The barrel of a gun is one of the most important parts. It requires frequent maintenance and inspection. A common phenomenon that affects gun bore is copper fouling. If left unattended, it can reduce the efficiency of your firearm.
Getting a good bore cleaner can solve this problem. Unfortunately, this is not an easy task as there are several varieties. In this buying guide, we’ll go over the best bore cleaners for copper fouling, how you can choose them, and answer your frequently asked questions.
What is Copper Fouling?
Copper fouling is usually a blue-green coloring that appears along the grooves of the barrel. Copper fouling is mostly caused by firing copper bullets. Hot gas from the burning powder leaves a thin layer of copper. This copper can eventually build up in the bore and affect accuracy.
The Best Bore Cleaner For Copper Fouling
- Overall Best Bore Cleaner for Copper Fouling: Hoppe’s No. 9 5 oz. Bottle Bench Rest Copper Gun Bore Cleaner
- Best Budget Copper Fouling Cleaner: Breakthrough 2 Oz Clean Technologies Copper Remover
- Best Ammonia-based Copper Fouling Cleaner: Pro-Shot 8 Oz Copper Solvent IV
- Best Copper Fouling Cleaner with Rust Protection: Bore Tech 4 oz Cu+2 Copper Remover
- Best Industrial Strength Bore Cleaner for Copper Fouling: Montana 50-BGM XTreme 6 Oz 7035 Copper Killer Solvent
1. Hoppe’s No. 9 5 oz. Bottle Bench Rest Copper Gun Bore Cleaner
Since 1903, Hoppe’s has been one of the sought-after gun bore cleaners. For years they’ve served individuals who rely on their firearms with efficiency and effectiveness. There are various features the Hoppe’s 9 has which makes them rank high on our list.
This product has specific chemicals which remove copper fouling by loosening them up. After using Hoppe’s 9, you might notice that copper takes more time to build up. This feature guarantees that there’s enough protection against wear and tear.
Unlike other gun bore cleaners that take up to three days to make a difference, Hoppe’s 9 effectively cleans copper fouling overnight. Using this product guarantees that firing pins and strikers are clean, which makes them move freely to prevent misfires.
Another incredible feature of this bore cleaner is that it contains no abrasives. This means that the product will not cause damage to your gun. This safety guarantee is one of the reasons Hoppe’s 9 makes the list of our best bore cleaners for copper fouling.
Although the product contains chemical elements, it does not smell bad. This feature makes cleaning easier and more suitable for everyone. When using this product, don’t forget to wear work gloves and make sure there is enough ventilation.
Also, you should neutralize with oil after cleaning. The solution contains some toxic chemicals, so it’s important to follow the safety guidelines from the manufacturer.
Pros
- Effective
- Works overnight
- Contains no abrasives
- Ammonia free
- Protection against wear and tear
- Doesn’t damage your gun
- Prevents lead and carbon build-up
Cons
- Toxic
2. Breakthrough 2 Oz Clean Technologies Copper Remover
It’s important to remove copper from your bore to maintain the velocity of your rounds. An easy way to achieve this is by using the Breakthrough Clean Technologies copper remover. This product has various features which make it a favorite.
This copper cleaner is universal for all types of bore steel. It doesn’t cause damage to your gun. This solution has ingredients that easily break down debris from the surface of your gun. You can also use this product with their military-grade solvent for a more thorough cleaning down to the bare steel.
Ensure that while you use the product, you let the solution sit for some time before wiping it off. You don’t have to worry about damaging your gun because it doesn’t contain toxic chemicals.
Using this copper cleaner regularly also reduces the build-up of carbon and copper.
This feature provides for less cleaning and it can be easily stored with your firearm accessories.
An important feature of the product is how you can use it without experiencing a foul odor or bad reaction. This product is non-carcinogenic and safe for you. It has an impressive feature of efficiency even with the smallest amount placed on the bore. This guarantees longevity.
This 100% synthetic bore cleaner is formulated to withstand extreme conditions. This means that the solution would not freeze or gum irrespective of the weather. It has a neutral pH, which means it wouldn’t damage the gun if it touches other surfaces. It’s 100% petroleum and doesn’t contain ammonia.
They also have an effective customer care service to help you if you have questions or are not satisfied with the product.
Pros
- Doesn’t have an obnoxious smell
- Universal for all steel types
- Doesn’t damage bore steel
- Works effectively
- Less toxic
- Doesn’t contain ammonia
- Free from toxic ingredients
- Safe for health
- Affordable
- No offensive odor
Cons
- Some customers say it needs oil to clean more effectively
3. Pro-Shot 8 Oz Copper Solvent IV
When it comes to products made in the USA, Pro Shot 8 oz Copper Solvent IV is a great choice. The product has special formulas that remove copper from fouling your bore.
This solvent cleaner doesn’t contain harsh chemicals that make it toxic to your health or the environment. Solvent IV is a new innovative formula expected to meet the needs of individuals who need them the most.
This ammonia-based copper fouling cleaner is known to be quite aggressive. Most users don’t mind the mild odor it produces. Ensure you clean outdoors for ventilation. Pro Shot is not only a remedy for copper fouling; it also tackles primer and powder fouling.
With this product, your gun is guaranteed efficiency-increasing rust protection. Make sure you use a wet patch with the liquid to clean your bore. If you don’t do this, the dry patch will stick and make cleaning difficult.
