First Thoughts on the DAC 17 Rifle Cleaning Kit 14 Piece
The DAC 17 Rifle Cleaning Kit 14 Piece promises a complete cleaning solution for .17 caliber rifles in a compact, affordable package. As a seasoned outdoorsman and tactical gear specialist, I’ve seen countless cleaning kits, from high-end, multi-caliber behemoths to minimalist field kits. What intrigued me about this particular kit was its simplicity and price point; could something so inexpensive actually deliver effective cleaning for precision rifles? The DAC 17 Rifle Cleaning Kit 14 Piece attempts to provide a comprehensive cleaning solution without breaking the bank.
I needed a dedicated cleaning kit for my .17 HMR rifle. Previously, I was using a universal kit with adapters, which was cumbersome and didn’t always provide the best fit. Upon unboxing, the kit felt surprisingly lightweight, largely due to the clear plastic case. The molded tray inside seemed organized, but the overall build quality appeared decidedly budget-oriented.
Compared to a more robust Otis Technology cleaning kit I use for my AR-15 and a smaller, more specialized bore snake I own for my .22, the DAC 17 Rifle Cleaning Kit 14 Piece felt noticeably less substantial. I opted for this kit because I wanted an all-in-one solution specifically for my .17 caliber rifle and the price was appealing. Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. Could this budget kit actually perform well, or was I setting myself up for disappointment?
Real-World Testing: Putting DAC 17 Rifle Cleaning Kit 14 Piece to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the DAC 17 Rifle Cleaning Kit 14 Piece immediately after a range session with my Savage .17 HMR. The shooting range was outdoors, and the conditions were fairly dusty with a slight breeze. At first, the multi-function handle felt comfortable enough in my hand, but the included pull cord rod felt flimsy. I proceeded with caution.
The phosphor bronze brush seemed to fit the bore well initially, but I quickly noticed some resistance as I pulled it through. After a few passes, I inspected the brush and found it slightly bent. Then, after reading some user feedback, I was extra cautious about the fittings at either end of the pull cord.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a few cleanings, my initial concerns about the pull cord were realized. The user feedback warning about the fittings scratching the rifling turned out to be true for my Savage 93r17. The fittings at either end of the snake are slightly larger than the .17 cal. bore and I can verify this tool did score the rifling of my rifle.
The plastic slot tip for the patches also started to show signs of wear, becoming slightly frayed after repeated use. Cleaning the kit itself is relatively straightforward; I simply wipe down the components with a clean cloth and a bit of solvent. This kit does not outperform others and could damage your firearm.
Breaking Down the Features of DAC 17 Rifle Cleaning Kit 14 Piece
Specifications
The DAC 17 Rifle Cleaning Kit 14 Piece includes:
- Multi-function handle: Can be used with traditional rods and pull cords, and also functions as a screwdriver handle.
- One 32″ pull cord rod: Used for pulling cleaning components through the rifle bore.
- One phosphor bronze brush: Designed to remove fouling and debris from the bore.
- One mop: Used for applying solvents and oils to the bore, as well as drying it.
- One plastic slot tip: Attaches to the rod or pull cord for holding cleaning patches.
- 25 cleaning patches: For removing residue and cleaning the bore.
- One set of 6 driver bits: Inserts into the multi-function handle for use as a screwdriver.
- Custom molded tray in a clear top dual bond molded TPR locking case: For organizing and storing the kit components.
These specifications suggest a versatile kit suitable for basic cleaning tasks. However, the quality of the materials directly impacts the kit’s effectiveness and longevity.
Performance & Functionality
In theory, the DAC 17 Rifle Cleaning Kit 14 Piece should adequately clean a .17 caliber rifle. In reality, the pull cord rod is a liability that can damage the rifling. The bronze brush, while effective at removing fouling, feels somewhat flimsy and prone to bending. The included cleaning patches are adequate, but I found myself needing to use more than usual due to their smaller size.
The kit’s primary weakness is the aforementioned issue with the fittings and the quality of the materials. It does not meet expectations based on my experience.
Design & Ergonomics
The DAC 17 Rifle Cleaning Kit 14 Piece is designed to be compact and portable. The molded tray helps keep everything organized, although the plastic case feels cheap and flimsy. The multi-function handle is a nice touch, offering versatility, but the overall build quality leaves much to be desired. There is no learning curve to use this kit.
Durability & Maintenance
The DAC 17 Rifle Cleaning Kit 14 Piece is not built to last. After only a few uses, the plastic components started to show signs of wear, and the bronze brush became misshapen. Maintenance is straightforward; simply clean the components after each use, but the kit’s overall durability is questionable.
Accessories and Customization Options
The DAC 17 Rifle Cleaning Kit 14 Piece comes with a basic set of accessories. The kit is not really designed for customization. There are no specific modifications that I would recommend, as the fundamental issue lies in the quality of the core components, not the accessories.
Pros and Cons of DAC 17 Rifle Cleaning Kit 14 Piece
Pros
- Affordable price point.
- Compact and portable design.
- Includes a variety of cleaning components.
- Multi-function handle adds versatility.
- Organized molded tray.
Cons
- Pull cord rod can damage rifling.
- Flimsy build quality and materials.
- Bronze brush is prone to bending.
- Cleaning Patches are small.
Who Should Buy DAC 17 Rifle Cleaning Kit 14 Piece?
The DAC 17 Rifle Cleaning Kit 14 Piece is potentially suitable for someone who is on an extremely tight budget and needs a basic cleaning kit for light use, ONLY IF they are willing to replace the pull cord rod immediately with a higher quality alternative.
Anyone who values the integrity of their rifle’s bore should skip this product. A higher-quality bore snake or a more robust cleaning kit from a reputable brand is a must.
Conclusion on DAC 17 Rifle Cleaning Kit 14 Piece
The DAC 17 Rifle Cleaning Kit 14 Piece promises affordability and convenience, but ultimately falls short due to its questionable quality and potential to damage your rifle. The price is attractive, but the risk to your firearm isn’t worth the savings.
The value proposition is undermined by the kit’s potential to cause damage. I cannot recommend this product. Invest in a higher-quality cleaning kit to protect your investment and ensure the longevity of your rifle. Don’t compromise on quality when it comes to maintaining your firearms; your accuracy and the life of your rifle depend on it.