Shooter’s Choice 30 Caliber Cleaning Kit Review

The Shooter’s Choice 30 Caliber Cleaning Kit Made a Bold First Impression

As a seasoned outdoor and tactical gear specialist with over a decade of experience, I’ve seen countless cleaning kits come and go. When I first saw the Shooter’s Choice 30 Caliber Cleaning Kit, the promise of a complete, affordable solution for .30 caliber rifles immediately piqued my interest. The Shooter’s Choice name carries a reputation for quality, and I was eager to see if this kit lived up to the brand’s standards.

My own .30-06 hunting rifle had been neglected a bit too long after a particularly muddy deer season. It was time for a deep clean and some much-needed TLC. This kit seemed like the perfect, all-in-one solution.

Unboxing the Shooter’s Choice 30 Caliber Cleaning Kit revealed a neat, compact plastic case. Inside, everything was neatly organized. My initial impression was favorable; the brass components looked solid, and the inclusion of FP-10 Lubricant Elite CLP was a welcome surprise.

Compared to some other kits I’ve used – like the generic, multi-caliber sets you find at big box stores – this felt much more focused and purpose-built for .30 caliber rifles. Those kits often feel like a collection of compromises, whereas this one seemed specifically designed for the job. It also felt sturdier than some of the cheaper kits I’ve encountered, like those with flimsy plastic rods that bend and break easily.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited to put it to work, but I also knew that appearances can be deceiving. The real test would be in the field, cleaning a truly dirty rifle.

Real-World Testing: Putting Shooter’s Choice 30 Caliber Cleaning Kit to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test of the Shooter’s Choice 30 Caliber Cleaning Kit came after a long day at the range, sighting in my .30-06 for an upcoming elk hunt. The rifle had seen about 60 rounds, and the bore was definitely fouled. The cleaning was done at the range immediately after shooting.

The kit performed admirably. The brass rod sections screwed together easily and felt sturdy enough for the job. The bronze phosphor bore brush effectively scrubbed away powder residue, and the cotton bore mop left a clean, dry bore. The FP-10 Lubricant Elite CLP worked as advertised.

One initial concern was the size of the included patches; they seemed a little small for a .30 caliber bore. I used two patches wrapped around the jag to get a snug fit.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of regular use, the Shooter’s Choice 30 Caliber Cleaning Kit continues to perform well. I’ve used it to clean my .30-06 after every range trip and hunting outing, and it’s held up without any major issues.

The brass rod sections have shown no signs of bending or breaking, and the brush and mop are still in good condition. The nylon all-purpose brush is handy for cleaning the action and other parts of the rifle. There is minimal signs of wear and tear.

The kit is easy to maintain; I simply wipe down the components after each use and occasionally apply a light coat of oil to the brass rod sections. Compared to my previous cleaning routine – which involved a hodgepodge of different tools and solvents – this kit has streamlined the process significantly. It outperforms the “universal” cleaning kits I’ve tried in the past.

Breaking Down the Features of Shooter’s Choice 30 Caliber Cleaning Kit

Specifications

• Caliber Compatibility: Designed for .30, .30-06, .30-30, .303, .308 caliber, 300 Win Mag, .32 cal, 7.62mm & 8mm rifles. This broad compatibility makes it versatile for owners of multiple rifles.

• Rod Sections: Includes (4) brass rod sections with male/female 8/32 threaded ends and a swivel handle rod. The brass construction helps prevent damage to the rifling, and the swivel handle makes cleaning easier and more efficient.

• Bore Brush: A 3″ .30 cal bronze phosphor bore brush is included. Bronze phosphor is an effective cleaning material that is also gentle on the bore.

• Bore Mop: Features a 3″ .30 cal cotton bore mop. The cotton mop is designed to remove any remaining residue and apply lubricant.

• Adaptor: Comes with a brass component adaptor. This is a crucial piece for attaching the various cleaning implements.

• Cleaning Patches: Contains 20 count 2.5″x2.5″ cleaning patches. The size of the patches are adequate, though some may find them slightly small for larger .30 caliber bores.

• All-Purpose Brush: Includes a nylon all-purpose cleaning brush. This brush is ideal for cleaning the action, bolt face, and other parts of the rifle.

• Pierce Point Jag: The .30 cal brass pierce point jag is included. This allows patches to be firmly held and pushed through the barrel effectively.

• Lubricant: Features a 0.5 fl. oz. bottle of FP-10 Lubricant Elite CLP. FP-10 is a high-quality CLP (Cleaner, Lubricant, Protectant) that helps to keep your firearm operating smoothly.

• Pieces: Total of 13 pieces in the kit.

• Thread Pattern: 8-32 thread pattern for compatibility.

• Case Material: The case is made of plastic. The plastic case is lightweight and keeps everything organized, but it may not be the most durable option.

Performance & Functionality

The Shooter’s Choice 30 Caliber Cleaning Kit performs its job effectively, providing a comprehensive cleaning solution for .30 caliber rifles. The brush and mop effectively remove fouling, and the FP-10 CLP provides excellent lubrication and protection.

One minor weakness is the size of the cleaning patches; they are adequate, but larger patches would be more convenient. The brass rod sections are sturdy enough for most cleaning tasks. It meets my expectations for a basic cleaning kit, especially considering the price point.

Design & Ergonomics

The kit is well-organized and easy to use. The plastic case keeps everything neatly in place, and the components are logically arranged. There is no real learning curve, even for novice gun owners.

The build quality is decent for the price. The materials used are appropriate for their intended purpose.

Durability & Maintenance

The brass components should last for many years with proper care. The plastic case is the weakest link in terms of durability.

Maintenance is simple; just clean and lubricate the components after each use.

Accessories and Customization Options

The kit comes with everything you need for basic cleaning and lubrication. There are no additional accessories or customization options included. However, the 8-32 thread pattern is standard, so you can easily add different brushes, mops, or jags from other brands.

Pros and Cons of Shooter’s Choice 30 Caliber Cleaning Kit

Who Should Buy Shooter’s Choice 30 Caliber Cleaning Kit?

The Shooter’s Choice 30 Caliber Cleaning Kit is perfect for:

• Beginner to intermediate rifle owners looking for an affordable and complete cleaning solution.
• Hunters and recreational shooters who need a reliable kit for basic rifle maintenance.
• Individuals who own .30 caliber rifles and want a dedicated cleaning kit.

Who should skip this product?

• Professional gunsmiths or individuals who require high-end, specialized cleaning tools.
• Those who prefer a more durable metal or hard-sided case.

Must-have accessories or modifications?

• Consider purchasing larger cleaning patches for more efficient cleaning.
• A bore snake can be a useful addition for quick cleaning in the field.

Conclusion on Shooter’s Choice 30 Caliber Cleaning Kit

Overall, the Shooter’s Choice 30 Caliber Cleaning Kit is an excellent value for the money. It provides a complete and effective cleaning solution for .30 caliber rifles at an affordable price.

The price is definitely justified. It’s a small investment to protect a much larger investment in your firearm.

I would personally recommend this kit to anyone looking for a reliable and affordable way to keep their .30 caliber rifle clean and well-maintained. Don’t neglect your rifle; grab this kit and give it the care it deserves!