First Thoughts on the Allen Ulimate Gun Cleaning Kit
The Allen Ulimate Gun Cleaning Kit promises a comprehensive cleaning solution for the traditional shooter. Allen aims to provide everything needed for shotgun, rifle, and pistol maintenance in a single, organized toolbox. I was immediately drawn to the concept of a dedicated, professional-grade kit, ending the days of scattered brushes and forgotten solvents.
My usual cleaning routine involved a hodgepodge of mismatched tools accumulated over years. Tired of rummaging through drawers for the right brush or struggling with improvised cleaning solutions, I sought a complete, organized solution. The Allen Ulimate Gun Cleaning Kit seemed to offer just that.
Unboxing the kit, I was struck by the organization. Each tool has its designated, labeled space, which is a far cry from my previous chaos. The toolbox itself feels sturdy, and the individual components appear well-made, at least initially. My first impression was positive.
Compared to individual cleaning tools or smaller kits I’ve used, the Allen Ulimate Gun Cleaning Kit offers a significantly broader range of caliber-specific brushes and jags. While some universal kits exist, they often lack the precision needed for thorough cleaning. The dedicated toolbox is also a major advantage over soft-sided kits that tend to collapse and spill their contents.
My initial excitement was tempered with a bit of skepticism. Could a kit at this price point truly deliver professional-grade quality? The sheer number of components is impressive, but the real test will be how they perform under real-world conditions.
Real-World Testing: Putting Allen Ulimate Gun Cleaning Kit to the Test
First Use Experience
I took the Allen Ulimate Gun Cleaning Kit to the range after a particularly dusty day of shooting my AR-15 and my 12-gauge shotgun. This was the perfect opportunity to test the kit’s versatility across different firearm types. I wanted to give the .223/5.56 and 12 gauge components a solid workout.
The kit performed reasonably well under dusty conditions. The brushes and jags effectively removed carbon buildup and fouling from both the rifle and shotgun barrels. One immediate observation: the brass rods felt a little flimsy under pressure, especially when cleaning the shotgun.
The labeling of each compartment made it easy to find the right tool for the job. However, the smaller components, like the .22 caliber brush and jag, were a little fiddly to handle with gloved hands. No major issues surfaced, although I had to get used to the slightly different feel of the included brushes compared to my old ones.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Allen Ulimate Gun Cleaning Kit has proven to be a useful addition to my range bag. The convenience of having everything in one place is undeniable. However, some durability concerns have emerged.
The brass cleaning rods are showing signs of bending, particularly the 6mm rod used for rifles. The nylon pick, while helpful, also seems a bit fragile and likely won’t withstand heavy use. The brushes themselves are holding up reasonably well, but I anticipate needing replacements sooner rather than later.
Maintenance is simple; the components are easy to clean with solvent. The toolbox keeps everything organized and prevents accidental spills. While it’s more convenient than my old setup, the long-term durability of some components is questionable, and the kit doesn’t drastically outperform other kits, only providing organization.
Breaking Down the Features of Allen Ulimate Gun Cleaning Kit
Specifications
The Allen Ulimate Gun Cleaning Kit includes a comprehensive range of cleaning tools. It features bronze shotgun bore brushes for 12 & 20 gauge and .410 bore. Also included are bronze rifle/pistol brushes for various calibers: .54, .50, .44/.45, .40, .375, .35, .338, .30, .270, .243, .22, and .17. Brass jags are provided for rifle/pistol calibers: .50, .45, .44, .375, .35, .338, .30, .270, .25, .243/6mm, .22, and .17.
Cotton swabs for shotgun include 12 & 20 gauge, and .410 bore, while rifle/pistol swabs cover .357/9mm, .30, and .270 caliber. Brass slotted tips are available for shotgun and rifle/pistol in .40, .30, and .22 caliber. The kit also has brass adapters for shotgun, rifle/pistol, and .20 caliber and less. Muzzle guards are included for 4mm and 6mm brass cleaning rods, alongside 3-piece brass cleaning rods (4mm and 6mm).
