Tetra Gun Carbon Cleaner Review

First Impressions of Tetra Gun Carbon Cleaner

Carbon fouling. Every firearm owner’s nemesis. For over a decade, I’ve battled carbon buildup in everything from finely-tuned competition pistols to my trusty hunting rifles. When I first saw the Tetra Gun Carbon Cleaner, marketed as an advanced foaming bore solvent, my skepticism was high, but my curiosity piqued.

The Tetra Gun Carbon Cleaner, manufactured by Tetra Gun, promises to quickly remove carbon buildup and powder fouling. The inclusion of a rust inhibitor, especially in an ammonia-free formula, caught my eye. I needed a solution that was effective but gentle on my firearms’ finishes.

Upon receiving the small, 2 oz bottle, my first thought was, “That’s it?” The size seemed almost comical compared to the large aerosol cans of bore cleaner I usually buy. However, I was hopeful that its foaming action would provide ample coverage inside a bore, as promised.

Compared to Hoppe’s No. 9, which is a traditional solvent, or even some of the newer, citrus-based cleaners, Tetra Gun Carbon Cleaner‘s compact size and foaming action felt like a different approach. I chose it over a larger bottle of solvent because of the claim of advanced rust inhibition and its suitability for black powder firearms. My black powder rifle often sits for extended periods between uses.

My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. I was eager to see if this small bottle could live up to its claims.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Tetra Gun Carbon Cleaner to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test of the Tetra Gun Carbon Cleaner was on a .223 AR-15 that had seen a few hundred rounds at an outdoor range. Conditions were dry and slightly dusty, typical for a summer day in the high desert. I followed the instructions, applying the foam into the bore and letting it sit for about 15 minutes.

The foam expanded nicely, filling the bore completely. It seemed to penetrate well into the tighter areas around the gas port. After the allotted time, pushing a bore brush through the barrel revealed a surprisingly large amount of carbon residue being scrubbed loose.

There were no immediate issues or surprises, and I was pleased with the ease of application. The Tetra Gun Carbon Cleaner seemed promising after its initial use.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of using the Tetra Gun Carbon Cleaner on various firearms, including pistols, rifles, and even a black powder muzzleloader, it has held up remarkably well. I have noted that while it excels at carbon removal, heavy copper fouling still requires a dedicated copper solvent for complete cleaning.

The Durability aspect seems good, as the bottle is sturdy, and the foam dispenser hasn’t clogged, even after multiple uses. Maintenance & care is simple; just ensure the nozzle is clear after each use, and the cap is on tight. It outperforms some of the older solvent-based cleaners in terms of ease of application and its ammonia-free formula.

My previous experiences with ammonia-based cleaners often involved a strong smell and concerns about damaging blued finishes. The Tetra Gun Carbon Cleaner offers a gentler, more user-friendly experience.

Breaking Down the Features of Tetra Gun Carbon Cleaner

Specifications

The Tetra Gun Carbon Cleaner is a foaming bore solvent designed for quick removal of carbon buildup and powder fouling. It comes in a 2 oz bottle. Tetra Gun formulates it to be ammonia-free.

The formula includes an advanced rust inhibitor. These specifications matter because they address two key concerns of firearm owners: effective cleaning and protection against corrosion. The small size is ideal for range bags or cleaning kits.

Performance & Functionality

The Tetra Gun Carbon Cleaner performs admirably in removing carbon fouling, especially from semi-automatic firearms that tend to accumulate carbon quickly. Its foaming action ensures complete coverage. It excels at loosening stubborn carbon deposits, making bore cleaning easier and faster.

While it may not be a one-stop solution for all types of fouling (copper being a notable exception), its effectiveness on carbon and powder residue is undeniable. It meets expectations for a specialized carbon cleaner, especially for those sensitive to ammonia-based products.

Design & Ergonomics

The small bottle design of the Tetra Gun Carbon Cleaner makes it incredibly portable. The application nozzle is well-designed and dispenses the foam evenly and controllably. The material used for the bottle is durable and resistant to solvents.

The lack of harsh odors and the ease of application make it very user-friendly. There’s practically no learning curve involved; simply spray it into the bore and let it work.

Durability & Maintenance

The shelf life of the Tetra Gun Carbon Cleaner seems to be quite long. The bottle itself is durable. Maintenance is minimal; just wipe the nozzle after use and store it properly.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Tetra Gun Carbon Cleaner does not require any specific accessories for its use. It is compatible with standard bore brushes, jags, and cleaning rods. It pairs well with other bore cleaning products for a complete firearm maintenance regimen.

Pros and Cons of Tetra Gun Carbon Cleaner