The 10 Best Bore Snake Reviews
Have you ever had to clean your gun bore and think, “Dang, I wish there was a way to make this easier?” Well, good news. There is now. With the best bore snake at your disposal, gun cleaning becomes easier and more fun.
This handy bore cleaner cleans your gun with just one pull of the rope. Simply thread it through the barrel, and it will remove all lead, copper, and carbon fouling in your shotgun, pistol, or rifle.
It doesn’t corrode your bore like a solvent cleaner and is more flexible than a cleaning rod. The best part? You don’t have to unscrew any part of your firearm.
There are many bore snake brands on the market right now. Hence, it can be hard to tell which ones are the best.
But don’t fret.
Here, we provide reviews for the top 10 best bore snakes for guns and rifles. Read more to see which one is the right fit for you.
Top 10 Best Bore Snake Reviews
1. Ultimate Rifle Build Barrel Snake
The name says it all. This bore snake is among the few that offer the best value you can get from a quality bore cleaner.
With the Ultimate Bore Cleaning Snake, you get 3-step cleaning in one quick pass. It has a cleaning cloth at the head, a bronze brush at the middle, and a lubricating end at the tail.
In addition, the Ultimate barrel snake guarantees a solvent-safe floss area. Therefore, you can dab it in the toughest solvent cleaner or use it with any gun oil of your choice.
The bristles on the bore brush are very stiff to get through carbon and lead deposits. However, for the very tough deposits, the manufacturer recommends you clean with a rod brush first.
This bore snake, too, has fray-resistant braiding and stitching. It resists wear and tear, allowing you to reuse it hundreds of times.
Moreover, you don’t have to guess the size that works best for your firearm. This is because the caliber size is stamped on the brass weight.
At 1.12 ounces, this bore snake is half the weight of most bore snakes for easy portability. Also, it comes in clamshell packaging that’s far superior to zip baggies.
Did you know that this bore snake is also available as a bundle purchase? That’s right. You purchase it alongside the Ultimate Rifle Build Mat and get 10% off.
This barrel snake is available in multiple calibers to fit shotguns, rifles, and pistols. Furthermore, it comes with an unconditional warranty so you can return it if dissatisfied.
Pros
✅ Lightweight and compact
✅ Washable and reusable hundreds of times
✅ Solvent safe
✅ Multiple caliber sizes
✅ Stamped size
✅ Unconditional warranty
Cons
✖️ The brass weight is a bit lighter
2. Real Avid Bore Boss Clean Storing Bore Cleaning System
Real Avid is the smarter, user-friendly bore cleaning system.
It’s a self-contained, self-housed bore cleaning device. Hence, with this gun cleaning kit, you can say goodbye to entangled bore snakes. In addition, the self-contained, no-hassle design makes it perfect for the field, home, range, or anywhere in between.
This bore cleaning system has a polycarbonate storage case that doubles as a handle. For this reason, it provides a better point of leverage for pulling through the barrel of the gun. Not to mention it provides safe storage.
To use it, flip open the rubber housing, unwrap the bore snake, and feed the cable through the barrel. Then, clip the steel ball end onto a half-cut on the handle and pull to clean the bore.
Unlike other bore snakes, it doesn’t use a synthetic pull cord. Instead, it has a braided steel pull cord for incredible durability.
The steel pull cord handles more pull force without breaking. Furthermore, it’s stiff enough to slide through the barrel without having to push it in. Plus, it has a plastic coating, so it doesn’t scratch or damage the inside of your firearm.
After the steel cord is a bronze cleaning brush to loosen tough deposits. On the other hand, the tail has a braided mop. So, you can dab it in a solvent for thorough cleaning or in oil for lubrication.
When done cleaning, just wind back the bore snake on the handle and fold back the rubber housing.
The plastic housing has size markings. Overall, there are 10 different sizes for .22 caliber to 12-gauge firearms.
Pros
✅ Self-storing design keeps it clean, dry, and protected
✅ The handle gives a better grip for pulling
✅ High-strength plastic-coated steel pull cord
✅ Size marking on the plastic handle
✅ Available in 10 different caliber sizes
Cons
✖️ Braided mop is a bit shorter than in other bore snakes
3. FUNANASUN 2-Pack Gun Bore Rope
FUNANASUN is well-known for its tactical backpack and pouches. The Company also makes one of the best bore snake cleaners.
Though inexpensive, this bore snake compares well to the big boys in the firearm industry.
It has three segments: first floss area, bristle brush, and main floss area. Hence, it covers all gun care processes. This bore snake can clean with a solvent, scrub dirt, gunk, and debris with a brass brush, and also lubricate.