Pros
- Low odor
- Efficient
- Environment and health safe
- Doesn’t damage your bore
Cons
- Not very effective in removing carbon deposits
4. Bore Tech 4 oz Cu+2 Copper Remover
The Bore Tech Cu+2 copper fouling cleaner is an impressive product with quality features. This product uses an efficient two-step process to protect your bore from harmful elements. Cu+2 quickly oxidizes and breaks down copper fouling by reconstructing its electronic state.
The second step comes from the ingredients in the formula. These ingredients act as a magnet that attracts all the copper fouling from your bore. Bore Tech uses this technology to prevent saturation and promote effectiveness.
According to the manufacturer, the remover is designed for the continued, rapid, and total removal of copper fouling from your gun’s bore. This copper remover also has an impressive feature of short-term rust protection. This means after using it, your bore will be protected against corrosion for up to two weeks.
Cu+2 Copper Remover is 100% barrel safe and 100% ammonia free. As such, you don’t have to worry about damaging your firearm. Plus, there’s no awful odor from ammonia.
Pros
- Can be left on your bore to dry without damaging it
- Efficient
- No odor
- 100% ammonia free
- Barrel safe
- Two-step cleaning process technology
- Short-term rust protection
- Non-toxic
Cons
- It’s quite pricey
5. Montana 50-BGM XTreme 6-Oz 7035 Copper Killer Solvent
The Montana 50-BGM XTreme 6-Oz 7035 Copper Killer Solvent has a special formula that doesn’t contain chlorides, amines, or acids. This formulation provides that your barrel is safe and your health isn’t at risk while you use it. This copper killer is available in a 6-Oz bottle and guarantees long-lasting results.
This industrial-strength copper remover has the efficiency to strip off heavy copper fouling from your gun bore without causing damage.
You must note that this solvent has a strong odor. It can burn your nose for a long time. Make sure you don’t open the bottle in front of your face or inhale it. While working with this product, wear protective gear that protects your hands, eyes, and nose. Also, work in a well-ventilated area.
Pros
- Health and environmentally safe
- Works efficiently
- Doesn’t damage your firearm
- Doesn’t contain acids, chlorides, or amines
- Industrial strength copper remover
Cons
- It has a strong smell
How To Choose a Good Bore Cleaner
There are so many bore cleaners with different features and purposes. It’s easy to get lost when searching for the best bore cleaner for your gun. This guide will give you the important factors to consider to save you time and stress.
1. Type of Gun
The type of gun you have determines the solvent that’s best for you. If you have a small collection of similar guns, you can get an all-in-one cleaner. However, if your gun collection cuts across various types, it might be best to purchase a bore cleaner that suits your specific type of gun.
Your type of gun matters because some solvents aren’t harsh enough to remove copper from every surface. Some guns also accumulate copper faster than others.
2. Ingredients
The ingredients of the solvent are also a great indicator of whether it will be best for you. If you’re opposed to a toxic cleaner, Hoppe’s 9 wouldn’t be a good choice for you. Also, if you can’t stand the smell of ammonia, you might steer clear of Pro-Shot Copper Solvent IV.
3. Price
The cost of bore cleaners is another way you can choose one for your rifle. While most people will tell you to steer clear of expensive ones, we suggest you consider them. Usually, the higher the price, the more value it delivers. High-priced cleaners should produce quality results.
However, if there are cheaper cleaners that have the same features as expensive ones, you should go for the cheaper ones. Either way, you shouldn’t sacrifice quality for your budget. You shouldn’t compromise on your budget for a quality cleaner either.
4. Use
Another factor to consider when choosing a good bore cleaner for copper fouling is what you intend to use it for. If you need one that removes copper fouling, you should check if the product you choose does that.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the Copper Remover damage my rifle stock if it gets on it?
No, the Copper Remover won’t damage your rifle stock if it gets on it. More specifically, laminated, fiberglass, polymer, or polyurethane will not be damaged. However, it depends on the type of wood. This copper fouling removal might cause a blemish on an oiled wooden stock.
How often should I clean my gun?
Whether you should clean your gun after every use depends on how long you’ve used it. If you fired a few rounds, it might not be necessary to clean it. If it’s the opposite for you, cleaning your gun after every use isn’t a bad idea. Other factors like the type of firearm, ammo, and shooting conditions can also dictate how often you should clean your gun.
Do I need safety protection while using bore cleaners?
No, you don’t need safety protection while using bore cleaners. However, if the manufacturers instruct you to wear safety protections, you should do so.
Bore cleaners with ammonia often smell bad, so you should wear nose protection. It’s also best to work in a ventilated space. Make sure you always wear gloves and clothing that covers your body. Dissolved carbon can be absorbed through the skin.
Is ammonia harmful to my gun bore?
No, ammonia is not harmful to your bore. You should still be mindful when using an ammonia-based solvent. Completely remove the ammonia-based solvent from your bor once you’re done cleaning. Otherwise, they will cut through the barrel steel and cause lasting damage.
Conclusion
In summary, always be on the lookout for the features and quality of bore cleaners before buying them. The list we’ve compiled in this article for the best bore cleaner for copper fouling cuts across various needs of individuals giving you a variety of choices.
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