best 12 gauge slugs for smooth bore

As an avid shotgun enthusiast, I’ve spent countless hours at the range and in the field, always striving for top-tier performance from my 12 gauge smooth bore. When it comes to using 12 gauge slugs, consistency and accuracy are paramount, and I’ve learned firsthand that this doesn’t just come down to the slug itself, but also the crucial maintenance and sighting tools you use. To truly get the best out of your smooth bore shotgun, proper care and precise aiming are non-negotiable. I’ve put some essential accessories through their paces to help you make informed choices that elevate your shooting experience.

IMAGE	PRODUCT NAME	AMAZON LINK
	Hoppe’s 24035D Boresnake, 12 Gauge	View on Amazon
	EZshoot Laser Bore Sight, 12 Gauge Bore Sight Laser Red…	View on Amazon
	MidTen Bore Sight 12 Gauge Laser Red Dot Boresighter with…	View on Amazon
	Hoppe’s 24035VD Viper Boresnake, 12 Gauge	View on Amazon
	Clenzoil Cobra Bore Cleaning System – Efficient, Easy Gun…	View on Amazon

Hoppe’s 24035D Boresnake, 12 Gauge

When you need a quick and effective way to clean your 12 gauge shotgun, the original Hoppe’s Boresnake is a fantastic solution. I’ve relied on this for years for those rapid cleans after a range session or a hunt, especially when I’ve been running through a lot of 12 gauge slugs. It’s incredibly convenient, combining a brush, a scrub, and a swab all in one pull, making barrel cleaning much less of a chore. The clever design with its own storage case means it’s always ready to go.

Key features that stand out:
– Hoppe’s 12 Gauge shotgun specific design for optimal fit.
– Hoppe’s den lid doubles as a pull handle for easy use.
– Convenient new case for easy storage and Transport.
– Hoppe’s den includes the original boresnake, keeping everything tidy.

Pros:
– Super fast and easy to use for quick cleans.
– Effectively loosens and removes fouling in one pass.
– Compact storage solution is perfect for range bags.
– Durable and reusable.

Cons:
– May not provide the deepest clean for heavily fouled barrels.

Best for: Quick, routine cleaning of 12 gauge smooth bore shotguns, especially when you’re on the go or need a fast field clean.

Expert Opinion: This is the benchmark for quick bore cleaning. Its simplicity and effectiveness for daily maintenance make it a staple for anyone who frequently shoots their 12 gauge.

EZshoot Laser Bore Sight, 12 Gauge Bore Sight Laser Red…

Zeroing a shotgun for slugs can sometimes feel like chasing your tail, especially with the cost of slug rounds. That’s where the EZshoot Laser Bore Sight becomes a game-changer. I found this sight to be remarkably helpful in getting my optics and iron sights dialed in quickly, saving me both time and expensive ammunition. Its bright red laser is clearly visible, even at decent ranges, and the included extra batteries mean you won’t be left in the dark during a critical setup. It’s a robust tool made from high-grade aluminum, designed to fit snugly in your 12 gauge chamber.

Key features that stand out:
– Long-lasting Boresighter: 12 gauge bore sight uses 3 batteries at a time. Upgraded LR44 will last up to 6.5 hours per set.
– Extra Batteries: EZshoot 12ga bore sight comes with 2 sets of batteries. 6pcs in total.
– Laser Accuracy: High accuracy laser bore sight to help to zero your scopes and sights quickly. Saving your time and money.
– Use In Chamber: Made of high-grade aluminum, compact laser bore sighter. Easy to use in the 12 Gauge chamber.
– Bright Red Laser: Class IIIA laser, less than 5mW. Sighting range of 15-100 yards.

Pros:
– Significantly reduces the number of live rounds needed for zeroing.
– Bright laser is visible across a good range.
– Comes with extra batteries, enhancing its value.
– Easy to use, just chamber it like a regular round.

Cons:
– Requires careful handling to avoid accidental drops which could affect calibration.

Best for: Shooters looking to quickly and efficiently zero scopes, red dots, or iron sights on their 12 gauge smooth bore for slug shooting, especially those wanting to save on ammunition.

Expert Opinion: A solid choice for preliminary sighting. While not a substitute for live-fire zeroing, it gets you incredibly close, especially useful for confirming zero after scope removal or travel.

MidTen Bore Sight 12 Gauge Laser Red Dot Boresighter with…

Another excellent option for pre-zeroing your shotgun, the MidTen Bore Sight stands out with its robust brass construction and impressive accuracy. When I put this one in my 12 gauge, it sat perfectly in the chamber, providing a stable and consistent laser dot. This helped me confidently make initial adjustments to my scope before even heading to the range. It’s designed specifically for the 12-gauge chamber, ensuring a precise fit, and the included batteries offer a generous eight hours of continuous use.

