Let’s Talk About Pro-Shot 5 Piece Polymer Gun Pick Tool Kit
The Pro-Shot 5 Piece Polymer Gun Pick Tool Kit is a compact and inexpensive set designed to assist in cleaning firearms, especially in those hard-to-reach areas. Manufactured by Pro-Shot, this kit includes four different polymer picks and a double-ended nylon brush, offering a versatile array of cleaning options. These tools promise to help remove fouling and debris without damaging the firearm’s finish, making it a potentially valuable addition to any gun owner’s cleaning kit.
Years of experience in the field have taught me that proper firearm maintenance is crucial, and often it’s the small details that matter most. After struggling to effectively clean the intricate workings of my AR-15’s bolt carrier group, I realized I needed a specialized toolset that wouldn’t scratch the finish. The Pro-Shot 5 Piece Polymer Gun Pick Tool Kit seemed like a promising solution to this problem, offering a non-marring alternative to traditional metal picks.
Upon unboxing the kit, I was immediately struck by its simplicity. The tools are lightweight, and while the polymer construction doesn’t exude premium quality, they appear sturdy enough for their intended purpose. The inclusion of the double-ended nylon brush was a welcome bonus, suggesting a well-rounded approach to gun cleaning.
I was also considering a more expensive set of steel picks with rubberized handles and a dedicated set of gun cleaning brushes. However, I chose the Pro-Shot 5 Piece Polymer Gun Pick Tool Kit primarily for its non-marring polymer construction and incredibly attractive price point. The potential to prevent scratches on valuable firearms outweighed the perceived benefits of the higher-end options.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. While the tools might not be as robust as their metal counterparts, the potential for scratch-free cleaning and the unbelievably low price made it worth a shot. Only real-world testing would reveal whether the Pro-Shot 5 Piece Polymer Gun Pick Tool Kit could truly live up to its promise.
Real-World Testing: Putting Pro-Shot 5 Piece Polymer Gun Pick Tool Kit to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Pro-Shot 5 Piece Polymer Gun Pick Tool Kit after a day at the range with my AR-15. I focused on cleaning the bolt carrier group, the lower receiver’s nooks and crannies, and the trigger assembly. The carbon buildup was considerable, providing a good challenge for the polymer picks.
The picks performed reasonably well in removing loose carbon and powder residue. However, I noticed the polymer tips would flex under pressure when dealing with more stubborn deposits. The nylon brush was effective at sweeping away loose debris and scrubbing lightly soiled surfaces.
While the picks were easy to use, I did have to apply more force than I would with metal picks. The polymer tips, lacking the sharpness of steel, required more direct pressure to dislodge hardened carbon. After the first use, I was neither thrilled nor disappointed.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use, the Pro-Shot 5 Piece Polymer Gun Pick Tool Kit has proven to be a useful addition to my cleaning arsenal, but not a replacement for more robust tools. The polymer picks show some signs of wear on the tips, with slight rounding and deformation from repeated use. The nylon brush is holding up well, showing no significant wear or fraying.
The picks have maintained their usefulness for cleaning delicate parts and areas where scratching is a concern. However, for deeply ingrained carbon or rust, I still rely on brass or steel tools. Maintenance is simple: I just wipe the picks and brush down with a solvent-soaked cloth after each use.
Compared to my previous reliance on makeshift tools like toothpicks and cotton swabs, the Pro-Shot 5 Piece Polymer Gun Pick Tool Kit is a definite upgrade. However, the limited strength of the polymer prevents it from outperforming more traditional metal-based cleaning tools for heavy-duty tasks. It has become a go-to tool for the initial cleaning stages and preserving firearm finishes.
Breaking Down the Features of Pro-Shot 5 Piece Polymer Gun Pick Tool Kit
Specifications
The Pro-Shot 5 Piece Polymer Gun Pick Tool Kit features a nylon polymer construction for the picks and nylon bristles for the brush. It is designed for universal caliber applications. The kit includes four different styles of polymer picks and an all-purpose nylon brush.
These specifications matter because they directly influence the tool’s performance and suitability for various cleaning tasks. The polymer construction ensures a non-marring cleaning experience, while the different pick styles offer versatility in reaching tight spaces and intricate components. The included nylon brush enhances the kit’s overall utility.
Performance & Functionality
The Pro-Shot 5 Piece Polymer Gun Pick Tool Kit performs well in removing loose fouling and debris from firearms. Its strength lies in its ability to clean without scratching delicate surfaces. However, the polymer material lacks the rigidity and sharpness needed to dislodge heavily carbonized deposits, which is a significant weakness.
