10 Best Rifle Bore Cleaners Reviewed in 2024 & Best Rifle Bore Cleaner Buying Guide

Even for a short period of shooting your rifle, you can already notice residue and fouling deposits on its bore. At the same time, you will also experience a consistent decrease in its accuracy and performance. In particular, the longer time you shoot, the more contaminants you need to clean out your rifle bore. For this significant reason, you need to have the best rifle bore cleaner you can depend on to secure your rifle’s optimal performance and best condition. 

Of course, other than using the best rifle bore cleaner, you also need to have a rifle cleaning kit or bore snake for excellent bore cleaning results. Since bore cleaners are part of the basic cleaning supplies, you must be careful and strict in choosing the best rifle bore cleaner that can work to meet all your demands and needs for rifle bore cleaning. 

Searching through different stores will let you realize how it can be daunting and overwhelming to see countless options. But why do you need to choose that when you can already get started with the best rifle bore cleaners listed here? Certainly, it is more practical to explore what’s on the list here and find out what will benefit you the most. Regardless of your unique standards, you can see the one worth trying. 

But before completely diving in with the best rifle bore cleaners list, let’s first discover their importance. So, don’t move elsewhere and just continue reading to know more. 

Importance of Rifle Bore Cleaners

At first glance, rifle bore cleaners might not be too important. Yet, they can either make or break your rifle. If you love to regularly go to a shooting range with your rifle, rifle bore cleaners are highly necessary for you. Their primary purpose is to ensure that there will be no fouling, residue and other contaminants deposits on your rifle bore. By that, your rifle can work safely and perform as excellently as you like. 

Regardless of the cleaner types, you can surely depend on their power to eliminate contaminants deposits on your bore rifle. With that being said, using the best rifle bore cleaner is a simple yet highly significant way you can do to keep your rifle working and extend its lifespan. 

Since there are different types of rifle bore cleaners, you can come across some cleaners formulated to work on multiple purposes at one use. In particular, they act as a cleaner and also provide a dependable protective coating to your rifle that will block away moisture build-up to prevent rust and corrosion. Thus, helping your rifle preserve its excellent longevity. All in all, the whole idea of rifle bore cleaners is to help you clean your rifle to work in its best condition. 

Moreover, there are also four kinds of bore cleaners that you can discover: foaming, liquid, aerosol spray, and CLP. The foaming cleaners are highly ideal because of their easy and unmessy application. Meanwhile, liquid cleaners can be messy, yet they are powerful in removing residue and fouling. However, they can leave a messy grease when you use too much of them.

On the flip side, aerosol spray cleaners are also great in eliminating different residue and fouling, but they can get all over your rifle when used. Finally, CLP cleaners are formulated to work on different purposes: clean, lubricate, and protect. Of course, you need to find what suits you the best out of all the different types. 

10 Best Rifle Bore Cleaners

Lucky you; your search is over because the best rifle bore cleaners are here. They are best because they truly stand out among the other bore cleaners, thanks to their excellent formulation, powerful effect, and overall quality that will only clean your rifle without any risk of harm. Thankfully, you can explore them below. Surely, some brands will be familiar due to their high popularity. So, without further ado, let’s get started.

1. Hoppe’s 904 No. 9 Gun Bore Cleaner

We are starting the list with an impressively popular and widely used cleaner. It is none other than Hoppe’s 904 No. 9 Gun Bore Cleaner. What’s greatly amazing with this all bore cleaner is that it is among the best bore cleaners excellently formulated decades ago. In short, it is an old-fashioned solvent formula that no one must underestimate. In fact, one of its most prominent advantages is that countless gun owners have already tested its effectiveness. 

Since Hoppe’s 904 No. 9 Gun Bore Cleaner is still highly famous and favored up to today’s time, it is safe to say that it has been recognized as one of the fan-favorite bore cleaners. As already mentioned, it is suitable for all bore cleaning. With that being said, you have nothing to worry about as it fits as a reliable rifle bore cleaner. Basically, it can work perfectly on cleaning several firearms, such as revolvers, pistols, rifles, and shotguns.

Moreover, Hoppe’s bore cleaner also stands out among the other options out there because it provides a thorough and deep cleaner in a quick time. So, you won’t have to feel burdened cleaning your rifle bore regularly. You can solve your problems with unwanted powder, primer, carbon, metal, and lead fouling by using it. At the same time, you can even eliminate the frustrating rust build-up on your rifle bore. That’s how powerful Hoppe’s 904 No. 9 Gun Bore Cleaner can be— it will be amazing to use it, right? Well, that’s for sure. 