Like the renowned BoreSnake Viper, the main floss area has 160 times more surface area. Hence, it’s more likely to leave your bore clean in one single pass.
The braided nylon mop is solvent-safe. Therefore, you can dab in your favorite solvent cleaner to loosen things up a little.
In addition, the brass weight that you drop down the barrel is stamped with the size. So, no more fumbling trying to find the perfect size to use.
Another nice thing is that you get two bore snakes in one package, which is a nice bargain. The best part? Each bore snake fits multiple barrel sizes.
Plus, you don’t have to throw it away when it gets too nasty for your taste. Simply put the bore snake in a laundry bag and throw it in the washing machine. By doing so, you can reuse this bore snake as many times as possible.
Pros
✅ The main floss area has 160 times more surface area
✅ Two bore snakes in one pack
✅ Stamped with size
✅ Multiple calibers for up to 12-gauge shotguns
✅ Machine washable
Cons
✖️ Fits very tight but works well
4. Sage & Braker Shotgun and Rifle BoreSnake
As far as quality and innovation go, the Sage & Braker bore snake is a cut above the rest.
This bore cleaning kit combines the ease of a bore snake with the cleaning power of a rod and brush. Not to mention it uses the highest quality materials.
The Sage & Braker gun bore cleaner provides a 3-step bore shine. It allows you to use a solvent cleaner to remove carbon. In addition, it dries and lubricates.
Unlike other bore snakes, it has a datable brush portion. Hence, you can use only the brush for power cleaning.
Also, it’s not your average bore snake brush. Instead, it’s a full-size bronze brush, more like that in a rod and brush system. For this reason, it allows you to clean deeper and faster.
You can detach the buffing rope too. This allows you to throw it in the washing machine with your other laundry.
This bore snake is a time saver. Though not as fast as Hoppe’s BoreSnake Viper, it cleans your bore in just 15 seconds.
Well, each bore snake covers several close calibers. That means one bore snake fits multiple calibers, saving you time and money.
Moreover, the caliber or gauge size is stamped on the brass weight. Thus, you won’t get confused as to which caliber you’re grabbing.
The canvas carry pouch, too, is a great bonus. It provides easy storage, keeping your bore snake from getting tangled in other hunting gear.
Pros
✅ Detachable brush and buffing rope
✅ Full-size brush
✅ One snake covers several calibers
✅ Stamped size
✅ Bonus carry pouch
✅ Unconditional warranty
Cons
✖️ A bit more expensive
5. Otis Ripcord One Pass Bore Cleaner
Otis Ripcord is designed to be one of the industry’s fastest and most aggressive bore cleaners.
This bore snake is built tough. Instead of standard nylon, it comes in rigid and durable ripcord material. It’s heat resistant to 700 degrees, traps fouling, and has Nomex fibers that double as a brush.
Also, this bore snake uses a molded rubber core. It presses against the rifling for aggressive 360-degree cleaning.
Because of the rubber core, this snake bore isn’t safe for use with solvent cleaners. But that doesn’t mean you can’t use solvents in the cleaning process.
As it turns out, this bore snake has a threaded end that can fit a slotted tip for attaching a cleaning patch. Hence, you can dab the cleaning patch into a solvent and clean your bore without coming in contact with the rubber core.
The threaded end also allows you to attach a bore brush for power cleaning. The thin end, too, has a threaded tip that can fit a T-handle for more aggressive cleaning.
Moreover, this bore snake makes it easier to clean from breech to bore with rigid memory-flex cable.
The caliber and gauge size are printed on the brass weight. In addition, you get this bore snake in multiple gauges and calibers. Hence, it’s easy to grab the right one for your firearm.
Pros
✅ Aggressive 360-degree cleaning in one pass
✅ Memory-flex cable cleans from breech to bore
✅ Rigid design for easy feeding
✅ Threaded ends for bore brush, T-handle, and cleaning patch attachments
✅ Printed sizes
✅ Multiple caliber sizes
Cons
✖️ Not safe for use with solvent cleaners or detergents
6. HUNTSEN Gun Snake Cleaner for Rifle Pistol and Shotgun
HUNTSEN is a well-known manufacturer of high-quality rifle cases. The Company employs the same quality in its bore snake cleaner.
This multipurpose bore snake cleans, scrubs, dries, and oils the bore of your firearm.
The built-in bore brush scrubs away dirt and grime inside your barrel for maximum cleaning power. However, it’s gentle on the finish of your rifle to avoid scratches.
Like high-end brands, this bore snake has a larger main floss area. Hence, it captures more dirt and grime to leave your rifle bore clean in a single pass.
This bore snake is designed for use on all firearm types, including rifles, pistols, and shotguns. In addition, it comes in a variety of sizes, each designed for multiple calibers.
