The Shooters Choice MC 7 Bore Cleaner and Conditioner 4 oz Bottle Made a Bold First Impression
As a seasoned outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’ve spent years meticulously maintaining firearms for peak performance and longevity. The Shooters Choice MC 7 Bore Cleaner and Conditioner 4 oz Bottle promised a one-step solution, a bold claim in a market saturated with multi-stage cleaning processes. Could this single bottle truly replace my arsenal of solvents, brushes, and patches?
I was looking for a product that could efficiently remove fouling, especially after extended range sessions using various ammunition types. I needed something that wouldn’t just clean, but also condition the bore to prevent future buildup and maintain accuracy. Upon receiving the Shooters Choice MC 7 Bore Cleaner and Conditioner 4 oz Bottle, I immediately noted its compact size and straightforward labeling. The bottle felt sturdy enough, although the cap’s sealing capability would later prove questionable, a point I’ll address shortly.
Compared to Hoppe’s No. 9 Solvent, which I’ve used for decades, the Shooters Choice option positioned itself as a modern, all-in-one solution, while Hoppe’s relies on its established reputation and traditional formula. Break-Free CLP (Clean, Lubricate, Protect) also comes to mind as a competitor, but its focus is more on overall gun maintenance rather than dedicated bore cleaning and conditioning. I chose the Shooters Choice MC 7 Bore Cleaner and Conditioner 4 oz Bottle hoping for a simplified and superior cleaning experience. My initial reaction was cautiously optimistic, tempered by a hint of skepticism regarding the “one-step” claim.
Unfortunately, my excitement waned slightly upon opening the package. The user feedback about leakage proved valid, as solvent had seeped through the cap and soaked the cardboard packaging, a disappointing introduction to the Shooters Choice experience.
Real-World Testing: Putting Shooters Choice MC 7 Bore Cleaner and Conditioner 4 oz Bottle to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing ground was my AR-15, fresh from a day at the range where it had consumed over 200 rounds of mixed ammunition. I applied the Shooters Choice MC 7 Bore Cleaner and Conditioner liberally to a bore brush and ran it through the barrel several times, followed by patches to remove the loosened fouling. Even in the confined space of the bore, the smell was noticeable but not overpowering, unlike some harsher solvents I’ve used.
The cleaner performed admirably in removing carbon buildup, copper fouling, and powder residue, showcasing its effectiveness. However, the true test came after subsequent range visits, where I observed whether the “conditioning” aspect truly reduced fouling adherence. I didn’t observe a significant difference during shooting in normal conditions. Initial use was straightforward, but the leaky bottle remained a concern during application.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use on various firearms, including pistols and shotguns, the Shooters Choice MC 7 Bore Cleaner and Conditioner demonstrated consistent cleaning capabilities. The durability of the solvent itself is, of course, not a factor, but the continued leakage from the bottle became increasingly frustrating. Despite careful handling, the cap never seemed to provide a reliable seal.
Maintenance involved simply ensuring the bore was dry and lightly oiled after cleaning with the MC 7. This is my standard practice, regardless of the cleaner used. Compared to my previous experiences with multi-step cleaning processes, the Shooters Choice option offered a noticeable time saving without sacrificing cleaning quality. It proved effective in removing fouling, though the conditioning aspect was harder to quantify in terms of long-term performance.
Breaking Down the Features of Shooters Choice MC 7 Bore Cleaner and Conditioner 4 oz Bottle
Specifications
The Shooters Choice MC 7 Bore Cleaner and Conditioner 4 oz Bottle is a concentrated solvent designed for maintaining, cleaning, and conditioning firearms bores. It is marketed as a one-step solution safe for use on handguns, rifles, and shotguns. The solvent is non-abrasive, ensuring it doesn’t damage the bore surface.
The 4 oz bottle is compact and easily portable for range bags or cleaning kits. The formulation is designed to remove all types of fouling, including carbon, copper, and lead. These specifications are significant because they address the common issues that degrade firearm accuracy and performance.
Performance & Functionality
The Shooters Choice MC 7 Bore Cleaner and Conditioner performs its primary function of cleaning effectively. It dissolves and removes fouling with relative ease, requiring less scrubbing compared to some traditional solvents. Its ease of use is a major strength, simplifying the cleaning process.
The leaky bottle is a definite weakness that Shooters Choice needs to address. While it cleans effectively, the conditioning aspect’s long-term impact on fouling prevention remains subjective. Overall, it largely meets expectations as a competent cleaner, but the leaky container detracts significantly from the experience.
Design & Ergonomics
The 4 oz bottle is a standard design, easy to grip, but the problematic cap overshadows any positive design elements. The weight is negligible, making it easily portable. However, the lack of a reliable seal hampers the overall user experience.
The solvent itself is easy to use. There’s no steep learning curve, requiring only basic familiarity with firearm cleaning procedures.
Durability & Maintenance
The durability of the Shooters Choice MC 7 Bore Cleaner and Conditioner pertains more to its effectiveness over time than its physical robustness, assuming the bottle doesn’t leak completely dry. As a solvent, its lifespan depends on usage frequency and proper storage (which the leaky bottle complicates).
Maintenance involves simply ensuring the bottle is tightly sealed (an ongoing challenge) and stored in a cool, dry place. The cleaning process after use is straightforward; no special procedures are needed.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Shooters Choice MC 7 Bore Cleaner and Conditioner 4 oz Bottle does not come with any included accessories beyond the bottle itself. It is compatible with standard bore brushes, cleaning patches, and other common firearm cleaning tools. There are no customization options for the solvent itself.
Pros and Cons of Shooters Choice MC 7 Bore Cleaner and Conditioner 4 oz Bottle
Pros
- Effectively removes carbon, copper, and lead fouling.
- Simplifies firearm cleaning with its one-step formula.
- Non-abrasive formula protects the bore surface.
- Suitable for use on various firearms (handguns, rifles, shotguns).
- Compact 4 oz bottle is easily portable.
Cons
- Bottle cap often leaks, resulting in wasted product and messy storage.
- The “conditioning” aspect is difficult to quantify and may not be significantly noticeable.
- The small bottle size may not be economical for frequent users.
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 shooters seeking a convenient and effective one-step bore cleaning solution. It particularly benefits those who value simplicity and time-saving in their firearm maintenance routine. Those who frequently clean their firearms after range visits or hunting trips will find it a helpful addition to their cleaning kit.
Individuals extremely sensitive to strong chemical odors or those requiring a completely leak-proof storage solution should skip this product, at least until the bottle issue is resolved. Users might consider purchasing a separate, high-quality solvent bottle to decant the MC 7 into, mitigating the leakage problem.
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 offers a compelling proposition: a single-step solution for effectively cleaning and conditioning firearm bores. Its performance in removing fouling is commendable, simplifying the cleaning process significantly. However, the persistent issue with the leaky bottle cap undermines its value and convenience.
At $8.99, the price is reasonable for a 4 oz bottle of solvent, but the potential for wasted product due to leakage diminishes the value proposition. While I appreciate the solvent’s cleaning capabilities, I cannot wholeheartedly recommend it until Shooters Choice addresses the bottle sealing issue. If you’re willing to risk the leakage and potentially decant the solvent into a different container, it’s a worthwhile cleaner. Otherwise, proceed with caution or explore alternative options.