First Impressions of Shooter’s Choice .40Cal Cleaning Kit
Maintaining a firearm is paramount, not just for longevity, but for safe and reliable operation. The Shooter’s Choice .40Cal Cleaning Kit promises a comprehensive solution for keeping your .40 caliber or 10mm pistol in top condition. With its included rod, brush, mop, jag, and lubricant, this kit seemed like a convenient and affordable option for regular maintenance.
As someone with over a decade of experience in the tactical and outdoor gear realm, I’ve seen my fair share of cleaning kits, from the bare-bones to the overly extravagant. I was looking for a compact and efficient kit that I could easily take to the range or keep in my go-bag. I needed something that would thoroughly clean the bore without damaging the rifling and provide adequate lubrication to ensure smooth cycling.
Upon receiving the Shooter’s Choice .40Cal Cleaning Kit, my initial impression was one of practicality over premium feel. The components are neatly organized, but the materials felt fairly basic. Compared to some of the higher-end kits with their custom-molded cases and premium brushes, this felt more utilitarian. I chose this kit over a more expensive Otis Technology kit due to its simplicity and lower price point for what appeared to be similar functionality and over a Hoppe’s kit as I was interested in trying the FP-10 lubricant.
While not initially blown away, I remained optimistic. The key would be in its performance, ease of use, and durability over time. My first thought was that this might be a great value for someone just starting out or wanting a basic kit for occasional use.
Real-World Testing: Putting Shooter’s Choice .40Cal Cleaning Kit to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to test the Shooter’s Choice .40Cal Cleaning Kit came after a day at the range with my Glock 22. I set up my cleaning station and got to work, following my usual cleaning routine. The range session was relatively dry and free of debris, so it was a basic, standard fouling removal.
The aluminum rod with the swivel t-handle made pushing the brush through the bore relatively easy. However, I immediately noticed that the fit of the brush within the bore was somewhat loose; more passes were needed to thoroughly scrub the bore. The included patches were absorbent and did a decent job of removing residue. I did appreciate the FP-10 lubricant, as it seemed to spread well and left a nice, slick coating on the moving parts.
The biggest issue I encountered during the first use was the all-purpose brush. The bristles bent easily and seemed ineffective for getting into tight crevices of the slide and frame.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of using the Shooter’s Choice .40Cal Cleaning Kit after each range session (roughly twice a month), I have a better sense of its long-term durability and reliability. The aluminum rod has held up well, showing no signs of bending or breaking. The bronze brush has also maintained its integrity, though the bristles are starting to show some wear, after several cleanings.
The included FP-10 lubricant remains a standout feature, effectively preventing rust and reducing friction. However, I’ve had to supplement the kit with higher-quality nylon brushes and more absorbent cotton patches as the included brush and patches are somewhat sub-par.
While the kit has generally performed adequately, I’ve noticed that the bore guide doesn’t always provide a snug fit, allowing solvent to potentially seep into the action. This isn’t a deal-breaker, but it requires extra caution during cleaning. Compared to more comprehensive kits I’ve used in the past, the Shooter’s Choice .40Cal Cleaning Kit is adequate for basic maintenance, but it lacks the robustness and premium feel of higher-end options.
Breaking Down the Features of Shooter’s Choice .40Cal Cleaning Kit
Specifications
The Shooter’s Choice .40Cal Cleaning Kit is designed for use with .40 caliber and 10mm Auto pistols. The kit includes an aluminum rod with a swivel t-handle, a 2-inch bronze phosphor bore brush, a 2-inch cotton bore mop, a .40 caliber pierce point jag, a .40 caliber slotted tip, 20 cotton cleaning patches (2.5″ x 2.5″), a nylon all-purpose cleaning brush, and a 0.5 fl. oz bottle of FP-10 Lubricant Elite CLP. The aluminum rod sections have a female 8/32 threaded end for attaching the various cleaning tools.
These specifications matter because they dictate the effectiveness and ease of use of the cleaning process. The aluminum rod provides the necessary reach and leverage for cleaning the bore, while the bronze brush effectively removes fouling and carbon buildup. The FP-10 lubricant is crucial for protecting metal surfaces from corrosion and ensuring smooth operation.