The sizes run as small as 5.56mm pistol to as large as 20-gauge shotguns.
Moreover, this bore snake is washable. Hence, you’re assured more bang for your buck since you can reuse multiple times.
Pros
✅ Larger cleaning surface
✅ Printed size on the brass weight
✅ Multi-size available
✅ Washable and reusable
Cons
✖️ Tends to fray where the lead line meets the first floss area
7. EZshoot 2 Pcs Gun Clean Snake
EZshoot bore rope is perfect for anyone looking for an inexpensive bore cleaning kit to start with.
This bore snake comes in a pack of two, making it a nice bargain. Plus, you have the option to include two different sizes in one package.
Compared to most bore snakes, this barrel snake has an extra-long pull cord. As a result, it gives you plenty of slack to pull the bore rope through the barrel. Also, it can fit the longest barrel out there with plenty of length to spare.
The fibers are not as high quality as those in high-end brands. They tend to fray a little. However, they hold up well through many uses.
The braided mop is solvent-safe. Thus, you can get more cleaning power and also lubricate the bore for more protection.
Like most bore snakes, this product is machine washable. So, you can reuse it as many times as you please.
There are different calibers available too to fit rifles, pistols, and shotguns.
Pros
✅ Stamped sizes
✅ Solvent safe
✅ Large cleaning surface
✅ Machine washable
✅ Available in different calibers
✅ Sold in a pack of two
Cons
✖️ Tends to fray a little
8. Gogoku 2-Pack/3-Pack Bore Rope Gun Cleaner
The Gogoku brand might sound new to you. That’s because it isn’t as popular as the others. Still, this Company makes good gun cleaning kits.
Well, this bore snake may not quite be on the same quality level as high-end brands, such as Hoppe’s BoreSnake Viper. But as far as cleaning goes, this bore rope gets the job done.
The best part? It does so for a fraction of the cost. That’s right. This bore snake is one of the cheapest, hence perfect for budget shoppers.
It does what big-name brands do. It cleans, scrubs, and lubricates. In addition, the main floss area has 160 times the cleaning surface of patch cleaners. Still, it’s not overly hard to pull through the barrel.
The brass weight isn’t as heavy. However, it slides through the barrel of your rifle effortlessly. Plus, it’s branded with the corresponding caliber size.
You can purchase this bore snake in a pack, or two, or three. Moreover, each bore rope in the pack is meant for a different caliber or gauge.
Pros
✅ Lightweight and compact
✅ Budget-friendly
✅ Sold in a pack of two or three
✅ Stamped with corresponding caliber size
✅ The tail is 160 times larger than a standard patch
✅ Multiple sizes available
Cons
✖️ Not quite the quality of leading brands; however, you can’t beat the price
9. Ctrshif Gun Snake Cleaner
Ctrshif bore rope is an easy and affordable way to keep your hunting rifle in peak condition.
The buffing material feels more like a wool sock. Hence, it’s able to remove lead buildup without scratching the rifling.
In addition, it soaks well in gun cleaning solvent. Thus, you can clean thoroughly with less effort.
This bore snake features an integrated brass brush. It scrapes out powder residue, copper fouling, or heavy buildup from the bore.
The main floss area is 160 times larger than a standard patch. So, it cleans more in one pass while still being compact and lightweight.
With weighted brass, it’s easy to whip through the barrel of any size shotgun, rifle, or handgun. Plus, it’s stamped with size to avoid confusion.
The bore snake is washable. So, you won’t waste time figuring out what to do with it when it gets dirty and nasty. Simply throw it in the washing machine and use it again.
This is a highly effective bore cleaner for most caliber firearms. There are multiple size options, up to 16 gauge.
Pros
✅ Washable and reusable
✅ Solvent safe wool-like material
✅ More cleaning surface area
✅ Multiple size options
✅ Stamped sizes
Cons
✖️ Frays a little but does the job
10. Hoppe’s 24035V BoreSnake Viper Shotgun Bore Cleaner
The BoreSnake Viper is the world’s fastest gun bore cleaner that cleans in under 10 seconds. It’s an upgraded version of the Original BoreSnake cleaner.
Hoppe’s bore snake covers the four major steps in gun maintenance: cleaning, brushing, drying, and oiling. It has four designated zones to help complete all processes.
It has the first floss area where you can dab the cleaning solvent. The second segment has three integrated brush areas, more than the original bore snake which only has one. For this reason, it provides 50% more scouring power to break up hard deposits.
In addition, it has a second floss area for drying. Finally, it has a main floss area on the tail, which has more surface area than standard bore snakes. This is where you apply the lubricating oil.