Despite being powerful, it is not formulated with harmful chemicals that endanger your health. Instead, what you will notice on it is a whiff of sweet-smelling victory. Of course, it is still best to use it in a well-ventilated cleaning area. When it comes to its packing, you can ensure that it is safe to store since it is equipped with a child-proof cap. Still, it is best to keep it away from people who don’t know how to use it properly, promoting high safety. 

On the other hand, the size of the container means that you can use it for a long time. It is a practical option if you have several firearms to clean other than rifles. Surely, Hoppe’s bore cleaner is meant to provide you with a nice rifle bore cleaning experience. Since it is super-effective, you can boast an aesthetically pleasing rifle with a smooth bore. 

Overall, Hoppe’s 904 No. 9 Gun Bore Cleaner is a must-have bore cleaner if your goal is to clean great without issue with bad smell. Expect that you will not quickly run out of cleaner by choosing it. Conclusively, if you want the best bore cleaner that cleans and smells great, you better try out this one. 

2. Thompson/Center No.13 Bore Cleaner

Looking for an all-natural bore cleaner that you can trust to use for rifle cleaning? Well then, you don’t have to search elsewhere because the Thompson/Center No.13 Bore Cleaner can surely meet your standards. Of course, stating that it is natural means that you can surely look forward to it not being formulated with dangerous chemicals. In fact, it does not even have petroleum additives. With that in mind, it is no surprise that it is non-toxic. 

Since the Thompson/Center No.13 Bore Cleaner is an effective yet non-toxic bore cleaner, it has not been hard to be FDA food-grade rated. In addition, the cleaner is also effective in eliminating residue and fouling that can negatively affect your rifle’s accuracy performance. The primary contaminants that it can remove include Pyrodex and black powder fouling. With quick use, you will notice a great elimination of the traces of fouling. 

On the other hand, there is a coating on the surface of a bore that helps protect. Many gun owners referred to it as seasoning. Knowing that a rifle bore comes with something like that, you might not want to remove it by cleaning since it will benefit the bore. Thankfully, the Thompson/Center No.13 Bore Cleaner is carefully formulated not to eliminate that coating. 

All in all, the Thompson/Center No.13 Bore Cleaner can truly keep your rifle clean and ready for your next shooting session. It is highly practical considering that some gun owners even use it to serve their gun bluing problems. It performs well with its high-quality that can give you the most out of its value. One thing to remember is that it perfectly works with Natural Lube 1000 Plus for better rifle care and maintenance.  

3. Shooter’s Choice MC-7 Bore Cleaner and Conditioner

Meant to work for multi-purposes, the Shooter’s Choice MC-7 Bore Cleaner and Conditioner is excellently formulated to be a standard of practicality among bore cleaners. As hints of its name, it does not only work as a cleaner but also as a conditioner, promoting better firearm care and maintenance. Of course, it is highly compatible with rifles, if that’s what you want to make sure of. In particular, it is even suitable to clean and condition other firearm types, such as shotguns, pistols, muzzleloaders, and handguns. 

Moreover, parts of this multi-purpose cleaner composition are hydrocarbon solvent, aromatic hydrocarbon, and methyl amyl alcohol. Hence, you can glimpse its amazing formulation. With that, you can decide if it is safe for you or not. To know the exact numbers of its composition, you can check it through the link below. But before that, let’s get to know it better. 

As a true promise to provide convenience for rifle care, the Shooter’s Choice MC-7 Bore Cleaner and Conditioner offers an incredible one-step process. By that, you can already have a fast and easy yet thorough cleaning and conditioning of your rifle and other firearms. Thus, you can effortlessly maintain their optimal condition and preserve their lifespan. 

Thanks to its liquid form, it is easy for this bore cleaner to get through the end of the bore and leave no unclean spot. Due to its powerful composition, the Shooter’s Choice MC-7 can impressively remove all types of fouling, including the black powder residues. When you use it, you will see that it is clear in color. So, it would help to be careful not to pour too much into your rifle. You might not see it, but if it’s too much, your rifle can suffer unpleasant consequences. 

Besides that, it also exhibits an ammonia scent odor. Even though it might not be too bad of an odor, it is best to use it outdoors or in a well-ventilated place. At the same time, it is best to clean with a gun cleaning mat cover to protect any surface from any possible damage. On the flip side, the Shooter’s Choice MC-7 Bore Cleaner and Conditioner is non-abrasive. That’s why it is entirely harmless to your rifle bore surface. 