Key features that stand out:
– Class IIIA laser, less than 5mW.
– Made to fit the 12-Gauge chamber, caliber specific.
– Comes with 1 set batteries (3 AG13 batteries) which can last eight hours.
– Easy to sit perfectly in the bore. Sturdy brass construction. Fast gun zeroing and sighting.
– High accuracy to reduce cartridges and shells wasted, sighting range of the bore sight is 15 to 100 yards.

Pros:
– Sturdy brass construction for durability and consistent fit.
– High accuracy aids in significant ammo savings.
– Long battery life for extended setup sessions.
– Simple, straightforward operation.

Cons:
– Only includes one set of batteries compared to others.

Best for: Shooters prioritizing a durable, high-accuracy bore sight for their 12 gauge smooth bore, seeking to minimize ammunition consumption during the initial sighting process for slugs.

Expert Opinion: The brass construction is a significant advantage for longevity and consistent chamber fit. It’s a reliable tool for any serious slug shooter wanting to streamline their sighting process.

Hoppe’s 24035VD Viper Boresnake, 12 Gauge

If you’re a fan of the original Boresnake but crave an even deeper clean, the Hoppe’s Viper Boresnake is your next upgrade. I immediately noticed the difference with its “3rd brush” feature, providing a more aggressive scrubbing action that’s noticeably more effective at tackling stubborn fouling, especially after a heavy session of shooting various 12 gauge slugs. The addition of a bore guide is a small but welcome touch, making insertion smoother and protecting the crown of your barrel. Just like its predecessor, it comes in a convenient case for easy transport.

Key features that stand out:
– Bore snake Viper includes 33% more scrubbing power over the original with a 3rd brush.
– Hoppe’s 12 Gauge shotgun Viper, clam, bore snake with den.
– Bore snake Viper includes a bore guide for easier Insertion.
– Convenient new case for easy storage and Transport.

Pros:
– Superior cleaning power compared to the original Boresnake.
– Integrated bore guide protects the muzzle and simplifies insertion.
– Ideal for tackling more significant fouling and lead buildup.
– Still offers the convenience of a one-pass cleaning system.

Cons:
– Slightly more expensive than the original Hoppe’s Boresnake.

Best for: 12 gauge smooth bore owners who want the convenience of a Boresnake but need extra cleaning power for more thorough maintenance, especially after extensive use of slugs.

Expert Opinion: The Viper version is a clear improvement for those who need more aggressive cleaning without sacrificing the Boresnake’s ease of use. The third brush really makes a difference.

Clenzoil Cobra Bore Cleaning System – Efficient, Easy Gun…

For a comprehensive cleaning experience that goes beyond just the bore, the Clenzoil Cobra Bore Cleaning System is a fantastic all-in-one kit for your 12 gauge smooth bore. What impressed me was its integrated approach, combining a bore brush with a woven cotton braid that effectively grabs debris. The included Clenzoil Field & Range solution works wonders, making it easy to loosen fouling and protect your barrel. Being washable and reusable, this system is not only efficient but also a smart long-term investment.

Key features that stand out:
– Bore Cleaner Kit for 12 Gauge Shotgun: The Clenzoil Cobra Bore Cleaning System offers thorough shotgun cleaning, ensuring efficient maintenance and protection for your 12 gauge shotgun.
– Efficient Cleaning: Easily loosens fouling and lead buildup with the integrated bore brush for optimal gun performance.
– Woven Cotton Braid: This woven cotton gun accessory collects debris effectively, ensuring your firearm bore remains clean and ready; bore cleaning system is washable and reusable.
– Use with Clenzoil Field & Range Solution: This kit provides 0.25 fluid ounces of Clenzoil Field & Range solution for a quick, easy solution to regular firearm maintenance.
– All-American & Veteran Owned: Veteran-founded and veteran-owned, Clenzoil is proud to be an All-American brand.

Pros:
– Comprehensive cleaning system for bore and overall shotgun.
– Integrated brush and woven braid provide efficient cleaning.
– Reusable and washable for long-term value.
– Comes with Clenzoil’s trusted cleaning solution.
– Supports a veteran-owned American business.

Cons:
– May not be as quick for a “field strip and clean” as a Boresnake.

Best for: 12 gauge smooth bore owners seeking a complete and reusable cleaning system that provides both thorough bore cleaning and overall firearm maintenance, especially those who appreciate American-made, veteran-owned products.

Expert Opinion: This system offers a thoughtful and effective approach to shotgun cleaning. The combination of the Cobra system and the Clenzoil solution makes for a powerful duo in maintaining your 12 gauge for peak performance.

Helpful Comparison Short Insights

When looking at cleaning tools for your 12 gauge smooth bore, you’ve got excellent options. The Hoppe’s Boresnakes are all about speed and convenience. The original Hoppe’s Boresnake is perfect for quick maintenance, especially after a casual range trip, while the Hoppe’s Viper Boresnake steps it up with 33% more scrubbing power, making it my go-to for heavier fouling after running more challenging 12 gauge slugs or high-volume shooting. Both excel in rapid, one-pass cleaning.

