M&P Accessories M & P Pistol Cleaning Kit Multi-Caliber Review

First Thoughts on the M&P Accessories M & P Pistol Cleaning Kit Multi-Caliber

As a seasoned outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’ve seen countless cleaning kits come and go. The M&P Accessories M & P Pistol Cleaning Kit Multi-Caliber aims to be a compact, all-in-one solution for pistol maintenance on the move. Its promise of compatibility with .22 to .45 calibers immediately piqued my interest, as versatility is key in my line of work and personal shooting habits.

My need for a portable cleaning solution stemmed from frequent range trips and tactical training exercises where I often found myself needing to perform quick cleanings in the field. Standard cleaning kits are bulky, and I wanted something that could easily fit in a range bag or even a larger pocket. I’d been searching for a solution that was compact, reliable, and capable of handling a variety of calibers.

Upon unboxing, the kit presented itself as advertised: a compact, semi-rigid zippered case. The overall design looked functional, but the light weight made me initially question the durability of the internal components. It reminded me of other generic, budget-friendly kits I’d seen, but I was hoping the M&P branding would signify a higher standard.

Compared to a full-sized Hoppe’s cleaning kit or a dedicated bore snake, the M&P Accessories M & P Pistol Cleaning Kit Multi-Caliber is significantly smaller and lighter. I chose it over the bore snake primarily for its included jags and brushes, offering a more thorough cleaning option. I also considered a similar compact kit from a no-name brand, but M&P’s reputation (or what I hoped it would be) swayed my decision.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The compact size was a definite plus, but the overall feel left me wondering if it would stand up to regular use. The promise of multi-caliber compatibility was enticing, but the build quality seemed questionable.

Real-World Testing: Putting M&P Accessories M & P Pistol Cleaning Kit Multi-Caliber to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the M&P Accessories M & P Pistol Cleaning Kit Multi-Caliber at an outdoor shooting range during a pistol practice session. I used it to clean a 9mm Glock 19 and a .45 ACP 1911 after approximately 200 rounds through each. The weather was mild, with clear skies and no significant environmental challenges.

Using the kit was straightforward, but the included rod sections felt flimsy when assembled. While cleaning the 9mm, I noticed the threaded connections seemed loose. With the .45 ACP, the jag felt undersized for the bore, offering minimal contact. I was concerned about effective cleaning.

The biggest issue arose when I attempted to disassemble the cleaning rod after cleaning the .45. The threads on one of the sections stripped, rendering that piece unusable. This was definitely a disappointing surprise, especially considering it happened during the first use.

Extended Use & Reliability

Unfortunately, “extended use” was cut short due to the stripped threads on the cleaning rod. What I will call “brief use” revealed some alarming durability issues. I did not feel comfortable relying on the remaining components, given the initial failure.

The kit itself did not hold up well. The plastic components seemed brittle and prone to breaking. Due to the quick breakage, maintenance was not possible.

Compared to my experiences with higher-quality cleaning kits, the M&P Accessories M & P Pistol Cleaning Kit Multi-Caliber was a significant disappointment. Previously, I have used Otis Technology kits with great success, and they are much more durable. This kit fell far short of expectations.

Breaking Down the Features of M&P Accessories M & P Pistol Cleaning Kit Multi-Caliber

Specifications

• Caliber Compatibility: .22 to .45 caliber pistols and revolvers. This is intended to provide a versatile cleaning option for various firearms.
• Includes: Compact semi-rigid, zippered carrying case. This is designed for convenient storage and portability.
• Components: Cleaning rod sections, assorted brushes and jags. This aims to allow for a complete cleaning experience.
• Carry Case: Compact and zippered. The carry case is meant to protect the contents and keep them organized.

These specifications suggest a convenient and versatile cleaning solution. The multi-caliber compatibility aims to eliminate the need for multiple cleaning kits.

Performance & Functionality

The M&P Accessories M & P Pistol Cleaning Kit Multi-Caliber’s performance was severely hampered by the poor quality of the components. The stripping of the cleaning rod threads made it unusable after just one cleaning session.

The strength of this kit is its small size. Its weakness is overall material quality, as well as threaded rod construction. It did not meet expectations, particularly in terms of durability.

Design & Ergonomics

The design is simple and straightforward, with a focus on compactness. However, the build quality is subpar, with cheap-feeling plastic and poorly machined threads.

The kit is not particularly user-friendly due to the flimsy rod sections. The loose threaded connections made it difficult to apply consistent pressure while cleaning.

Durability & Maintenance

The durability is a major concern, as evidenced by the immediate failure of the cleaning rod. Maintenance is essentially a non-issue, as the kit is unlikely to last long enough to require significant upkeep.

Given the fragility of the components, even basic cleaning could lead to further damage. This kit appears to be designed for minimal use, if any at all.

Accessories and Customization Options

The M&P Accessories M & P Pistol Cleaning Kit Multi-Caliber includes the necessary brushes and jags for cleaning various calibers. There are no customization options or additional accessories included beyond the standard components.

The kit is not compatible with accessories from other brands due to the proprietary thread size and low-quality materials. It’s a self-contained system that offers limited flexibility.

Pros and Cons of M&P Accessories M & P Pistol Cleaning Kit Multi-Caliber