GunMaster 7 Piece 17-22 Caliber Pistol/Rifle Cleaning Review

The GunMaster 7 Piece 17-22 Caliber Pistol/Rifle Cleaning Made a Bold First Impression

As an outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’ve cleaned countless firearms, from vintage lever-actions to modern sporting rifles. Maintaining a firearm is non-negotiable, and the right cleaning kit can make all the difference. When I first saw the GunMaster 7 Piece 17-22 Caliber Pistol/Rifle Cleaning kit, especially at its budget-friendly price of $7.49, I was cautiously optimistic.

My need arose when I was looking for a compact, inexpensive cleaning kit to stash in my range bag for quick cleanings between strings of fire. Previously, I’d been relying on a bulkier kit that I kept at home, but it was less than ideal for on-the-go maintenance. I wanted something small, lightweight, and specifically for my .22LR plinker pistol and my .17HMR varmint rifle.

Unboxing the GunMaster kit, I was immediately struck by its simplicity. The clamshell packaging is functional, if not particularly stylish. It felt sturdy enough for storing the kit when not in use. The individual components felt lightweight, but not cheap. It was clear this wasn’t a premium kit, but it seemed adequate for basic cleaning tasks.

I considered a few other options before settling on the GunMaster. Hoppe’s No. 9 Cleaning Kit is a classic, but more expensive and targeted towards larger calibers. Otis Technology makes some high-end, compact kits, but they’re significantly pricier. Ultimately, the GunMaster kit won out due to its low cost and specific focus on .17 to .22 caliber firearms.

My first impression was a pleasant surprise. I wasn’t expecting high-end quality at this price point. The GunMaster 7 Piece 17-22 Caliber Pistol/Rifle Cleaning kit seemed like a practical and economical solution for maintaining my small-bore firearms. I was eager to see how it would perform in the field.

Real-World Testing: Putting GunMaster 7 Piece 17-22 Caliber Pistol/Rifle Cleaning to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the GunMaster kit at an outdoor shooting range on a blustery autumn day. I’d been running my .22LR pistol pretty hard, and it was definitely showing signs of needing a good cleaning. The range was dusty, and the wind was kicking up small bits of debris.

Using the kit was straightforward. The brass rods screwed together easily. The wire brush and mop attachments were simple to attach. I ran the brush through the bore a few times to loosen the fouling, followed by the mop to wipe everything clean. The process was smooth and efficient. It was exactly what I needed for a quick clean between shooting sessions.

I didn’t encounter any major issues during my initial cleaning. However, the brass rods felt a bit flimsy. I was concerned about bending them if I applied too much pressure. I also noticed that the brass bristles of the wire brush were shedding slightly.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, the GunMaster kit has held up reasonably well. I’ve used it to clean my .22LR pistol and my .17HMR rifle after numerous range trips and even a couple of squirrel hunts. The kit does exactly what I need of it: quick, basic cleaning of small-bore firearms.

The durability is acceptable, though the brass rods still feel like the weakest link. I’ve been careful not to apply excessive force. So far, they haven’t bent. The wire brushes continue to shed a few bristles with each use. The clamshell case, while functional, is showing signs of wear and tear. It is not something that would withstand rugged use.

Maintenance is simple. I wipe down the rods and attachments after each use with a clean cloth. I also occasionally apply a light coat of oil to prevent rust. Compared to my previous cleaning routine with larger kits, this kit is infinitely more convenient for quick maintenance. It does not offer the same robust cleaning experience as larger, more complex kits.

Breaking Down the Features of GunMaster 7 Piece 17-22 Caliber Pistol/Rifle Cleaning

Specifications

The GunMaster 7 Piece 17-22 Caliber Pistol/Rifle Cleaning kit from DAC Technologies is designed specifically for .17 to .22 caliber rifles and pistols. It includes three solid brass rods with a .17 caliber diameter. This small diameter is critical for navigating the bore of smaller caliber firearms. Also included are a .17 caliber wire brush and a .17 caliber mop, and a .22 caliber wire brush. The kit comes packaged in a durable clamshell case that doubles as storage.

The fact that this kit is caliber-specific is important for proper cleaning and to avoid damage to the firearm. The DAC Technologies clamshell design is budget-friendly but does the job well. It can be re-used for storage when not in use. It won’t survive repeated drops on concrete.

Performance & Functionality

The GunMaster 7 Piece 17-22 Caliber Pistol/Rifle Cleaning kit performs its basic function adequately. It effectively removes powder residue and light fouling from the bore of .17 and .22 caliber firearms. The wire brushes do a decent job of scrubbing away stubborn deposits. The mop helps to apply cleaning solvent and oil.

The kit’s biggest strength is its simplicity and affordability. It’s perfect for quick cleanings at the range or in the field. However, it lacks the versatility of more comprehensive cleaning kits. A significant weakness is the brass brush. I would prefer nylon as it is less likely to damage the bore.

Overall, the kit meets expectations for its price point. It won’t replace a full-sized cleaning kit for deep cleaning. It serves as a handy supplement for routine maintenance.

Design & Ergonomics

The GunMaster kit is designed with simplicity in mind. The brass rods are lightweight and easy to handle. The attachments screw on securely. The clamshell case is compact and easy to store.

The build quality is adequate. The materials are inexpensive, but they seem reasonably durable for light use. The kit isn’t particularly ergonomic. There’s no included handle for the rods. There is no learning curve to use this product.

Durability & Maintenance

The longevity of the GunMaster 7 Piece 17-22 Caliber Pistol/Rifle Cleaning kit is questionable with regular use. The brass rods are susceptible to bending. The wire brushes will eventually wear out. The clamshell case may crack or break over time.

Maintenance is minimal. Cleaning the rods and attachments after each use is essential. Replacing the brushes as they wear out is also necessary. The low price point makes replacement economical if components fail.

Accessories and Customization Options

The GunMaster 7 Piece 17-22 Caliber Pistol/Rifle Cleaning kit is a self-contained unit. It doesn’t offer any customization options or compatibility with accessories from other brands. You could technically replace the wire brushes with nylon brushes of the same size. However, there’s no way to add additional rods or attachments. The kit is designed for basic cleaning and nothing more.

Pros and Cons of GunMaster 7 Piece 17-22 Caliber Pistol/Rifle Cleaning