For more comprehensive cleaning and overall firearm care, the Clenzoil Cobra Bore Cleaning System shines. It’s a complete kit that integrates effective bore cleaning with a solution designed for total shotgun maintenance, making it a great choice for a thorough cleaning regimen after any serious use, ensuring your shotgun is ready for those demanding slug shots.

Regarding bore sights, both the EZshoot and MidTen 12 gauge laser bore sights deliver on their promise of quick, preliminary zeroing. The EZshoot provides extra batteries, which is a nice touch for extended use. However, the MidTen stands out with its sturdy brass construction, which I personally feel offers a more consistent and durable fit in the chamber, potentially leading to slightly more reliable initial accuracy. Both will save you significant money on ammo by getting you on target faster before live-fire fine-tuning. Ultimately, whether you prioritize durability or extra accessories, both are excellent tools for getting your 12 gauge smooth bore dialed in for precise slug placement.

Final Verdict

Choosing the right accessories can profoundly impact your 12 gauge smooth bore’s performance, especially when you’re relying on 12 gauge slugs for hunting or defense. For effortless, routine bore cleaning, I’d lean towards the Hoppe’s Viper Boresnake. Its enhanced scrubbing power makes it a clear winner over the original for slightly more stubborn fouling, yet it retains that grab-and-go convenience. If you need a more holistic cleaning solution that cares for your entire firearm, the Clenzoil Cobra Bore Cleaning System is an outstanding investment that combines efficiency with reusability and quality American-made products.

For sighting in your optics with minimal ammo waste, both the EZshoot and MidTen laser bore sights are incredibly valuable. While both perform admirably, the MidTen Bore Sight might just edge out the EZshoot due to its robust brass construction, which feels more premium and ensures a consistent chamber fit over time. Ultimately, equipping yourself with one of the enhanced boresnakes, a reliable laser bore sight, and potentially a comprehensive cleaning kit like Clenzoil’s will ensure your 12 gauge smooth bore shotgun is always primed for its best performance with slugs.

Best 12 Gauge Slugs for Smooth Bore: Essential Maintenance & Sighting FAQs

How do bore cleaning systems improve accuracy when using 12 gauge slugs in a smooth bore?

Proper bore cleaning systems, like the Hoppe’s Boresnakes or Clenzoil Cobra, remove lead, plastic wad fouling, and carbon buildup from the barrel. This buildup can create inconsistencies in the bore, leading to erratic slug flight and reduced accuracy. A clean, smooth bore ensures the slug passes through with minimal interference, maintaining its intended trajectory.

Are laser bore sights effective for zeroing a smooth bore shotgun used with slugs?

Yes, laser bore sights like the EZshoot and MidTen are very effective for preliminary zeroing of your optics (scopes, red dots) or iron sights. They project a laser dot that helps you align your sights with the bore, significantly reducing the number of live 12 gauge slugs you need to fire to get on target. However, final zeroing should always be done with live ammunition at your intended shooting distance to account for ballistic drop and real-world performance.

What’s the difference between a Hoppe’s Boresnake and a Viper Boresnake for my 12 gauge?

The main difference lies in cleaning power. The Hoppe’s Viper Boresnake features 33% more scrubbing bristles (a “3rd brush”) compared to the original Hoppe’s Boresnake. This means the Viper version provides a more aggressive clean, making it better for tackling heavier fouling and lead buildup, which can be common after shooting numerous 12 gauge slugs. Both offer the convenience of a one-pass cleaning system.

How often should I clean my 12 gauge smooth bore, especially after using slugs?

The frequency depends on usage, but a general rule is to clean after every shooting session, especially if you’ve fired 12 gauge slugs. Slugs often leave more lead and plastic wad residue than birdshot, making a thorough cleaning crucial. Even a quick pass with a Boresnake can significantly reduce buildup between more intensive cleanings.

Can these cleaning tools be used for other gauges or rifle calibers?

These specific cleaning tools (Hoppe’s, Clenzoil) and bore sights are caliber-specific for 12 gauge. While the concept of boresnakes and laser sights applies to other firearms, you must purchase the correct size for each specific gauge or caliber. Using an incorrect size can lead to ineffective cleaning or damage to your firearm.

Why is consistent cleaning important for extending the life of my shotgun’s barrel when shooting 12 gauge slugs?

Consistent cleaning prevents the accumulation of corrosive residues and abrasive fouling, which can pit the barrel steel and accelerate wear. Regular maintenance, particularly after using 12 gauge slugs, helps preserve the bore’s integrity, maintaining consistent accuracy and extending the overall lifespan of your valuable smooth bore shotgun.