The Allen Ulimate Gun Cleaning Kit comes with a nylon pick, nylon cleaning brush, and brass cleaning brush. Cotton patches are included in 1″ x 3″ and 1.5″ x 3″ sizes. These specifications ensure compatibility with a wide array of firearms, making the kit highly versatile.
Performance & Functionality
The Allen Ulimate Gun Cleaning Kit performs its primary function adequately. It provides the necessary tools to clean a variety of firearms. The brush selection covers most common calibers, and the jags facilitate effective patch cleaning.
The brass rods are a weak point, lacking the rigidity needed for heavy fouling. The compartmentalized toolbox is a significant advantage for organization, but the overall quality of some components could be better. The kit meets basic expectations but doesn’t exceed them.
Design & Ergonomics
The Allen Ulimate Gun Cleaning Kit’s design prioritizes organization and convenience. The molded plastic toolbox is lightweight and easy to carry, but the plastic feels somewhat cheap. The labeled compartments are a thoughtful touch that simplifies tool selection.
The tools themselves are generally comfortable to use, though some of the smaller brushes can be difficult to grip with gloved hands. There’s no real learning curve; it is self-explanatory.
Durability & Maintenance
The long-term durability of the Allen Ulimate Gun Cleaning Kit is a concern. The brass rods are prone to bending, and the nylon pick seems fragile. The brushes and jags should last for a reasonable amount of time with proper care, but I anticipate replacing some components within a year.
Maintenance is straightforward; cleaning the brushes and jags with solvent is all that’s required. The toolbox is easy to wipe down and keeps everything organized, extending the life of the components by preventing damage during storage and transport.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Allen Ulimate Gun Cleaning Kit comes with a fixed set of accessories. There aren’t options for customization. The kit is compatible with standard-threaded brushes and jags from other brands, allowing for some degree of personalization by replacing worn or inadequate components.
Pros and Cons of Allen Ulimate Gun Cleaning KitPros
- Comprehensive range of caliber-specific brushes and jags.
- Well-organized and labeled toolbox for easy access to tools.
- Convenient all-in-one solution for cleaning multiple firearms.
- Compatible with standard-threaded brushes and jags from other brands.
- Affordable price point for the number of included components.
Cons
- Brass cleaning rods are prone to bending.
- Nylon pick and some other components feel fragile.
- Overall build quality could be better, particularly the toolbox plastic.
Who Should Buy Allen Ulimate Gun Cleaning Kit?
Pros
- Comprehensive range of caliber-specific brushes and jags.
- Well-organized and labeled toolbox for easy access to tools.
- Convenient all-in-one solution for cleaning multiple firearms.
- Compatible with standard-threaded brushes and jags from other brands.
- Affordable price point for the number of included components.
Cons
- Brass cleaning rods are prone to bending.
- Nylon pick and some other components feel fragile.
- Overall build quality could be better, particularly the toolbox plastic.
The Allen Ulimate Gun Cleaning Kit is perfect for casual shooters who own a variety of firearms and want an organized cleaning solution. It’s also suitable for beginners who are building their gun cleaning toolkit. This kit is ideal for those that value organization over ultimate durability.
This product is not ideal for competitive shooters or professional gunsmiths who require top-tier, highly durable cleaning tools. Also, someone with only one firearm to clean would likely be better served by a smaller, caliber-specific kit.
A must-have modification would be to replace the brass cleaning rods with higher-quality, more rigid alternatives. Consider adding a quality bore solvent and gun oil to complete the cleaning process.
Conclusion on Allen Ulimate Gun Cleaning Kit
The Allen Ulimate Gun Cleaning Kit offers a convenient and affordable solution for cleaning a variety of firearms. Its strength lies in its comprehensive range of components and organized toolbox. However, the build quality of some components, particularly the brass rods and nylon pick, is a concern.
The price is justified for the sheer number of items included and the organizational benefits. However, buyers should be aware that some components may need to be replaced sooner rather than later. I would recommend it with the caveat that users should be prepared to upgrade certain components as needed.
If you value organization and versatility over ultimate durability, the Allen Ulimate Gun Cleaning Kit is a solid choice. Get yours today and experience the convenience of a well-organized cleaning arsenal!