The Pro-Shot 5 Piece Polymer Gun Pick Tool Kit meets expectations as a non-marring cleaning tool but falls short when compared to metal tools regarding sheer cleaning power. Its limited strength means it isn’t a one-stop solution for all firearm cleaning needs. It excels in specific situations where preserving the finish is paramount.
Design & Ergonomics
The Pro-Shot 5 Piece Polymer Gun Pick Tool Kit features a simple, functional design. The polymer picks are lightweight and easy to handle, but the lack of a textured grip can make them slippery when wet. The included nylon brush is a standard design, comfortable to hold and use.
The picks and brush have a minimal learning curve. Their straightforward design makes them immediately usable for anyone familiar with firearm cleaning. Anyone familiar with detailing tools will find them immediately intuitive.
Durability & Maintenance
The Pro-Shot 5 Piece Polymer Gun Pick Tool Kit has an expected lifespan that is directly tied to the amount of pressure applied during use. With moderate use and care, the picks should last a reasonable amount of time before showing significant wear. Maintenance is simple, requiring only wiping with a solvent-soaked cloth after each use.
The polymer material is resistant to most common firearm solvents, ensuring the picks won’t degrade from chemical exposure. Repair is not possible, as the picks are molded as single pieces. Replacement is the only option if the tips break or become overly worn.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Pro-Shot 5 Piece Polymer Gun Pick Tool Kit includes four different styles of polymer picks and an all-purpose nylon brush. There are no included customization options, such as replaceable tips or interchangeable handles. However, the user can modify the existing pick tips by carefully reshaping them with sandpaper or a file to achieve a more precise or aggressive cleaning action.
The Pro-Shot 5 Piece Polymer Gun Pick Tool Kit is compatible with most standard firearm cleaning solvents and oils. These are readily available from various brands. It complements other cleaning tools like bore brushes, jags, and cleaning patches to provide a comprehensive firearm cleaning solution.
Pros and Cons of Pro-Shot 5 Piece Polymer Gun Pick Tool Kit
Pros
- Non-marring polymer construction prevents scratches on delicate firearm finishes.
- Inexpensive price point makes it an accessible addition to any cleaning kit.
- Versatile set of picks allows access to tight spaces and intricate components.
- Included nylon brush enhances the kit’s overall utility for removing loose debris.
- Lightweight and easy to handle for comfortable use during extended cleaning sessions.
Cons
- Polymer construction lacks the rigidity of metal tools for removing stubborn carbon buildup.
- Picks can flex or deform under pressure, limiting their effectiveness on heavily fouled areas.
- No textured grip on the picks can make them slippery when wet or oily.
Who Should Buy Pro-Shot 5 Piece Polymer Gun Pick Tool Kit?
The Pro-Shot 5 Piece Polymer Gun Pick Tool Kit is perfect for gun owners who prioritize protecting the finish of their firearms during cleaning. This especially includes owners of valuable or antique firearms. It is also suited for those who perform routine maintenance and only need to remove loose fouling and debris.
Gun owners who regularly encounter heavily carbonized or rusted firearms should skip this product. Those who require aggressive cleaning tools for removing stubborn deposits will find the polymer construction inadequate. A more robust set of metal picks would be a better investment for heavy-duty cleaning tasks.
A must-have accessory to complement the Pro-Shot 5 Piece Polymer Gun Pick Tool Kit is a quality firearm cleaning solvent to help loosen fouling and debris before using the picks. A set of bore brushes and cleaning patches would also be beneficial to ensure a thorough cleaning of the barrel and other internal components.
Conclusion on Pro-Shot 5 Piece Polymer Gun Pick Tool Kit
The Pro-Shot 5 Piece Polymer Gun Pick Tool Kit is a specialized toolset that excels at preventing scratches while cleaning firearms. Its limited strength makes it unsuitable for heavy-duty cleaning. However, it is an excellent addition to any cleaning kit for delicate tasks.
The price of $4.99 is absolutely justified for the value it provides in protecting firearm finishes. The price makes it worth buying even if it only ends up being used in a few select applications.
I would personally recommend the Pro-Shot 5 Piece Polymer Gun Pick Tool Kit to any gun owner who wants to protect the finish of their firearms during cleaning. While it is not a replacement for more robust cleaning tools, it is a valuable addition to any cleaning kit for delicate tasks. Grab a set today and keep your firearms looking their best!