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3/18/2013 7:01:29 PM EDT
Could anyone recommend a good universal cleaning kit.  For years, I simply borrowed my father's kit.  His kit consists of a cobbled together mess of components thrown into a tackle box.  What I want is a good quality kit that is useful for many different calibers and gauges.  I'm looking for quality...not for cheap.  I don't mind paying a little more if I get a nice set.

I need something that has brushes and setup for rifles from .17 through 30.06 and, pistols from .22 to .45 and 12 and 20 gauge shotguns.  Ideally, from a manufacture that I can buy other sized brushes from as needed that fit onto the rods.  

Does anyone have a good universal kit they could suggest?

Thanks.
3/18/2013 11:38:15 PM EDT
[#1]
I like my Otis cleaning kits.

not everybody likes the cable that comes with the Otis.. it's fine but not perfect.
just add a cleaning rod and you have a good compact kit.
3/19/2013 6:41:57 AM EDT
[#2]
OK, good to know.  I was looking at those online.  I noticed there was no rod.  Is there a particular brand of rod you recommend that is good quality?
3/19/2013 7:23:49 AM EDT
[#3]
Personally? I would cobble one together from whichever OEM you prefer, build your kit for the weapons you have.
You might spend a few dollars more in the end but you'll have exactly what you need/want.
3/19/2013 8:25:46 AM EDT
[#4]
If I do cobble one together...do I need to be mindful of different thread sizes for brushes and rods or all they all universal?
3/19/2013 10:55:53 AM EDT
[#5]
With a few exceptions, all cleaning gear has the same threads.  
The exception are military gear and female threaded brushes and rod tips uses on some rods.
There are adapters that allow using military threaded gear on commercial rods, and the male threaded rods are seldom seen anymore.

There really are no good universal cleaning kits, so most shooters eventually build their own kit using a tackle box.
This allows you to buy the exact gear needed for a specific gun and not have a "universal" kit with things you don't need cluttering things up.

In virtually all cases, the separate gear you buy will be higher quality then the gear in universal kits.
As example almost all universal kits will have screw-together brass or aluminum rods, which are the absolute worst you can have.
Buy ONLY one-piece stainless steel or carbon fiber rods, then buy quality tips and brushes for them.
For rods, you can usually get by with one rod for .22, one for .30 and larger, and one or two pistol rods, depending on the length of the barrels of your pistols.
If you own a rifle like an M1 or M1A or an AR-15, you may want to buy a "service rifle" rod.
This is a rod of the exact correct length to clean that specific length barrel without being so long it could damage a bolt face.

Another advantage of building your own kit is, you build it only as you need other gear for a new gun.  Usually, that means all you have to buy are brushes and possible rod tips.
If you need new brushes and tips or a specialty cleaning tool for a new gun. you don't have the problem of a universal kit not having room for it.  With a tackle box, you just label another compartment in the box for the new gear.
3/19/2013 12:27:16 PM EDT
[#6]
As example almost all universal kits will have screw-together brass or aluminum rods, which are the absolute worst you can have.


Just wanted to stress this point:  grains of sand or other sharp crud can embed itself into soft metal rods, and you may end up scratching up the inside of your bore.  Crud can also get lodged in between rod sections, too.
3/19/2013 4:22:42 PM EDT
[#7]
Go to Midway USA in the gun cleaning section, pick 1-2 single peice dewey rods, jags for what ever calibers you want, 10 pack bronze brushes, patches, (I like to have at least two rods for rifle and pistol, too, cuts down on swapping out jags and brushes), good copper\bore cleaner, oil\CLP, and never let anyone else borrow stuff.  I like Dewey 1 piece rods and Pro-Shot accessories.  Get good stuff to take care of your expensive guns.  Those sectional aluminum rods are crap-stick with 1 piece rods what ever you do.
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