"Best" handgun cleaning kit?

[m657]

About time to upgrade my collection of various defective aluminum handgun cleaning rods & drawer full of assorted brushes, jags, & other junk.

Not sure of the advantages of the incredible choices available.

Like the notion of the various cased kits, but not necessary. Don't need the 'basic range kit'; unsure of need for the "75 part comprehensive" kit with all those brushes.

Have long replaced worn with just new brushes as needed.

As a fan of bore snakes, I realize they don't solve all the cleaning problems.

What works so well YOU would recommend it?

 

[FrankD45]

I purchased an Otis kit specifically for my M&P 15 (AR clone). The kit includes small and large diameter flexible cable "rod" as well as a variety of ends and brushes. It also includes one size fits all patches that can be used for up to six passes each. The best part is that the whole deal comes in a 4"X4"X2" zippered pouch!

It does a fantastic job on my A/R as well as my M1 Garand as it allows cleaning from the breech end without dis-assembly. The kit includes a shorter cable that I use to clean my revolvers, again, from the breech end.

In my opinion, if you are going to buy one kit for all of your needs, this is the way to go.

I hope that helps,

Frank

 

[RogueJSK]

I also use Otis "pull through" kits exclusively, with the exception of a one piece Dewey rod for my Garand.

These types of "pull through" cleaning kits are offered by several different manufacturers, and would be my recommendation. No more problems with broken cheap brass or aluminum rod segments, and it cleans from breech to muzzle, which means the crud gets pulled out instead of pushed back into the action.

A Boresnake or two for quick swabs after range sessions might be a good investment as well, but as you said, don't rely on them for all of your cleaning needs.

 

[Frank237]

Get a Brownells catalog or go to their site. Any and all sorts of cleaning accy's. Don't think ONE kit or rod does it all. You need a short rod for snub guns, one for longer barrels, etc.

Certainly cheaper to buy in bulk when it comes to brushes and patches too.

FN in MT

 

[drew-67]

I also would give the Otis kits a thumbs-up.

I had the debate on which kit to purchase a little over a month ago...After research and contacting the company, I decided to purchase the Deluxe Rifle & Pistol Kit. I was mainly looking for a cleaning kit for just my revolvers, but this one was only a little more money and it included a #35 brush which I needed for the 357 Mag & 38 Special...

Anyway, I have been very satisfied with the set-up! As has been posted, it's nice to clean from the breech and it has some advantages. Besides not pushing debri back in towards the action, it's also nice not to have to worry about hitting the firing pin with a rod attachment...

Take care, Drew

 

[PALADIN85020]

I'm not sure I'd buy any of the current crop of "cleaning kits." At the risk of sounding too much like an old dog, let me show you what I use for my centerfire pistols and revolvers. I bought this kit for a few dollars back in 1962 when I was in the Army, and I still use it.

The quality is outstanding. The rod and the jags are stainless steel. The handle is walnut. The buffer at the base of the rod is brass to avoid damage to muzzles. The rod rotates in the handle so as to follow the rifling. There are jags for .32, .38, and .44/.45, plus an all-purpose slotted patch holder. The leatherette-covered aluminum case is lined with black velvet; the hardware on the case is brass. There are no aluminum rod components. Stuff like this is simply not made any more. I think if anyone could reproduce this rig today, it would be a great seller, even for a premium price.

The only things this one won't do are long barrels and .22s. For those, I use an 11-inch Dewey coated rod with a ball-bearing handle and a brass slotted tip. I use brass bristle brushes with each setup, replaced as needed when worn out. These I get for about a dollar each at gun shows.

 

[JakeB]

There is only one truly viable option: Dewey

Shameless plug since they are only about 5 minutes down the street from my home and they are a really nice family.