The Allen Ulimate Gun Cleaning Kit Made a Bold First Impression
As a seasoned outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’ve seen my fair share of cleaning kits promising the world. The Allen Ulimate Gun Cleaning Kit from Allen immediately caught my attention with its promise of professional-grade components housed in a dedicated toolbox. My hope was to find a comprehensive solution for maintaining my diverse collection of firearms, ranging from shotguns used for upland bird hunting to rifles used for long-range precision shooting.
Frustration with disorganized cleaning supplies scattered across my workbench was the driving force behind this purchase. Standard cleaning kits often lack dedicated storage, leading to lost parts and a cluttered workspace. Upon unboxing, I was impressed by the organized layout and the clearly labeled compartments within the toolbox. The kit felt substantial, not cheap or flimsy, and the individual components had a decent weight to them, giving the initial impression of quality.
Compared to the generic, universal cleaning kits I’ve used in the past, the Allen Ulimate Gun Cleaning Kit felt like a significant upgrade. Other kits often lack specific tools for certain calibers or gauges, forcing me to improvise or purchase additional components. The Allen kit’s inclusion of brushes and jags for a wide range of firearms, from .17 caliber rifles to 12-gauge shotguns, was a major selling point. This kit is more comprehensive than the Hoppe’s Deluxe Gun Cleaning Kit I’ve used for years and seemed more robust than the Otis Technology Elite Cleaning System, though without the latter’s flexible cleaning rod system. I was initially excited, but cautiously optimistic, knowing the real test would come with practical application.
Real-World Testing: Putting Allen Ulimate Gun Cleaning Kit to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to test the Allen Ulimate Gun Cleaning Kit came after a day at the shooting range, zeroing a new AR-15 and putting some rounds through my trusty .45 ACP 1911. The range was relatively clean, but inevitably, carbon fouling and powder residue accumulated in both firearms. Using the kit, I started with the AR-15. The correctly sized bronze brush for .223/5.56mm NATO felt snug in the bore, effectively removing the carbon buildup.
The included patches worked well with the slotted tip, and I was pleased with the amount of residue they picked up. Switching to the .45 ACP, the appropriate brush and jag fit perfectly. The nylon pick proved useful for cleaning hard-to-reach areas around the breech and extractor. One minor observation was that the handle on the cleaning rod felt a bit slippery when my hands were oily with solvent; however, this was a minor inconvenience.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, cleaning my firearms after each range visit and hunting trip, the Allen Ulimate Gun Cleaning Kit has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of significant wear and tear on the brushes or jags. The bronze bristles haven’t deformed or broken, and the brass components have retained their shape.
The toolbox itself has proven durable, withstanding being tossed in the back of my truck without cracking or breaking. Maintenance is simple. I wipe down the rods and handles after each use and occasionally clean the brushes with solvent to remove accumulated grime. Compared to my previous experience of constantly searching for the right size brush or jag, the Allen Ulimate Gun Cleaning Kit has streamlined my cleaning process significantly and has certainly made it more enjoyable.
Breaking Down the Features of Allen Ulimate Gun Cleaning Kit
Specifications
The Allen Ulimate Gun Cleaning Kit boasts an impressive array of components designed for a wide variety of firearms. Key specifications include:
- Bronze shotgun bore brushes: 12 & 20 gauge and .410 bore, all 5/16-27 threads
- Bronze rifle/pistol brushes: .54, .50, .44/.45, .40, .375, .35, .338, .30, .270, .243, and .22 caliber , & .17
- Brass jags for rifle/pistol: .50, .45, .44, .375, .35, .338, .30, .270, .25, .243/6mm, and .22 caliber, & .17
- Cotton swabs for shotgun: 12 & 20 gauge, and .410 bore, all 5/16-27 thread
- Cotton swabs for rifle/pistol: .357/9mm, .30, and .270 caliber, all 8-32 thread
- Brass slotted tips: shotgun and rifle/pistol in .40, .30, and .22 caliber
- Brass adapters: shotgun, rifle/pistol, and .20 caliber and less
- Muzzle guards: for 4mm and 6mm brass cleaning rods
- Brass cleaning rods: (3-piece rods) 4mm and 6mm
- Nylon pick, nylon cleaning brush, and brass cleaning brush.