Performance & Functionality
The Shooter’s Choice .40Cal Cleaning Kit performs its basic function of cleaning a .40 caliber pistol reasonably well. The bronze brush effectively removes fouling from the bore, and the mop helps to absorb excess solvent. The jag and slotted tip, combined with the cotton patches, allow for a more thorough cleaning of the bore.
However, the performance is somewhat limited by the quality of the included components. The all-purpose brush is not particularly effective, and the cotton patches are not as absorbent as I would prefer. The bore guide could be improved to provide a tighter fit and prevent solvent leakage.
Overall, the kit meets basic expectations for cleaning a pistol, but it doesn’t exceed them. The lubricant is the standout item.
Design & Ergonomics
The Shooter’s Choice .40Cal Cleaning Kit features a simple and straightforward design. The aluminum rod is lightweight and easy to handle, and the swivel t-handle provides a comfortable grip. The components are well-organized and easy to access.
However, the build quality of some of the components is somewhat lacking. The all-purpose brush feels flimsy, and the cotton patches are thin and prone to tearing. The kit is easy to use, even for beginners, but the overall user experience could be improved with higher-quality materials.
Durability & Maintenance
The aluminum rod and bronze brush appear to be relatively durable and should last for a reasonable amount of time with proper care. The other components, such as the all-purpose brush and cotton patches, are more prone to wear and tear and will likely need to be replaced more frequently.
The kit is easy to clean and maintain. The aluminum rod can be wiped down with a clean cloth, and the bronze brush can be cleaned with solvent. The cotton patches are disposable and should be discarded after each use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Shooter’s Choice .40Cal Cleaning Kit comes with a basic set of accessories necessary for cleaning a .40 caliber pistol. There are no included customization options, but the rod’s 8/32 threading allows for the use of aftermarket brushes, mops, and jags from other brands. You can also use different types of solvents and lubricants depending on your preference.
Pros and Cons of Shooter’s Choice .40Cal Cleaning Kit
Pros
- Good value for the price, especially considering the inclusion of FP-10 Lubricant Elite CLP.
- Includes all the essential tools for basic .40 caliber pistol cleaning.
- Aluminum rod is lightweight and easy to use with a comfortable swivel handle.
- Compact and portable design, making it easy to take to the range.
- The 8/32 threading allows for interchangeability and customization with other brands’ components.
Cons
- The included all-purpose brush is of low quality and ineffective.
- The cotton patches are thin and not very absorbent.
- Bore guide could have a tighter fit to prevent solvent leakage.
Who Should Buy Shooter’s Choice .40Cal Cleaning Kit?
The Shooter’s Choice .40Cal Cleaning Kit is perfect for new .40 caliber pistol owners and casual shooters looking for an affordable and basic cleaning solution. It is also a suitable option for individuals who want a compact kit to keep in their range bag or go-bag for quick cleanings.
This product isn’t ideal for serious competitive shooters or individuals who demand the highest-quality cleaning tools. Anyone requiring premium brushes, highly absorbent patches, and a more robust storage case should consider a higher-end cleaning kit. You may want to upgrade individual components as they wear out.
Must-have accessories or modifications would include a higher quality nylon brush set and more absorbent cotton patches.
Conclusion on Shooter’s Choice .40Cal Cleaning Kit
The Shooter’s Choice .40Cal Cleaning Kit offers a budget-friendly solution for maintaining your .40 caliber or 10mm pistol. While it may not boast the premium quality or comprehensive features of higher-end kits, it provides the essential tools needed for basic cleaning. The inclusion of FP-10 lubricant is a major plus, as it is a highly regarded product for firearm lubrication and protection.
At a price of $13.46, the Shooter’s Choice .40Cal Cleaning Kit offers a reasonable value proposition. Although some of the components are of lower quality, the kit is still functional and effective for basic cleaning.
I would recommend the Shooter’s Choice .40Cal Cleaning Kit to anyone looking for an affordable and portable cleaning solution for their .40 caliber pistol. Just be prepared to potentially upgrade some of the components over time. Don’t let a dirty firearm slow you down, pick up the Shooter’s Choice .40Cal Cleaning Kit and keep your pistol running smoothly!