Barrel Wizard shotgun Cleaner

As a rifleman I am very anal about cleaning and have all the right kit. However, as an occasional shotgunner though not ignoring my old Rem 870 pump I might carry a bore snake or similar, but then again I might not. However, a smooth bore is still a precision tube and should be accorded the same respect as its rifled brethren if you want top performance. Which is where a new product called the Bore Wizard from Shooters’ Choice comes in.

TELESCOPIC

The system consists of a telescopic, length-adjustable rod, a snap cap/handle with integral oil bottle and a large cleaning jag. This lot when not needed can be stored down the barrel and will fit any sort of gun. Break barrels are the most obvious but it occurred to me it would also work with pumps and autos though you’d have to insert the rod then put the barrel back on. Or chamber the snap cap end then screw the rod into it.

The rod is made of black anodised aluminium and measures 22.5” collapsed and 38” fully extended. Length adjustment is by means of a sprung plunger, which is pushed in to unlock then can be located in 17 different holes all spaced an inch apart. The large/long plastic jag screws into the end and adds a further five inches to that, so just about any shotgun barrel can be rodded through.

The handle end is shaped like the base of a shotgun shell with a sprung rubber centre piece where the primer would be and doubles up as a snap cap. Removing the red aluminium ferrule allows access to the storage compartment designed for oil or maybe even cleaning solvents. The interior of the ferule is threaded to accept the rod.

Shooters Choice says the Barrel Wizard will clean 16, 20 and 12-gauge shotguns, however they only offer it with the 12-gauge head. I think is a bit of a mistake, as calibre-compatible heads would only enhance its popularity!

TOWEL ME DOWN

With the rod sorted let’s look at the jag! Made of polymer it’s slotted for ¾ of its length to accept pieces of standard paper kitchen towel. Probably better than dedicated patches and a whole lot cheaper too. Just slide a hunk through wrap it round to suit the bore size then rod it out. Though not included the end of the jag is threaded the universal 5/16 x 27 to accept any standard shotgun brush or cleaning accessory. So you can scrub out your bore or it can be removed and hand-held to clean the gun’s chamber too.

In use the Barrel Wizard proved to be well up to the job. It’s well constructed and tough and should give good service. Plus its unique ability to be stored in the barrel and act as both a safety device and a snap cap is to be recommended. Currently the Wizard is being offered by Reloading Solutions with a 12-bore brush for a limited period.