Has anyone tried these cleaning kits?

Seems like a practical thing to bring on trips, as it doesn't take much space:



Otis

I have one, and love it. I use it on rifles and handguns. I am a cop, and keep it in my vehicle at all times.

Erik:

I have the rifle & handgun kit and like it. I have added a few caliber specific brushes, more patches, another small bottle of Otis solvent and a small bottle of Rem oil to the kit. All fit easily in the pouch. I kept it in my shooting bag in the truck while hunting. Total kit is about 4 inches in diamater and 2 inches thick with my added items.

I did bring a regular cleaning rod which I packed in my hard case but would have felt well served with just this kit on a hunting trip.

A Bore Snake and some solvent/lubricant would also make a decent minimalist kit.

You might want to post on the "Gunsmithing" forum as it is probably more appropriate there.

Regards,

RCG

Tried the Bore Snake as the minimalist cleaning kit in Africa last year. Took one for the .416 and one for the 9.3x62.

They worked great ... but couldn't bring them back. The PH liked them so well I gave them to him.

Would have required more in a damp or very humid climate.

Great cleaning gear to keep with you, but don't read the instructions- they'll have you believe that using anything else will ruin your gun in a single afternoon.

Ive never tried otis , but I use the patchworm. Its great.

What´s a "patchworm"?

I usualy have one with me or in my pack. They are sold under various names and usaly found in the mil. mags and always called a tactical something or other.. They truly can get you out of a fix when you cant find a stick straight enough to dislodge the mud wasp nest that wasnt in your barrel a few days ago. Charlie

Haven`t tried the OTIS-set, but I use a similar kit from Ox Yoke (Zip Kit).. Much the same content. It`s pretty good for field use. Have put in some extra items, though..
If you want to save some money, you can just pack a small bottle of oil, some wipes and a string.. That`s pretty much what I think I need..

quote:

just pack a small bottle of oil, some wipes and a string..

Anders,

Generally, I would agree with you. However, a piece of sting will not help you out if your barrel gets stuffed with mud or something else.The more ridged wire in a Otis (or other simualar kit) will.

I would only use bore snakes and the like in an emergency and not as a replacement to one piece cleaning rods. Bore snakes tend to pull a lot of fouling repeatedly through the bore making them pretty abrasive. In addition, they tend to ride one side of the bore when pulling them through. In a pinch, they are fine, but I would not replace my one piece cleaning rod with them.

If you are in Southern/East Africa you won't need to clean your rifle until you get back home at the end of the trip. If you need to get something out of the barrel, you need a rod and those take apart rods that shock cord together work well enough for that. Save space and $$ and don't bother unless you are in areas that demand daily oil in the bore.
Regards