Best Conventional Pistol/Rifle/Shotgun Cleaning Kit?

[AEA]

Looking for suggestions for the best quality and components in a Pistol/Rifle Cleaning Kit. I'm looking for a conventional kit (not a wireline pull thru thingy) with rods, brushes, mops, etc that actually fit together without looking all around for adapters.

I currently have a combination of several inexpensive kits, mixed together in a small toolbox, all of which the brushes/mops are worn out and I have so many adapters that I cannot find anything that works together. I need a good kit and get rid of all these parts that are useless to me.

I need a kit that is more directed for Pistols/Rifles than anything else since I rarely shoot the Shotguns and if/when I do, I have those pretty much covered with the parts I have from the other kits. Brushes/mops are my priority, I rarely use patches. I do have a couple of bore snakes that I really like and use often.

I was looking at the Big Shot Kit that comes in it's own "Shotgun Shell Case". Seems to be a fairly extensive kit and in a case that does not take too much desk space, well organized and labeled to find what you want without guessing.

My caliber priority is .38/.357 - 9mm - .45acp - 12ga - 5.56/.223 - 45-70 Govt. But as I said above, the the Shotgun is Home Defense only.

I am open to suggestions from those that have found themselves in the same boat that I am in and discovered a solution.

Thanks!

[Charles L. Cotton]

There may be some good kits available, but I've always bought components separately. I have a tackle box I use when I'm going to be gone for a few days, and I have a rack for use at home. I also have a smaller travel kit.

I like Dewey rods for both rifles and pistols. I haven't found a significant difference in brushes; they all wear out rather quickly. I use a .50 cal. brush in my 45's and a worn .45 cal. brush in 9mm and .40 S&W. This tends to clean the chambers so I don't have to have a separate chamber brush and it also cleans the barrels better. Don't ever use a Turbo Brush (stainless steel) on a barrel!! I've used them on crusted revolver cylinders, but sparingly even then. If you have a heavily leaded barrel, you can wrap bronze wool over a worn out brush, cut off the end of a cheap cleaning rod, then chuck it in an electric drill motor and go at it. Don't use steel wool!!

I use a lot of patches every time I clean. A wet patch or two go through the barrel first, then I use the brush, then 3 or 4 wet patches, then a dry patch to see if it's clean.

My gear for cleaning AR's is a lot more extensive with some specialized tools, but that's not what you are asking.

Chas.

[AEA]

If I can come up with a good kit to start off fresh with, I can replace components separately.

Thanks Charles, I appreciate your reply and info.

[A-R]

Chas hit the high points. I also have my own personally cobbled together kit kept in tackle boxes - little ones meant for small fishing accessories hold all the brushes, jags, etc, then that plus rods, solvents, oils, etc in a small ammo dry box

I like Dewey rods best, followed by Kleanbore. And I use caliber specific brass jags instead of the little "eye hole" needle patch holder thingy

Also started recently using Gunslick foaming bore cleaner and it works wonders - cuts bore cleaning time (and number of patches) in half. And about every 5 range sessions I'll use JB bore bright to really polish up the bore.

[texasmusic]

I'm a fan of Otis kits. Their brushes seem to last longer, patches are of much higher quality, and all of the fittings are brass and have held up quite well. The rubber ring over the patch holder that they use, in combination with a patch works very well. It's complicated to explain but the rubber presses the patch tight against the bore.

Good kit if you like the cable system. I have the small pouch which does a lot. And a big pouch which comes with almost everything. Big one will run about 100 bucks though.

[AEA]

Thanks guys!

[mbw]

I use Pro-Shot rods and brushes for everything but the Ar's, I stick with Otis for that. I aslo like the Pro-Shot company a lot-

http://www.proshotproducts.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Their products are not inexpensive, but you get what you pay for!

[OldCannon]

I'm a fan of Otis kits. Their brushes seem to last longer, patches are of much higher quality, and all of the fittings are brass and have held up quite well. The rubber ring over the patch holder that they use, in combination with a patch works very well. It's complicated to explain but the rubber presses the patch tight against the bore.

Good kit if you like the cable system. I have the small pouch which does a lot. And a big pouch which comes with almost everything. Big one will run about 100 bucks though.

I have Dewey/Tipton rods and various other tools. I recommend Otis more than anything though, since it's compact enough to take to the range without being annoying. The prices on their replacement patches though is ridiculous. Fortunately, they show you on their own site how to effectively use square patches.

[MoJo]

I'm with Charles and A-R my kit is made up from stuff that I like. I carry Bore Snakes and an Otis pull through I need to get me a new cleaning rod, I have a segmented .30 cal and larger Belding and Mull rod that is nearly 50 years old still works OK but not for .22. As far as the "Universal" kits go they are handy but don't hold up and are a band aid approach to gun cleaning.

[AEA]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys!

I decided and ordered the Big Shot 92pc Cleaning Kit.
It holds all the parts in the trays (every part screws into the trays) and they do not fall out all over the place. It has brass brushes/rods/jags.

The NRA Shop sells it so it can't be all bad huh?

This will get me started fresh again (read: ORGANIZED) and I can simply replace used pieces as they wear out individually.

[Jumping Frog]

I've got several of the Tipton Deluxe 1-Piece Carbon Fiber Cleaning Rods and really like them. They aren't cheap, but they'll last for years without damaging a barrel.