The DAC 17 Rifle Cleaning Kit 14 Piece Made a Bold First Impression
Cleaning a rifle, especially a .17 caliber, demands precision and the right tools. When I first encountered the DAC 17 Rifle Cleaning Kit 14 Piece, I was looking for a compact, all-in-one solution that wouldn’t break the bank. At a price point of just $9.49, it certainly caught my eye.
My usual cleaning kit was a hodgepodge of individual components acquired over years. It was bulky and disorganized, and replacing it with a single, contained unit felt like a significant upgrade. The appeal was simple: convenience and cost-effectiveness for a caliber I frequently use on varmint hunts.
Upon unboxing, the clear-top, dual bond molded TPR locking case felt surprisingly sturdy for the price. The custom molded tray neatly organized the components inside, a welcome departure from my usual mess. Compared to other kits I’ve seen in the $20-30 range, the DAC 17 Rifle Cleaning Kit initially seemed to offer similar functionality at a fraction of the cost. I was cautiously optimistic, hoping the low price wouldn’t translate to low quality.
Real-World Testing: Putting DAC 17 Rifle Cleaning Kit 14 Piece to the Test
First Use Experience
My first field test for the DAC 17 Rifle Cleaning Kit was at my usual prairie dog shooting spot, after a day of putting rounds through my Savage 93R17. The conditions were fairly typical: dry, dusty, with a light wind. I was eager to try the pull cord rod, thinking it would be quicker and easier than my segmented cleaning rod.
The multi-function handle felt comfortable enough in my hand, whether using it with the pull cord or as a screwdriver. However, the initial cleaning attempt revealed a significant issue. The fittings at either end of the snake were noticeably larger than the .17 caliber bore. Pulling it through my Savage 93R17, I felt a distinct resistance and immediately stopped, fearing damage to the rifling.
Extended Use & Reliability
Due to the critical flaw discovered during the first use, extended use with my Savage 93r17 was out of the question. I experimented cautiously on an older, less-used .17 HMR, a Marlin bolt action. The larger fittings still presented a challenge, requiring excessive force to pull through, but the bore wasn’t as tight as my Savage.
After just a few passes, I noticed some fraying on the pull cord itself. The phosphor bronze brush seemed adequate, but the mop felt flimsy. The cleaning patches were thin and tore easily. Overall, the durability of the components felt questionable, and the risk of damaging my primary .17 rifle significantly outweighed any perceived convenience.
Breaking Down the Features of DAC 17 Rifle Cleaning Kit 14 Piece
Specifications
The DAC 17 Rifle Cleaning Kit 14 Piece includes:
- A multi-function handle that serves as both a cleaning rod handle and a screwdriver handle.
- One 32″ pull cord rod for bore cleaning.
- One phosphor bronze brush designed for scrubbing fouling.
- One mop intended for oiling and final cleaning.
- One plastic slot tip for patch application.
- 25 cleaning patches.
- A set of 6 driver bits for various screw types.
- A custom molded tray inside a clear top dual bond molded TPR locking case.
The caliber specificity is crucial for a cleaning kit, and the oversized fittings on the pull cord rod defeat the entire purpose. A .17 caliber cleaning kit should, first and foremost, fit a .17 caliber bore without causing damage. The inclusion of driver bits is a nice touch, but ultimately irrelevant if the core cleaning components are flawed.
Performance & Functionality
The functionality of the DAC 17 Rifle Cleaning Kit is severely compromised by the oversized fittings on the pull cord rod. The brush and mop might be usable with a standard cleaning rod (not included), but the primary cleaning method provided is unsuitable for many .17 caliber rifles. The driver bits function as expected, but their inclusion in a rifle cleaning kit seems somewhat tangential.
The kit falls far short of expectations. A cleaning kit should effectively and safely clean a firearm. This kit risks damaging the firearm it’s intended to clean.
Design & Ergonomics
The custom molded tray is a clever design, keeping the components organized and readily accessible. The clear top allows for quick inventory checks. The handle is comfortable enough to grip.
However, the oversized fittings are a major design flaw that overshadows any ergonomic benefits. The case is well-designed, but the functionality of the contents is severely lacking.
Durability & Maintenance
The pull cord began to fray after minimal use, and the cleaning patches tore easily. The long-term durability of the kit is questionable. The components are easy enough to clean, but given the risk of damaging the rifle, frequent use is unlikely.
Given the initial quality, expect to replace components quickly. The case itself is reasonably durable, but the actual cleaning tools are not.
Accessories and Customization Options
The DAC 17 Rifle Cleaning Kit 14 Piece does not offer many customization options. It is what it is: a collection of basic cleaning tools housed in a convenient case. There are no included optics or grips as these components relate to firearms, not cleaning kits.
The user could potentially replace the cleaning patches with higher-quality alternatives, but the fundamental issue with the oversized pull cord rod remains unresolved. The kit’s inherent design flaw limits any meaningful customization.
Pros and Cons of DAC 17 Rifle Cleaning Kit 14 Piece
Pros
- Convenient, compact case for organization.
- Inexpensive price point.
- Multi-function handle can be used as a screwdriver.
Cons
- Oversized fittings on the pull cord rod can damage .17 caliber rifling.
- Low-quality cleaning patches that tear easily.
- Questionable durability of the pull cord and mop.
Who Should Buy DAC 17 Rifle Cleaning Kit 14 Piece?
The DAC 17 Rifle Cleaning Kit 14 Piece might be suitable for individuals who own .17 caliber rifles with exceptionally wide bores or those willing to extensively modify the pull cord rod. If you intend to use only the components other than the pull cord and have alternate cleaning rods, the kit could be salvaged as a basic set of cleaning tools.
Anyone with a standard .17 caliber rifle, especially those who value the integrity of their rifling, should skip this product. A .17 caliber rifle, such as a Savage 93r17, would need something other than the included snake.
Must-have accessories or modifications: A high-quality .17 caliber cleaning rod (separate purchase required) and significantly better cleaning patches.
Conclusion on DAC 17 Rifle Cleaning Kit 14 Piece
The DAC 17 Rifle Cleaning Kit 14 Piece promises convenience and value, but ultimately falls short due to a critical design flaw. The oversized fittings on the pull cord rod pose a significant risk of damaging .17 caliber rifling. While the compact case and multi-function handle are appealing, they don’t compensate for the kit’s core functionality issues.
At $9.49, the price is certainly attractive. However, the potential cost of damaging a rifle far outweighs any perceived savings. I cannot recommend this product.
Proceed with extreme caution, or better yet, invest in a higher-quality cleaning kit designed specifically for .17 caliber rifles. Your rifle (and your peace of mind) will thank you.