Henry Rifle Forums

Found a new-to-me product this week in the wally-world gun cleaning supplies. It may have been out for a long time, but I've never before seen it.

I regularly use Hoppe's #9 Gun Bore Cleaner for my guns, so needed to get some more. Right next to this bottle was another bottle of Hoppe's #9 Synthetic Blend http://www.hoppes.com/bore-cleaners/no- ... re-cleaner. The #9 five-oz. bottle cost was $2.97, the Synthetic five-oz. bottle cost was $7.97. The only difference on the bottles' contents is that #9 is flammable, and the Synthetic is non-flammable and biodegradable. Not much more of an explanation on the Hoppe's web site other than the Synthetic is superior. Neither bottle lists any ingredients.

Has anyone used/is using the Synthetic formula? Is there a difference in the cleaning results? The Synthetic bottle has the statement that it "is specially formulated to clean deeper and provide an increased level of protection for today's firearms."
Thanks for any comments or experiences you might post.

New stuff is maybe a little better, and more eco friendly, but at more than double the price ?

Of course a bottle probably last a couple of years, so what's $5 ?

Henry88 wrote:New stuff is maybe a little better, and more eco friendly, but at more than double the price ?

Of course a bottle probably last a couple of years, so what's $5 ?

$5!

clovishound wrote:

Henry88 wrote:New stuff is maybe a little better, and more eco friendly, but at more than double the price ?

Of course a bottle probably last a couple of years, so what's $5 ?

$5!

In terms I can understand, a 4 pack of Miller Lite 16oz.

Yes, now I see

I have tried this. I'm not convinced it's better than the original. I looked up the contents and they are listed as a "Trade Secret".

Original Hoppes contains the following.

Ethanol 15-40%
Kerosine 15-40%
Oleic Acid 15-40%
Amyl Acetate 5-10% (this is where the pleasant odor comes from)
Ammonium Hydroxide 1-5%

My biggest problem with Hoppes is that I usually knock over the bottle at some point in it's life. It usually is when the bottle is nearly full.

I have almost finished a small bottle of Rem oil. It is the kind that has the little spout that flips up. When it is empty, I plan on filling it with Hoppes and then dispense it from the squeeze bottle. I really hate cleaning up spilled Hoppes. Should make soaking a patch easier than trying to wet a patch in the bottom of a nearly empty bottle of Hoppes.

clovishound wrote:My biggest problem with Hoppes is that I usually knock over the bottle at some point in it's life. It usually is when the bottle is nearly full.

I've been using Hoppes #9 for a while, but I pour about a 1/2 ounce of it at a time into a shot glass so I don't contaminate the rest of it while I'm working and, I guess, it also prevents me from spilling what's in the bottle.

CT_Shooter wrote:

clovishound wrote:My biggest problem with Hoppes is that I usually knock over the bottle at some point in it's life. It usually is when the bottle is nearly full.

I've been using Hoppes #9 for a while, but I pour about a 1/2 ounce of it at a time into a shot glass so I don't contaminate the rest of it while I'm working and, I guess, it also prevents me from spilling what's in the bottle.

This is exactly what I do. Take half dozen patches, line the cup and pour it in til the patches have absorbed it.

Good idea, I'm always worried about spilling it and have had several close calls! I'll try that.

clovishound wrote:My biggest problem with Hoppes is that I usually knock over the bottle at some point in it's life. It usually is when the bottle is nearly full.

I have almost finished a small bottle of Rem oil. It is the kind that has the little spout that flips up. When it is empty, I plan on filling it with Hoppes and then dispense it from the squeeze bottle. I really hate cleaning up spilled Hoppes. Should make soaking a patch easier than trying to wet a patch in the bottom of a nearly empty bottle of Hoppes.

That is a great tip.

My biggest issue with Hoppe's #9....it stinks to high heaven....plus it's way over priced. For the price that is charged....you'd think it would clean twice as good in half the time....but it doesn't. I'll stick with my Seafoam. $7 for 16 FL oz's and it doesn't stink one bit....which makes the wife happy. And it cleans just as good as Hoppe's #9 and it's cheaper per FL oz's.

Really appreciate this thread with its tips, contents info, suggestions, etc...more than I expected. Lot of experienced Henry Folk around here.

Thought I would sum up with the fact that I bought a bottle of the #9 Synthetic to try out. Been having some challenges cleaning one of my barrels. Here was my experience this week.

I especially liked clovishound's suggestion to put the Hoppes into a smaller container, which I have done since the first time I knocked over a bottle and filled the neighborhood with that Hoppes "fragrance." So had the new expensive bottle opened and ready to pour some into a smaller container; then....Reached for the Hoppes, and yup, bumped the bottle and spilled about 80% out!!!

Now I know for sure why a person doesn't need to buy the more expensive Synthetic stuff.
Have a great day, Everyone.

PT7 wrote:Really appreciate this thread with its tips, contents info, suggestions, etc...more than I expected. Lot of experienced Henry Folk around here.

Thought I would sum up with the fact that I bought a bottle of the #9 Synthetic to try out. Been having some challenges cleaning one of my barrels. Here was my experience this week.

I especially liked clovishound's suggestion to put the Hoppes into a smaller container, which I have done since the first time I knocked over a bottle and filled the neighborhood with that Hoppes "fragrance." So had the new expensive bottle opened and ready to pour some into a smaller container; then....Reached for the Hoppes, and yup, bumped the bottle and spilled about 80% out!!!

Now I know for sure why a person doesn't need to buy the more expensive Synthetic stuff.
Have a great day, Everyone.

Wow....you just made me laugh really hard...lol.

Clearly....another reason why I really like this forum board....!!! Overall....just good folks....!!!

Well, I used up the last of the Rem oil the other day and filled the old container with #9. I used it to clean my 20 gauge O/U. I liked it. I really hate trying to soak a patch when the bottle gets below half full. I normally use a jag vs an eyelet, so squirting it on the patch worked like a charm. Unless I spill the whole bottle trying to pour it into the tiny little bottle, it should make a bottle last much longer. I use what I need instead of having a dripping patch.

What excuses do you guys use for when you stink up the house with the hoppe's #9 cleaner...??? Cause anyone that knows how bad hoppe's #9 is....has to have some type of excuse for when the wife hits the roof.

I know a few folks that link the smell of Hoppes #9 to their childhood and therefore enjoy the smell!

I actually don't mind the smell either, sorta like it but I take the used patches and put them in the trash in the garage to make my wife happy. As far as knocking over the open bottle after applying some to a patch and spilling half the contents, which I have done, I have learned to put the top back on as soon as I apply it, no matter how often I put it on a patch during any given cleaning.

Rugerfanboy wrote:What excuses do you guys use for when you stink up the house with the hoppe's #9 cleaner...??? Cause anyone that knows how bad hoppe's #9 is....has to have some type of excuse for when the wife hits the roof.

"Nobody forced you to marry a cowboy."
- manure, leather, gunpowder and Hoppes; it all came with the deal.

RanchRoper wrote:

Rugerfanboy wrote:What excuses do you guys use for when you stink up the house with the hoppe's #9 cleaner...??? Cause anyone that knows how bad hoppe's #9 is....has to have some type of excuse for when the wife hits the roof.

"Nobody forced you to marry a cowboy."
- manure, leather, gunpowder and Hoppes; it all came with the deal.

These two had an impact on my life in many ways.
Sorry....couldn't resist...!!!
Elmer Keith Doc Holiday

I love the smell of Hoppe's. My son does too. I guess it's a real man's thing.