Conclusively, suppose you want to cut down your effort and cost in maintaining your rifle. In that case, you can choose a multi-purpose one like the Shooter’s Choice MC-7 Bore Cleaner and Conditioner for incredible one-step cleaning and conditioning. Best of all, you can get rid of any fouling type that frustrates you at a budget-friendly cost. 

4. Birchwood Casey Bore Scrubber 2-in-1 Bore Cleaner

As the name suggests, the Birchwood Casey Bore Scrubber 2-in-1 Bore Cleaner provides more than a cleaning advantage to your rifle. In addition, it is formulated as a dependable rifle bore cleaner, but it is also compatible with handguns and shotguns. It is undoubtedly a powerful  2-in-1 bore cleaner that can completely attack, dissolve, and eliminate any fouling type. 

Indeed, this bore cleaner from Birchwood Casey is top-notch in that it can cover gunk and different fouling removal that includes nitro, powder, copper, plastic, lead, and carbon. Since it only targets specific fouling kinds, you need to determine what type of bullet and ammo you use. For that, you can make up your mind whether you need the Birchwood Casey Bore Scrubber 2-in-1 Bore Cleaner. 

Moreover, there is no doubt that it is harmless to use since it has no butyl cellosolve, nitrobenzene, and other dangerously toxic ingredients in its composition. Hence, despite not containing those harmful components, you can trust that Birchwood Casey bore cleaner still gives an excellent fight against fouling and residue. 

Basically, saying that it is a 2-in-1 solution that does it all. You can expect more of it. In particular, it comes with premium rust-preventive additives on its formulation. With that being said, you can genuinely look forward to its amazingly provided long-term protection to your rifle after cleaning. Thus, it is a practical option if you want a rifle bore cleaner that can do more than cleaning. 

Regardless of knowing the importance of bore cleaning, some firearm owners still experience the feeling of laziness when it comes to dealing with their cleaning duties. For that reason, they need the Birchwood Casey Bore Scrubber 2-in-1 Bore Cleaner for better and less time cleaning because it is a spray-type solvent. More importantly, it has a kinder and gentler effect on your bore with no toxic formulation.

5. Traditions EZ Clean 2 Foaming Bore Cleaner

Searching for the best way to speed up your rifle bore cleaning time? Well then, you need to make some changes. By that, you need to use the Traditions EZ Clean 2 Foaming Bore Cleaner since it is formulated with an immediate and deep action effect in eliminating fouling, gunk, and residue. As the name implies, it is created as a foaming-type solvent. In fact, it is also housed in a spray can for ease of use and convenience, promoting fast time cleaning.

To be precise, you can use this bore cleaner in removing sabot residue and several kinds of fouling, such as brass, black powder, and copper fouling in your rifle bore. By that, you can efficiently maintain your rifle’s best accuracy and optimal performance. In addition, it is ideal if you are sensitive to a rifle bore cleaner’s smell. You have nothing to worry about Traditions EZ Clean 2 Foaming Bore Cleaner as it has no harmful composition. That’s why it is impressively odorless with no ammonia smell. 

Of course, it is important to mention that you need to be extra careful in using this rifle bore cleaner because too much of it can remove certain furnish types, such as shellac, oil, lacquer, and varnish. Hence, it is not best for overly much use with vulnerable rifle finishes. For that reason, better management and precautions are needed when using it with any rifle bore.  

Overall, let the Traditions EZ Clean 2 Foaming Bore Cleaner help you speed up your rifle bore cleaning time. At the same time, it will not take a toll on your health as it is odorless. Still, like any other rifle bore cleaner, it is best to use it in a well-ventilated place together with proper cleaning accessories, such as a cleaning mat and gun vise.     

6. Butch’s Bore Shine Bore Cleaner

Unquestionably, there’s no need to settle with complicated rifle bore cleaners when you can make everything easier and more convenient with the Butch’s Bore Shine Bore Cleaner. Interestingly, it is developed by a reliable and country-best Bench Rest Shooter, no other than Charles L. “Butch” Fisher. That’s why you can trust that the cleaner is formulated to make any bore shinier. By that, they can look good and work as new. With that incredible advantage, it will be no surprise that it can easily be your favorite. 

Even though it is powerful enough to take on different types of fouling and eliminate them in your rifle’s bore, it is also gentle enough that it won’t harm your rifle as it is non-abrasive. Due to its fast and deep action, the Butch’s Bore Shine Bore Cleaner will only require minimal effort to apply it in your rifle’s bore. After that, you can already look forward to excellent results that have no damage. 

