Handgun Cleaning Kit?

[Phil3]

I have two handguns (CZ 75B 9mm & Dan Wesson Pointman 7 1911 45ACP), and will have more (revolver), and would like to get a cleaning kit that has a quality cleaning rod, brush, jags, etc. Surprisingly, there is not as much out there as I thought. Dillon (pricey) and Dewey have a kit, but before I spring for that, want to make sure I know exactly what is needed. Rod, jag, patches, brush, and...? I already have cleaners and lubricants. I saw somewhere a pick may be needed. Recommendations, or just piecemeal a few items together?

- Phil

[DDRH]

i got an OTIS cleaning kit...give that a try

[rivviepop]

A good kit will be assembled over time; get a small plastic toolbox at your local Ace hardware to start so you can keep it all together. You'll end up with brass brushes, q-tips, nylon brushes, pipe cleaners, various picks and all sorts of other doodads besides all the normal items like jags and bore brushes. You're gonna wear things out (except the jags ) so plan on replacing them. My kit even has thin paintbrushes for poking open magazine bases, fine hobbyist/beader tweezers and whatnot...

EDIT: btw use some Oxyclean diluted in a glass of water to swish your brush-oriented cleaning tools in for a little bit then let 'em dry, that cleans the carbon gunk right off and keeps them more usable for longer.

[Lucky7]

This is a good kit for the price IMO it will work for most everything.

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=147522

[tigerhui]

If you can find a kit with everything you need, then great. I've never found one that had everything I use. Just pick up a small tool box and you will pick up the tools/accessories that you need over time.

[1911su16b870]

Check out the Breakfree caliber cleaning kits. Buy on in 45 acp and then pickup a few 355/38/9mm bronze brushes and jag, now you have a kit for two calibers! Add the Otis bore cleaner CLP and MPro7 and you're good to go!

[1911su16b870]

For brush cleaning, I use a empty/clean bottle of Gatorade/Smartwater and fill with 50/50 simple green and water. Plop the brushes in, close the cap, shake vigorously and they're clean. Fish out, dry and you are good to go!

[Legasat]

I just started with the Winchester kit that is almost always on sale at Big 5 and other places. But as others have said, it's still not enough. It has the brushes, rods, adapters & handles, but not the solvents, patches & lubricants. I also added a tooth brush, a couple of small tools and some cotton swabs.

My kit is still growing, but getting close to completion for basic cleaning.

[Voo]

If you can find a kit with everything you need, then great. I've never found one that had everything I use. Just pick up a small tool box and you will pick up the tools/accessories that you need over time.

+1

The kits often suck and as I prefer to use a Dewey rod, I simply purchased a toolbox and started piecing things together.

In actuality I have 2 primary toolboxes. 1 box has EVERYTHING for all my firearms/rifles/handguns. I then carry a smaller one depending on what I'm going to shoot with. I shoot competitively and its not prudent to constantly haul out my larger toolbox that contains everything and the whole kitchen sink. I've pared it down to a few simple items that are specific to the caliber I'm using. This smaller, carry kit only has the essential items to work on a specific platform. No need to bring an AR or M14 wrenches with you when you're shooting Glock pistols.

Often times I'll only pack the bare necessities (dental pick, a 3mm punch, and lube) and leave the rod, brushes, jags at home. A boresnake is a wonderful piece of equipment that works amazingly well.

[Cato]

If you are anal about guncare (like I am) put one together yourself. Get a plastic container and buy all your brushes I rods, jags, cotton swabs, and patches separately. All that junk isn't going to break the bank. You can get everything you need for under $40.

Otherwise the cheap $15 kits work just fine. Disassembly and over cleaning isn't good for the gun anyway.