Because of the larger surface area, Bore Snake Viper reduces the number of times you have to re-thread it through the barrel. Hence, you can brush, swab, and lubricate your bore in one easy pass.
Since it has three brush areas, this bore snake creates more friction for thorough cleaning. Also, the pull cord is built into the three brush systems to handle the resistance.
The tug end of the bore snake has a base weight to help guide it through the barrel. Moreover, there’s a cone-shaped plastic guide where the pull cord meets the first floss area.
Well, the plastic guide is something you don’t find in most bore snakes. It provides quick and easy alignment. Also, the plastic guide protects the rope from fraying.
The brass weight is stamped with the corresponding gauge or caliber to eliminate guesswork.
This bore snake is available in different sizes to fit a .22 to 30 caliber rifle, a 9mm to 45 caliber handgun, and a 12-gauge shotgun.
Pros
✅ World’s fastest 3-step bore shine
✅ 160 times more cleaning surface area than cleaning patches
✅ 50% scouring power
✅ Cone-shaped bore guide for easy alignment
✅ Stamped with size
✅ Available in multiple sizes
✅ Machine washable
Cons
✖️ More expensive than other bore snakes
How to Choose the Best Bore Snake
With so many sizes and designs available, how do you know which bore snake is suitable for your firearm? That’s where we come in! This guide will show you the factors to consider when shopping around.
Caliber of Gun
Of course, you need a bore snake that’s compatible with your firearm.
Well, bore snakes come in different sizes. Essentially, you want a bore snake that isn’t too thick to cause damage or get snagged inside your rifling. Likewise, it shouldn’t be too thin to engage the inside of your rifling.
To ensure you get the correct size, you should first identify the caliber of your firearm before buying.
Manufacturers will often stamp the caliber size of the corresponding weapon on the bore snake. Also, you should know that some bore snakes will fit multiple caliber sizes. That means you can use one bore snake for different firearm calibers.
Barrel Length
The length of the bore snake is crucial, especially when choosing the best AR 15 bore snake or the best bore snake for 22LR.
Such rifles have a longer barrel. Hence, ensure the bore rope is long enough to slide through the barrel and come out the other side.
But how long should the bore snake be?
Well, it’s good to have a bore snake that’s at least 1-2 inches longer than the barrel. It will ensure you have plenty of material to pull through.
For the AR 15 and 22LR, you should often aim for a bore snake length of at least 22 inches.
Material Quality
Avoid cheaper, flimsier bore snakes that tend to fray a lot while cleaning. Instead, consider those with heavy-gauge nylon buffing material.
Though not a must, it’s also good to have a solvent-safe material. It will allow you to use gun solvent cleaners or lubricants to leave your bore cleaner.
Also, ensure the built-in bore brush is of good quality. Go with a brass or bronze bore brush.
Reusability
What good is a bore snake if you can only use it once and throw it away?
That said, you want a bore snake that’s washable. That way, you can always clean and reuse it when it gets dirty. Plus, it should withstand wear and tear.
Read Reviews
Yes, you heard that right. We recommend scouring the internet for the best gun cleaning kit review. More importantly, consider customer reviews. You’ll get a clear picture of how good or bad a particular product performs on the ground.
Bore Snake FAQs
How do I use a bore snake?
To use the bore snake:
- Insert one end of the snake into the muzzle of your firearm.
- Push it down the barrel until it comes out the other end.
- Pull it so that the remaining material slides through and out of the barrel.
- Repeat this process until you no longer feel any grime or residue on your hands or the snake.
Why use a bore snake?
Bore snakes are flexible, portable, and clean faster. Also, they’re much easier to maintain, and you don’t have to disassemble the firearm when cleaning.
How is a bore snake better than conventional gun cleaning tools?
A bore snake causes less damage to your weapon compared to gun solvents and cleaning rods. In addition, bore snakes are more compact than cleaning rods.
Will a bore snake scratch the barrel?
No. A bore snake uses soft, flexible material that doesn’t scratch or wear down the barrel.
Can you put gun oil on a bore snake?
You can use it with or without gun oil. However, we recommend using it with a dab of oil on the tail to protect and give your bore more shine.
Conclusion
The best bore snake helps you remove all types of fouling and residue while remaining portable and easy to use.
Our top picks of the best bore snakes come in heavy-duty materials that will not fray or wear down easily. In addition, they’re flexible enough to get into tight spaces and cover large areas with ease.
The best thing about these bore snakes? They are inexpensive, which means you can get them in bulk and store them in your shooting range bag without having to worry about weight limitations.
However, not all bore snakes are created equal. So before you order one, use our guide to ensure you know which bore snake will work best for you.