Aside from cleaning your rifle’s bore, you can also utilize Butch’s cleaner and remove the fouling on other hard-to-reach areas, such as the chamber throat. You can trust it to eliminate several fouling build-ups, including carbon, copper, wad, lead, and wax. With that being said, you can completely get rid of the harmful contaminants quickly, promoting an impressive cut-time cleaning. 

Due to its packable size, the Butch’s Bore Shine Bore Cleaner can be the to-go cleaner that you can add to your gun cleaning box. It surely does a very good job, proving that it is one of the best bore cleaners you can get at a highly reasonable price. More importantly, it will not let you experience an offensive odor, primarily that it does not contain toxic components. Indeed, it is something worth complimenting. Therefore, there’s no reason to use something else if you truly aim for an innovative cleaner that can work with fast and deep action. 

7. Pro-Shot Products 8-Ounce Copper Solvent IV

The Pro-Shot Products 8-Ounce Copper Solvent IV is another liquid rifle bore cleaner on the list. One of its primary edges against other cleaners is that it features an innovative formulation. By that, you can anticipate a healthier, safer, and environmentally safer solution in cleaning your rifle bore. After all, there’s no need to use toxic bore cleaners when you can always have the gentler, safer, and nicer one, right? So, get to know more about this Pro-Shot product.

Truly meant for efficient restoration of the rifle’s excellent accuracy, the Pro-Shot Products 8-Ounce Copper Solvent IV is composed of an ammonia-based powerful effect to remove heavy powder and copper fouling build-up. At the same time, its formula also contains rust and corrosion protective ingredients. By that, you can ensure that your rifle can avoid building up rust and corrosion. Thus, it can preserve its longevity due to the protective effect of this Pro-Shot product. 

Despite being an ammonia-based cleaner, the Pro-Shot Solvent IV produces only a low odor, proving safe use. But as already mentioned a few times, nothing is better than choosing to clean in a well-ventilated place or outdoors. Truthfully, you can only depend on this for particular fouling cleaning, so you must check first the fouling you are dealing with to ensure compatibility. 

Overall, it is undeniable that Pro-Shot Products 8-Ounce Copper Solvent IV is a great option if you want to try out a safer and more innovative bore cleaner at a budget-friendly cost. 

8. Breakthrough Clean Military-Grade Gun Cleaning Solvent

The Breakthrough Clean Military-Grade Gun Cleaning Solvent got the ability to remove fouling and residue on the bore, thanks to its innovative and safe composition. In fact, it is true-to-life innovative for being a multi-purpose solution: a combined cleaner and degreaser. It means that it can also effectively remove grease and oil, aside from residue, fouling, gunk, and other foreign contaminants. 

Of course, the Military-Grade cleaner can only remove damaging contaminants without harming the rifle itself. Hence, there is no need to worry concerning any stain on the polymer, wood, Cerakote, hydro-printing, and other components of your rifle; it is a rare concern, to begin with. At the same time, it also does not exhibit any unpleasant fumes and odors that can make you dislike it. 

Since the Breakthrough Clean Military-Grade Gun Cleaning Solvent is innovative, it features a powerful and fast cleaning action. By that, it can effectively lessen the frequency of the cleaning schedule. In addition, it is also a liquid-type cleaner in a spray bottle. So, you can’t question its convenience. It is surely an upgrade if you have past experiences with using messy bore cleaners. 

Overall, you can purchase the Breakthrough Clean Military-Grade Gun Cleaning Solvent with high confidence since it is carefully and innovatively formulated to offer you a world-class combined odorless, stain-free, and user-safe bore cleaner. More importantly, it offers a wide range of packages so you can find what fits your budget and suits your needs. Thus, see for yourself how this bore cleaner helps your rifle maintain its peak condition and top-notch performance.

9. Thompson/Center T17 Foaming Bore Cleaner

One thing that hints at how powerful a bore cleaner can be is when you don’t need to supplement it with brushing. If you want a powerful bore cleaner like that, get to discover more about the Thompson/Center T17 Foaming Bore Cleaner because it has the powerful and quick action that you just like. 

Upon application, this powerful bore cleaner delivers a rapid penetration to remove plastic residue and different kinds of fouling, such as brass, black powder, and copper. Despite the fact that it is powerful, you have nothing to worry about since it is harmless. In particular, it won’t hurt your rifle’s finish because it has no acid and ammo on its composition. 

Truly, the Thompson/Center T17 Foaming Bore Cleaner is meant for the best convenience and ease of use. In fact, when you use this for bore cleaning, you only need to experience a few steps: spray it, let it stand, and wipe that bore clean. Interestingly, it will feel like an instant cleaner with magic at a budget-friendly price. 

