The COMPACT CONCEALED CARRY PISTOL CLEANING KIT (9MM) .357-.45 C Made a Bold First Impression
The COMPACT CONCEALED CARRY PISTOL CLEANING KIT (9MM) .357-.45 C from Pro-Shot promises a comprehensive cleaning solution for a wide array of popular handgun calibers, all packed into a conveniently sized package. As someone who values firearm maintenance and has seen too many malfunctions due to neglect, I was eager to see if this kit lived up to its claims of portability and completeness. I’ve lugged around bulky cleaning kits for years and have always dreamed of something truly compact.
My concealed carry piece deserves the best care, and I needed a kit that wouldn’t take up precious space in my range bag. I have a 9mm, a .357 Magnum revolver, and a .45 ACP, so a universal kit appealed to my desire for simplification. The promise of a kit covering that range was a major selling point.
Upon unboxing, I was immediately struck by the size of the COMPACT CONCEALED CARRY PISTOL CLEANING KIT (9MM) .357-.45 C. The Coyote EVA zippered pouch felt rugged, and the internal organization with the removable accessory tray seemed well-thought-out. It felt significantly smaller than my old metal-cased cleaning kit from another brand, and lighter too.
I considered a few similar kits from Hoppe’s and Otis Technology, but they seemed either too bulky or lacked the caliber versatility I needed. The Pro-Shot kit’s claim of covering 9mm to .45 ACP in such a small package is what ultimately swayed me. My initial impression was definitely positive – the kit seemed thoughtfully designed and well-organized. I was excited to put it to the test.
Real-World Testing: Putting COMPACT CONCEALED CARRY PISTOL CLEANING KIT (9MM) .357-.45 C to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the COMPACT CONCEALED CARRY PISTOL CLEANING KIT (9MM) .357-.45 C at my local indoor shooting range after a heavy session with my 9mm Glock 19. The range can get quite dusty, so a thorough cleaning was definitely in order. The kit proved incredibly convenient; I was able to set it up on the small bench without taking up too much space.
The instructions were clear, and the components felt sturdy during use. Even with slightly sweaty hands from shooting, the T-handle provided a good grip. The 2 1/4″ patches were a good size for the 9mm bore, and the Step 1 Cleaner seemed to effectively remove powder residue.
I did notice that the nylon bore brush required a bit more effort to push through the barrel compared to my usual brass brush. After the first use, everything packed back neatly into the pouch, ready for the next cleaning session.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the COMPACT CONCEALED CARRY PISTOL CLEANING KIT (9MM) .357-.45 C on my different pistols, it has held up surprisingly well. There are no signs of tearing or damage to the Coyote EVA pouch, despite being tossed around in my range bag. The brass patch puller still looks as new as the day I bought it.
The two 3″ rod sections have remained straight, which is critical for proper bore cleaning. I’ve primarily used the Step 1 cleaner and have been impressed with its solvent properties. Maintenance is straightforward; I simply wipe down the rod sections and brushes after each use.
Compared to my old multi-piece steel rod which started to corrode after a couple of years, this Pro-Shot kit definitely seems like a step up in terms of portability and ease of use. It definitely outperforms my old setup in those aspects, although I still feel that brass brushes have their place for heavy fouling.
Breaking Down the Features of COMPACT CONCEALED CARRY PISTOL CLEANING KIT (9MM) .357-.45 C
Specifications
The COMPACT CONCEALED CARRY PISTOL CLEANING KIT (9MM) .357-.45 C is designed to clean 9mm, .357, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, and other handgun calibers within that range. This versatility eliminates the need for multiple caliber-specific kits.
The kit includes a quarter-ounce bottle of Pro-Shot’s Step 1 Cleaner. This cleaner is formulated to remove powder residue, lead, and other fouling from the bore.
The kit contains 2 1/4″ cleaning patches, suitable for the specified caliber range. Having a sufficient number of patches ensures you can thoroughly clean your firearm.
The kit features a removable accessory tray within the Coyote EVA zippered pouch. This tray helps organize the cleaning components and prevents them from shifting during transport.
A black T-handle provides a comfortable and secure grip during cleaning. A good grip is essential for applying proper pressure while cleaning the bore.
Two 3″ rod sections combine to create a cleaning rod of adequate length for most handgun barrels. The segmented design contributes to the kit’s overall compactness.
The brass patch puller aids in removing stuck patches from the bore. This is a handy tool to prevent damage to the barrel.
The kit includes a nylon bore brush for scrubbing away stubborn fouling. Note that it does not contain bronze brushes.
A chamber flag bore light allows for visual inspection of the bore. This is important to ensure a thorough cleaning.
The Coyote EVA zippered pouch is designed for portability and durability. Its compact size allows it to easily fit into a range bag or tactical pants pocket.
Performance & Functionality
The COMPACT CONCEALED CARRY PISTOL CLEANING KIT (9MM) .357-.45 C performs admirably, delivering a comprehensive cleaning experience in a small package. The components work well together to remove fouling and maintain the firearm’s performance.
The nylon bore brush, while effective, requires more passes than a traditional bronze brush to remove stubborn residue. The Step 1 cleaner does a good job of dissolving powder and lead, but may require multiple applications for heavily fouled barrels. Overall, the kit meets expectations and provides a convenient cleaning solution for handgun owners.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the COMPACT CONCEALED CARRY PISTOL CLEANING KIT (9MM) .357-.45 C is impressive, especially considering its compact size. The Coyote EVA pouch feels durable, and the internal organization is well-thought-out.
The T-handle provides a comfortable grip. The removable accessory tray is a useful feature for keeping the components organized. There’s virtually no learning curve with the kit. It’s extremely intuitive and easy to use, even for beginners.
Durability & Maintenance
The kit is designed to last, with durable components and a rugged carrying pouch. The brass patch puller and rod sections should withstand frequent use.
Maintenance is simple; just clean the rod sections and brushes after each use. The Coyote EVA pouch is easy to wipe down if it gets dirty.
Accessories and Customization Options
The COMPACT CONCEALED CARRY PISTOL CLEANING KIT (9MM) .357-.45 C comes with everything needed for basic cleaning. I would consider adding a small bottle of gun oil for lubrication after cleaning.
There are no specific customization options for the kit itself, but you could easily add other cleaning tools or lubricants to the pouch. The kit is compatible with standard-sized cleaning patches and bore brushes, so you can easily replace the included components with your preferred brands.
Pros and Cons of COMPACT CONCEALED CARRY PISTOL CLEANING KIT (9MM) .357-.45 C
Pros
- Highly compact and portable, perfect for range bags and concealed carry setups.
- Covers a wide range of handgun calibers (9mm, .357, .40 S&W, .45 ACP).
- Well-organized with a removable accessory tray for easy access to components.
- Durable Coyote EVA zippered pouch protects the cleaning tools.
- Easy to use and maintain, suitable for both beginners and experienced shooters.
Cons
- Nylon bore brush may not be as effective as bronze brushes for heavy fouling.
- Quarter-ounce bottle of Step 1 Cleaner may require replenishment relatively soon.
Who Should Buy COMPACT CONCEALED CARRY PISTOL CLEANING KIT (9MM) .357-.45 C?
The COMPACT CONCEALED CARRY PISTOL CLEANING KIT (9MM) .357-.45 C is perfect for concealed carry holders, range shooters, and anyone who prioritizes a compact and portable cleaning solution. It is ideal for individuals who own multiple handguns within the specified caliber range.
Those who primarily shoot firearms with heavy fouling might find the included nylon brush less effective and may want to supplement with a separate bronze brush. If you need a comprehensive cleaning kit for rifles and shotguns in addition to handguns, a larger, more extensive kit would be a better option. A must-have accessory would be a quality gun oil or lubricant.
Conclusion on COMPACT CONCEALED CARRY PISTOL CLEANING KIT (9MM) .357-.45 C
Overall, the COMPACT CONCEALED CARRY PISTOL CLEANING KIT (9MM) .357-.45 C is an excellent cleaning solution that delivers on its promise of portability and versatility. The components are well-made and easy to use, and the Coyote EVA pouch keeps everything organized.
At $25.49, the price is definitely justified, especially considering the convenience and quality of the kit. I would absolutely recommend this kit to anyone looking for a compact and reliable cleaning solution for their handguns. If you value portability and versatility in your gun cleaning regimen, then the COMPACT CONCEALED CARRY PISTOL CLEANING KIT (9MM) .357-.45 C is a must-have.