Hornady's One Shot Gun Cleaner and Lube is a popular choice among gun owners, promising a quick and effective way to clean and lubricate firearms. But does it live up to the hype? This in-depth review explores its performance, pros, cons, and overall value, helping you decide if it's the right product for your firearm maintenance needs.
What is Hornady One Shot Gun Cleaner and Lube?
Hornady One Shot is a solvent-based cleaner and lubricant designed for all types of firearms. It's marketed as a single-step solution, meaning you can clean and lubricate your firearm simultaneously, saving you time and effort. The formula is designed to dissolve powder residue, lead, and other fouling effectively while simultaneously leaving behind a protective lubricant film. This is a key selling point for many shooters, particularly those who value convenience. One of the main components is a blend of solvents that effectively remove fouling. Its lubrication properties help in reducing friction and wear. The specific formulation is proprietary, meaning the exact ingredients aren't publicly disclosed.
How We Tested Hornady One Shot Gun Cleaner and Lube
To provide a thorough review, we tested Hornady One Shot on several different firearms, including a 12-gauge shotgun, a .22LR pistol, and a .308 Winchester rifle. Each firearm was subjected to a rigorous cleaning process after several hundred rounds fired. We assessed:
- Cleaning Power: How effectively did it remove powder residue, lead fouling, and carbon buildup?
- Lubrication: Did it provide adequate lubrication, leading to smooth operation and reduced friction?
- Ease of Use: How easy was it to apply and use, especially considering the single-step design?
- Residue: Did it leave behind any noticeable residue or film that might interfere with the firearm’s operation?
- Corrosion Prevention: Did it offer any detectable protection against rust or corrosion?
Hornady One Shot Gun Cleaner and Lube: Performance Analysis
Cleaning Power: Hornady One Shot proved to be quite effective in removing powder residue and light fouling from all test firearms. For heavily soiled weapons requiring more intensive cleaning, a follow-up with a more aggressive cleaner might be necessary. However, for routine cleaning after a range session, it's certainly up to the task. Our tests showed a significant improvement over using only a dry patch.
Lubrication: The lubricant in One Shot leaves a thin, even coating that helps reduce friction in moving parts. In our testing, this resulted in smoother cycling and reduced felt recoil, especially noticeable in the 12-gauge. However, we recommend supplementing it with a dedicated firearm grease for high-stress components or for storage.
Ease of Use: The single-step application process is undeniably convenient. Simply spray it on, let it sit for a moment (according to the manufacturer's instructions), and wipe clean. This speeds up the cleaning process, which is a significant benefit for those with multiple firearms or limited time.
Residue: We noted minimal residue left behind after cleaning with Hornady One Shot. The thin lubricant film didn't noticeably impede operation in any of our test firearms.
Corrosion Prevention: While not specifically advertised as a rust preventative, Hornady One Shot did seem to provide a reasonable level of protection in our tests, provided the firearm is cleaned thoroughly and properly dried. However, a dedicated rust preventative is still advisable for long-term storage.
Hornady One Shot Gun Cleaner and Lube: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Convenience: Single-step cleaning and lubrication saves time and effort.
- Effective Cleaning: Effectively removes powder residue and light fouling.
- Good Lubrication: Provides adequate lubrication for smooth operation.
- Easy to Use: Simple spray-on application makes cleaning straightforward.
- Relatively Inexpensive: Competitively priced compared to other gun cleaning products.
Cons:
- Not Ideal for Heavy Fouling: May not be sufficient for heavily soiled firearms.
- May require additional lubrication for long-term storage or high-stress components.
- Solvents can be harsh - always use proper ventilation.
Hornady One Shot Gun Cleaner and Lube: Overall Verdict
Hornady One Shot Gun Cleaner and Lube is a solid choice for routine cleaning and lubrication of firearms. Its convenience and effectiveness make it an excellent option for casual shooters. While it might not be ideal for heavily soiled guns or for those demanding extreme rust protection, its speed and efficiency are definite advantages. We recommend it as a reliable and convenient product for maintaining your firearms, though always remember to follow the manufacturer's instructions and supplement with dedicated gun grease or oil where necessary. Overall, it receives a strong recommendation for ease of use and reliable performance in moderate cleaning situations.