaning solution.
- Firearm owners who prioritize ease of use and safety over maximum cleaning power.
- Hunters or outdoor enthusiasts who need a compact bore cleaner for field maintenance.
Who should skip this product?
- Competitive shooters or precision rifle enthusiasts who require maximum copper removal.
- Anyone dealing with severe fouling or neglected firearms.
Must-have accessories or modifications?
- A high-quality bore brush and patch set.
- A good gun cleaning mat to protect surfaces.
Conclusion on Shooters Choice MC 7 Bore Cleaner and Conditioner 4 oz Bottle
The Shooters Choice MC 7 Bore Cleaner and Conditioner 4 oz Bottle is a solid choice for shooters seeking a convenient and safe all-in-one cleaning solution. While it may not outperform specialized solvents on heavy copper fouling, it excels in routine maintenance, making it ideal for casual shooters and hunters.
At $8.99, the price is justified given its ease of use and decent cleaning performance. While the leaking bottle issue is something to be mindful of, if you receive one that is not damaged, I would personally recommend the Shooters Choice MC 7 Bore Cleaner and Conditioner 4 oz Bottle. It’s a reliable, no-nonsense bore cleaner that gets the job done efficiently.