First Thoughts on the Kleen-Bore Classic Cleaning Kit 9mm/38/357 Handgun Bronze, Nylon
As someone who’s spent over a decade in the outdoor and tactical gear world, I understand the importance of properly maintaining your firearms. A clean gun is a reliable gun, and a reliable gun can be a lifesaver. The Kleen-Bore Classic Cleaning Kit 9mm/38/357 Handgun Bronze, Nylon caught my eye as a seemingly straightforward, all-in-one solution for keeping my handguns in top condition.
I was looking for a compact and portable kit that contained the essentials for cleaning my 9mm and .38 Special revolvers after range sessions. My old kit was a hodgepodge of mismatched components in a repurposed tackle box; organization was a nightmare. I needed something streamlined and efficient.
Unboxing the Kleen-Bore Classic Cleaning Kit 9mm/38/357 Handgun Bronze, Nylon, I immediately appreciated the compact polypropylene case. It felt sturdy enough for transport. The components were neatly organized inside, a welcome change from my previous chaotic setup. Compared to more elaborate kits I’ve used, like those with bore snakes and specialized solvents, this one seemed deliberately simple.
I chose this Kleen-Bore kit over individual components because of the promise of a complete package at a reasonable price. My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The kit seemed well-organized and contained everything listed, but the true test would be its performance in cleaning my firearms.
Real-World Testing: Putting Kleen-Bore Classic Cleaning Kit 9mm/38/357 Handgun Bronze, Nylon to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Kleen-Bore Classic Cleaning Kit 9mm/38/357 Handgun Bronze, Nylon immediately after a range session with my Glock 19 (9mm) and my Smith & Wesson Model 686 (.357 Magnum). I cleaned both pistols at my workbench, indoors, under good lighting. The range session had been relatively light, around 150 rounds through each firearm.
The kit performed adequately, though I quickly realized the 2 oz bottle of BreakFree CLP wouldn’t last long. The nylon brush did a decent job of removing surface fouling, and the bronze brush effectively scrubbed the bores of both firearms. One slight annoyance was the segmented rod; it required careful tightening to prevent loosening during use.
There were no immediate issues, but I did notice the patches seemed a bit thin. They saturated quickly, requiring more frequent changes.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, cleaning my firearms after each range trip (averaging 2-3 times per month), the kit continues to function as intended. There is some wear and tear on the nylon brush, but the bronze brush is holding up well. The CLP, as expected, needed replacing relatively quickly.
The polymer muzzle guard has proven useful in protecting the crown of my barrels from accidental scratches. The silicone cloth is helpful for wiping down the exterior surfaces of my firearms. Compared to my previous cleaning routine, this kit has streamlined the process somewhat, but the quality of certain components is a noticeable downgrade.
The rigid black rod has remained straight, but the threads on the extension show some signs of wear, and I anticipate they will eventually strip if I’m not careful.
Breaking Down the Features of Kleen-Bore Classic Cleaning Kit 9mm/38/357 Handgun Bronze, Nylon
Specifications
- Caliber Compatibility: Designed for 9mm, .38 Special, and .357 Magnum handguns. This provides a broad range of compatibility for common handgun calibers.
- Bristle Type: Features both nylon and phosphor bronze brushes. Nylon is suitable for general cleaning, while bronze offers more aggressive fouling removal.
- Rod Material: The rod is constructed from a rigid black material with a swivel handle. The swivel handle aids in smooth bore cleaning.
- Thread Pattern: Utilizes an #8-32 thread pattern for attachments. This is a standard thread pattern for many bore brushes and accessories.
- Case Material: The kit comes in a polypropylene case. Polypropylene is a durable and lightweight plastic.
- Includes: Rod, extension, double-end nylon brush, 2 oz BreakFree CLP, black steel patch holder, phosphor bronze bore brush, polymer muzzle guard, silicone cloth, and cotton cleaning patches. This provides a relatively complete package for basic handgun cleaning.
Performance & Functionality
The Kleen-Bore Classic Cleaning Kit 9mm/38/357 Handgun Bronze, Nylon performs adequately for basic cleaning. The brushes effectively remove powder residue and fouling from the bore and other parts of the firearm. The CLP provides lubrication and protects against corrosion.
The kit’s primary weakness lies in the quality of some of the components. The patches are thin, and the CLP runs out quickly. Overall, the kit meets expectations for a budget-friendly cleaning solution.
Design & Ergonomics
The design is straightforward and functional. The polypropylene case is compact and easy to store. The swivel handle on the cleaning rod improves ergonomics.
There is minimal learning curve associated with using the kit. Anyone familiar with basic firearm cleaning procedures will find it easy to use.
Durability & Maintenance
The durability is acceptable for the price point. The bronze brush and cleaning rod should last for a reasonable amount of time with proper care. The nylon brush and patches will likely need replacing more frequently.
Maintenance is simple. The brushes can be cleaned with solvent, and the rod should be wiped down after each use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The kit includes the standard accessories needed for basic cleaning. There are no customization options available for the kit itself. The #8-32 thread pattern does allow for the use of aftermarket brushes and jags if desired.
Pros and Cons of Kleen-Bore Classic Cleaning Kit 9mm/38/357 Handgun Bronze, Nylon
Pros
- Provides a complete, all-in-one cleaning solution for 9mm, .38 Special, and .357 Magnum handguns.
- Compact and portable polypropylene case makes it easy to store and transport.
- Includes both nylon and phosphor bronze brushes for versatile cleaning.
- Swivel handle on the cleaning rod improves ergonomics and ease of use.
- Budget-friendly price point makes it accessible to a wide range of gun owners.
Cons
- The included 2oz bottle of BreakFree CLP is small and needs frequent replacement.
- The cotton cleaning patches are thin and saturate quickly.
- The quality of some components (patches, nylon brush) is not as high as more premium kits.
Who Should Buy Kleen-Bore Classic Cleaning Kit 9mm/38/357 Handgun Bronze, Nylon?
The Kleen-Bore Classic Cleaning Kit 9mm/38/357 Handgun Bronze, Nylon is perfect for new gun owners or those seeking a basic, inexpensive cleaning kit for occasional use. It is well-suited for recreational shooters who want a simple and portable solution for cleaning their handguns after range sessions.
This product should be skipped by serious competitive shooters or those who demand the highest quality components for their firearms. Those users should invest in a more robust and comprehensive cleaning kit with higher-quality solvents and brushes.
Must-have accessories or modifications? Consider purchasing a larger bottle of BreakFree CLP and a supply of higher-quality cleaning patches.
Conclusion on Kleen-Bore Classic Cleaning Kit 9mm/38/357 Handgun Bronze, Nylon
The Kleen-Bore Classic Cleaning Kit 9mm/38/357 Handgun Bronze, Nylon is a decent entry-level cleaning kit. It provides a basic set of tools for maintaining your handguns. The price is justified for what you get; a functional, if not exceptional, cleaning solution.
I would recommend this kit to beginners or those on a tight budget. Experienced shooters may find the components lacking in quality.
Ultimately, a clean gun is a happy gun. This kit helps you get there without breaking the bank. If you’re looking for a simple and affordable way to keep your handguns in good working order, give the Kleen-Bore Classic Cleaning Kit 9mm/38/357 Handgun Bronze, Nylon a try.