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Posted: 6/2/2008 6:05:21 PM EDT
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Hello there New member and AR-15 owner here. In my first posting I said I'll be looking for maintenance and care info. OK. I currently have: A 16" Stag arms / Double Star AR-15 (about 4 day old) A Hi-Point 9mm carbine And a Marlin 22 semi I'm thinking about getting a universal cleaning kit. Any opinions on Cheaper Than Dirt. com products ( OK or Stay away)? Are there better sites? Thanx |
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RDN, not sure what you're asking. Are you wondering which site to buy on, or are you wondering which cleaning kit to buy? CheaperThanDirt is a fine site. I'm a member there, but I've heard they are doing away with memberships after this year, so you'll no longer be able to get discounted member prices any longer. There are also tons of other great places to shop online for AR-and gun gear. Look at some of the sponsors on our site right here. Then there are a truckload of other places. My favorite places that tend to be price competitive are: Pk Firearms, Talon Arms, Mooneys Firearms (on some items), 44mag (for mags), CheaperthanDirt, Midwayusa, and Brownells (great selection). For an all-around or "universal" cleaning kit that will work on everything you have, you might consider the Otis Tactical kit. They're in stock right now at MidwayUSA.com, for $39.99. This is a great kit, check it out. Otis Tactical cleaning kit |
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Cheaper Than Dirt doesn't really make much themselves. Mostly its just relabeled on their web site. That being said, I dont know if I'd buy a cleaning kit from them. I think I'd spend the extra .50 and get quality branded items instead. Most of what comes in kits is pretty poor quality unless you go with the more expensive kits, which you'd then be better off buying the separate components that you need. My general rule with them is to stay away from the CTD labeled items, unless its something I consider a minor item. As far as CTD goes, make sure you check out the shipping when comparing prices. They may be a few $ cheaper on something, but end up being many more on shipping costs. MidwayUSA.com is another very popular gun related items online shop. Same deal with them though. Midway does let you backorder things, but if you do, also be aware that you will be paying shipping on each and every box they send you. I usually just order stuff from here when I feel like being lazy and dont want to shop around, or just ordering some cheap things. I would consider checking out some of the advertisers on top of the forums. Some are more specialized and some are more generic in what they sell, but quite a few are active in the forums and work to keep a good reputation. I've bought different things from several of them and have no complaints at all. All the places mentioned by husker_t are decent. As far as cleaning goes, thats a whole other subject... The Otis one linked above is a decent all around one though. I've never used their oil, so no clue how well that does. Breakfree CLP is the popular choice for oiling/cleaning. There are many other brands people like, and many topics here covering it already. You'll also probably want to pick up some extra patches while ordering. (You dont have to get Otis brand patches if you dont want) |
For a start (plus later for the field), get a bore snake for 22 and 9mm plus a USGI M16 kit (for the chamber cleaning, emergency field cleaning and the tooth brush ;-). Add the short rod adapter for commercial brushes, a 9mm brush and jag and you will be all set to go for a while except for patches, solvent (Hoppies No 9 and CLP) plus oil (CLP?).   (Images borrowed from PK Firearms) At that point would check out Dewey Mfg, possible at a local larger gun show.  A nice stainless steel (coated or not depending on your preference) with a brass jag, a couple bronze and nylon brushes (with brass wire cores), bore guide and possible the action brush / mop kit - see photo below (note a USGI cleaning kit works fine for cleaning the chamber also) will last you life time and work well.  |
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