Like any other bore cleaner, you need to use this foaming bore cleaner with extra precautions as it can burn skin and eyes. You need to apply it according to its strict directions for the best and safest use. Undeniably, the Thompson/Center T17 Foaming Bore Cleaner is among the best hand and easy-to-apply bore cleaners that deliver terrifically impressive results with a price that will not break a bank. 

More importantly, it already works as it is. So, you don’t have to experiment with other bore cleaners. That’s why it is a practical cleaner that lessens your worry and frustration in rifle bore cleaning. 

10. Sweets 7.62 Solvent

What makes or breaks a bore cleaning results is following the right step-by-step cleaning process. Fortunately, the Sweets 7.62 Solvent offers you clear and detailed instructions you can follow for a better and easier bore cleaning. Of course, you will no longer experience being lost with applying your rifle bore cleaner. 

Moreover, the Sweets 7.62 Solvent primarily removes heavy and stubborn copper fouling. With that being said, it is one of the best cleaners that you can use in bringing back the shiny and smooth bore of an old rifle. Aside from that, you can also restore that accuracy and optimal performance. Basically, it will not be as good as brand new, but it will be enough to satisfy you with its shooting capacity. 

Aside from its powerful action on removing the seriously heavy deposits of copper fouling, it’s incredibly fast effect is something that can also make you feel confident about it. In particular, you can already see its results within 15 minutes after application. On the flip side, the Sweets 7.62 Solvent features ammonia of its composition. 

You don’t have to fret much about the cleaner containing a small amount of ammonia because it is still completely harmless. In fact, it is not toxic and doesn’t harm steel materials. With that advantage, this bore cleaner has gained the favors of countless gun owners. Conclusively, the primary edge of the Sweets 7.62 Solvent is its innovatively impressive fast copper cleaning power and ability. 

Since this cleaner is formulated with ammo ingredients, it is best and safest to use it outside your home. By that, you will not experience smelling any possible unpleasant odor. One thing to remember about the Sweets 7.62 Solvent is that you must only use it for 15 minutes strictly. With that being said, you must not leave it on your rifle bore for more than 15 minutes. Otherwise, it can already harm your rifle when it dries out. 

Besides copper fouling, the Sweets 7.62 Solvent can also effectively eliminate corrosive salt and acid and powder residue at a highly affordable price. A combination of easy use and fast effect with the budget-friendly cost is something you can praise for it. 

Best Rifle Bore Cleaner Buying Guide

Out of all the best rifle bore cleaners above, you might still be hesitant and feel overwhelmed just to pick one. Even though all of them are good, it is still better to choose what can meet your demands and needs to achieve your utmost satisfaction. With that being said, you need to come up with significant factors to consider as your definite buying guide. To help you with that, check out below: 

Compatibility 

When it comes to bore cleaners, compatibility is a crucial factor you need to pay attention to. Basically, the type of cleaner matters too. With that being said, you need to check the formulation of the cleaner you are eyeing. It is best to pick a non-toxic and gentler cleaner. More importantly, compatibility is important because it can impact your rifle’s condition and performance. For instance, if your problem is copper fouling, you must choose a cleaner that can effectively remove copper fouling and not other types of fouling, right?

Quality

To make the utmost quality and value of using a rifle bore cleaner, you must choose one formulated with a powerful composition that can remove fouling and residue quickly yet will not compromise your rifle’s condition. Fortunately, many available choices cover particular kinds of residue and fouling removal above. If you have seen one that can meet your needs and standards, don’t be afraid to try them out, as they are worth it. 

Cost

Don’t get it wrong, but you must not overlook the cost of rifle bore cleaners. After all, it hints at the overall quality and expectations you can have. For instance, if you contemplate different options, you can compare their prices and amount in a package. Surely, you can get good value from that. Also, if you know that you need to clean multiple rifles, it is best to choose a considerable amount you need. 

Final Thoughts

Indeed, you need to overcome the overwhelming feeling of choosing the best rifle bore cleaner that can work well according to your needs and preferences to keep your rifle maintaining its peak performance by just being clean. Don’t worry about going for a big brand name and just focus on the composition of the cleaner that you are thinking of buying. 

Since no rifle bore cleaner works for everything, you can always choose the one that suits you the best. Hopefully, you can select from the recommendations above as they are all worthy of trying without any regret. Therefore, always reflect on your needs, and it will never get you wrong. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most popular frequently asked questions about rifle bore cleaners and rifle cleaning: