DAC 17 Rifle Cleaning Kit 14 Piece Review

The DAC 17 Rifle Cleaning Kit 14 Piece Made a Bold First Impression

As an outdoor and tactical gear specialist with over a decade of experience, I’ve seen my fair share of cleaning kits. When I first encountered the DAC 17 Rifle Cleaning Kit 14 Piece, I was looking for a compact and affordable solution for maintaining my .17 caliber rifles, specifically for precision target shooting and varmint hunting where consistent accuracy is paramount. The promise of a complete cleaning solution in a small package intrigued me.

My primary reason for needing this kit was portability. I needed something I could easily throw in my range bag or backpack without taking up too much space. The DAC 17 Rifle Cleaning Kit 14 Piece appeared to offer that, along with a reasonable set of tools for basic cleaning.

Upon unboxing, the clear-topped dual bond molded TPR locking case immediately struck me. It felt surprisingly sturdy for the price. The molded tray inside seemed well-organized, offering a dedicated space for each component. Compared to some generic cleaning kits I’ve used with flimsy cases, this felt like a step up. I chose this kit over some others because of its promised comprehensive set of tools and its incredibly attractive price point of under $10.

Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. The compactness and the organized case were definite positives. However, the incredibly low price made me wonder about the quality of the components, a concern I’ve often had with budget-friendly gear.

Real-World Testing: Putting DAC 17 Rifle Cleaning Kit 14 Piece to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the DAC 17 Rifle Cleaning Kit 14 Piece at my local shooting range after a day of zeroing my new scope on my .17 HMR. The conditions were dry and sunny, perfect for shooting, but not necessarily ideal for testing the kit’s ability to handle adverse conditions. Using the kit was fairly straightforward, although the multi-function handle felt a bit small in my hand.

The initial cleaning process went smoothly enough. I used the pull cord rod with a cleaning patch to remove the bulk of the fouling. There were no immediate issues, but the patch seemed to fit a little loosely in the slot tip.

However, I soon encountered a major problem. As noted in the included user feedback, the fittings at either end of the snake were demonstrably larger than the .17 caliber bore of a Savage 93r17 I was using that day. Attempting to pull the snake through resulted in noticeable resistance and a disconcerting scraping sound. After forcing it through a short distance, I stopped immediately, fearing damage to the rifling. This was a significant and concerning issue that rendered a large portion of the kit unusable for its intended purpose.

Extended Use & Reliability

Given the issue with the pull cord, “extended use” was more limited than I had hoped. I tried the kit on a different .17 caliber rifle with a slightly looser bore, and the pull cord did function, but still required excessive force, and left me concerned for the longevity of the rifle’s rifling. After only a few uses, the phosphor bronze brush showed signs of wear, with some bristles starting to bend and fray. The plastic slot tip also felt brittle and prone to breaking under pressure.

Maintaining the kit itself is easy enough; the plastic components can be wiped down, and the brush can be cleaned with solvent. However, the overall durability seems questionable. This kit is a far cry from some of the higher-end cleaning kits I’ve used, which have lasted for years with minimal wear. My previous experiences with more expensive kits have certainly set a higher standard for durability and functionality.

Breaking Down the Features of DAC 17 Rifle Cleaning Kit 14 Piece

Specifications

• Caliber: .17 Caliber, designed for .17 caliber rifles and airguns. This is a critical specification, and the oversized fittings on the pull cord directly contradict this intended use.
• Pieces: 14, including the case and various cleaning tools. The number of pieces suggests a comprehensive kit, but the actual usability of those pieces is questionable.
• Bristle Type: Bronze, for the included brush. Bronze is a good material for removing fouling without damaging the bore, but the quality of the brush is questionable.
• Includes: Cleaning Rods/Tips/Wire Brush, offering a variety of cleaning methods. The inclusion of different cleaning tools is a plus, but the effectiveness of each tool varies greatly.
• Tip Features: Slotted, for attaching cleaning patches. A slotted tip is a standard feature for cleaning rods, but the fit with the included patches could be better.
• Case Material: Clamshell, made of dual bond molded TPR locking case. The case is surprisingly sturdy for the price point, providing good organization and protection.
• Multi-function handle: Can be used with traditional rods, pull cords, and also functions as a screwdriver handle. This is a clever design that adds versatility, but the small size can be awkward to grip.
• One 32″ pull cord rod: For pulling cleaning patches through the bore. This is the most problematic component due to the oversized fittings.
• One phosphor bronze brush: For scrubbing the bore. The bronze brush is a standard cleaning tool, but the quality seems low.
• One mop: For applying solvents and oils. The mop is a useful addition, but the material quality feels cheap.
• One plastic slot tip: For attaching cleaning patches to the rod. The plastic slot tip feels fragile and prone to breakage.
• 25 cleaning patches: For removing fouling. The patches are a welcome addition, but the fit with the slot tip is not ideal.
• One set of 6 driver bits: For use with the multi-function handle. The driver bits add some utility, but are unlikely to be used for firearm maintenance.
• Custom molded tray: Located inside the case to keep components organized. The molded tray is a great feature that prevents the kit from becoming a jumbled mess.

These specifications are important because they dictate the kit’s suitability for cleaning a .17 caliber rifle. The oversized fittings on the pull cord render it unsuitable for use with some rifles, negating the purpose of the entire kit.

Performance & Functionality

When used with a rifle where the pull cord doesn’t get stuck, the DAC 17 Rifle Cleaning Kit 14 Piece can perform basic cleaning adequately. It removes fouling and helps maintain the rifle’s accuracy. However, the risk of damaging the rifling with the pull cord is a significant drawback. The cleaning patch tends to fit too loosely into the slot tip, which can affect cleaning effectiveness.

The kit’s strength lies in its compact size and organized case. The biggest weakness is the ill-fitting pull cord that can cause damage. The kit barely meets expectations.

Design & Ergonomics

The case design is good, but the handle is small and not particularly ergonomic. The build quality is acceptable for the price, but the materials feel cheap. There is minimal learning curve involved in using the kit.

Durability & Maintenance

The pull cord is unlikely to last long with regular use, especially if forced through a tight bore. The brush and plastic tip also seem prone to wear and tear. Maintenance is simple, but the kit’s low durability is a major concern.

Accessories and Customization Options

The kit comes with all the accessories it needs for basic cleaning. There are no customization options, but replacement parts are likely to be difficult to source individually. The compatibility with accessories from other brands is limited due to the unique sizes and thread patterns of the components.

Pros and Cons of DAC 17 Rifle Cleaning Kit 14 Piece

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Who Should Buy DAC 17 Rifle Cleaning Kit 14 Piece?

This kit is perfect for someone who needs a very inexpensive and compact cleaning kit for .17 caliber rifles with particularly loose bores, and who are willing to use the cleaning rod and brush only. It could also serve as a backup kit in case of emergencies.

Someone should skip this product if they own a .17 caliber rifle with a tight bore, as the pull cord is likely to cause damage. Anyone who values durability and long-term reliability should also consider a higher-quality alternative.

A must-have modification would be replacing the pull cord with a higher-quality one from a reputable manufacturer, if one can be found with compatible fittings.

Conclusion on DAC 17 Rifle Cleaning Kit 14 Piece

The DAC 17 Rifle Cleaning Kit 14 Piece is a mixed bag. While the price is undeniably attractive and the case is well-organized, the risk of damaging your rifle with the ill-fitting pull cord is a major concern. The low quality of some components also detracts from its overall value.

The price isn’t entirely justified given the potential for damage and the questionable durability. I cannot recommend it for most .17 caliber rifle owners.

My final thought is that it’s often better to invest in a higher-quality cleaning kit that will protect your firearm and last for years. Don’t risk damaging your firearm to save a few bucks. Look elsewhere.

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