- Cotton patches: 1? x 3? and 1.5? x 3?
These specifications matter because they determine the kit’s versatility. The wide range of brush and jag sizes ensures compatibility with most common rifle, pistol, and shotgun calibers. The inclusion of muzzle guards protects the rifling of your firearm during cleaning. The different sizes of cotton patches allow for thorough cleaning of various bore sizes.
Performance & Functionality
The Allen Ulimate Gun Cleaning Kit performs its primary function of cleaning firearms effectively and efficiently. The brushes remove carbon fouling and powder residue with ease. The jags and patches ensure a clean bore. The nylon and brass brushes are useful for cleaning actions and other firearm components.
The kit’s strength lies in its comprehensiveness and organization. Having all the necessary tools in one place eliminates the frustration of searching for the right size brush or jag. A notable weakness is the lack of a bore snake style cleaner for quick cleaning in the field. Overall, the kit meets my expectations for a professional-grade cleaning kit, but adding a bore snake would elevate it even further.
Design & Ergonomics
The Allen Ulimate Gun Cleaning Kit features a well-designed and ergonomic toolbox. The fitted compartments keep everything organized. The toolbox is made of durable plastic and is easy to carry. The handles on the cleaning rods are comfortable to grip, although they could benefit from a more textured surface.
The kit is user-friendly, even for novice gun owners. The labeled compartments make it easy to identify the correct tools for each firearm. There is no significant learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The Allen Ulimate Gun Cleaning Kit is built to last. The bronze and brass components are durable. The plastic toolbox is sturdy enough to withstand regular use. Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning of the brushes and rods. With proper care, this kit should provide years of reliable service.
Accessories and Customization Options
The kit includes a comprehensive set of accessories. However, there are limited customization options. The toolbox has ample space for storing additional cleaning chemicals, patches, and other accessories. The cleaning rods are compatible with standard 8-32 threaded brushes and jags, allowing for some degree of customization.
Pros and Cons of Allen Ulimate Gun Cleaning Kit
Pros
- Comprehensive selection of brushes and jags for various calibers and gauges.
- Durable and well-organized toolbox.
- High-quality bronze and brass components.
- Easy to use and maintain.
- Excellent value for the price.
Cons
- Cleaning rod handle could use a more textured grip.
- Lacks a bore snake style cleaner for quick field cleaning.
Who Should Buy Allen Ulimate Gun Cleaning Kit?
The Allen Ulimate Gun Cleaning Kit is perfect for gun owners who want a comprehensive and well-organized cleaning solution. It’s ideal for hunters, sport shooters, and anyone who values proper firearm maintenance. This kit is great for individuals with multiple firearms of varying calibers and gauges.
This product might not be the best choice for minimalist travelers or those who prioritize ultra-compact cleaning solutions. Individuals who primarily use a single firearm might find a smaller, more specialized cleaning kit more suitable.
A must-have accessory to complement this kit would be a high-quality gun cleaning solvent and lubricant.
Conclusion on Allen Ulimate Gun Cleaning Kit
The Allen Ulimate Gun Cleaning Kit is a solid investment for anyone serious about firearm maintenance. It offers a comprehensive set of tools in a durable and well-organized package. The price is justified by the quality and versatility of the kit.
I would personally recommend the Allen Ulimate Gun Cleaning Kit to any gun owner looking for a reliable and effective cleaning solution. If you’re tired of disorganized cleaning supplies and want to streamline your maintenance routine, this kit is definitely worth considering. Get yours today and experience the satisfaction of a properly cleaned firearm!