Otis Cleaning Kit?

[OCExec22]

I just got back to pickup my first handgun, USP Compact .45. Pretty stoked I can't wait to shoot it tonight! Anyways I purchased the Otis Pistol Cleaning Kit. Does anyone use that kit? They seemed to be the "best". I personally don't like using cleaning rods I prefer a cable. What do you guys recommend?.

[45 ACP]

I have the self-contained cleaning kit from Kleen-Bore. Comes with a 2-pc rod that screws into one end of the handle, a jag, and a brush. All the parts store inside the handle and it fits nicely in a range bag.

I have the Otis kit, but more for use with rifles in the field. I don't have the patience or time to keep feeding the cable in the ejection port. With a handgun, it seems easier to take it apart and clean it "conventionally"

Any particular reason you prefer a cable over a rod?

[Mtn. Medic]

Nothing fancy here.

I use a recycled S&W. aluminum pistol rod. Got a bore patch holder and a brush. Use genuine Hoppe's .45 patches and Hoppe's #9. A little nylon brush and some Q tips completes my gun cleaning kit.

[OCExec22]

I just thing the plastic coated cable is safer on the barrel. I have seen a ruger 10/22 barrell completely scratched by a Gun Slick .22 cal cleaning kit using their steel cleaning rods. If I were to make a kit I would make everything plastic it just seems like it would the safest on all the parts.

[45 ACP]

Originally Posted by OCExec22

I just thing the plastic coated cable is safer on the barrel. I have seen a ruger 10/22 barrell completely scratched by a Gun Slick .22 cal cleaning kit using their steel cleaning rods. If I were to make a kit I would make everything plastic it just seems like it would the safest on all the parts.

Shooters who clean their rifles with a rod should use a bore guide or use caution and go slow. Just my opinion.

Most modern (decent) cleaning rods are coated to prevent bore damage. Then again, you can't always prevent user error...............

[1buba]

Originally Posted by 45 ACP

Shooters who clean their rifles with a rod should use a bore guide or use caution and go slow. Just my opinion.

Most modern (decent) cleaning rods are coated to prevent bore damage. Then again, you can't always prevent user error...............

And then you have a lot of the Bench Rest guys that will swear that coated cleaning rods should result in prison terms... They (most) believe that the rods "hold" contaminants that will destroy the barrel over time. I ain't smart enough to know, but i use steel rods with guides.

[sealbeach]

I like SS one piece rods with guides, also only bronze brush and core. Often the damage to gun barrels and muzzles comes from the joints in the rod, some brush types use a steel core, which can easily scratch the barrel.

For handguns, I like plastic or fiberglass one piece rods, i have one with a brush and another with a patch puller, hate unscrewing the little bits on the end of the cleaning rod.

[1buba]

Originally Posted by sealbeach

I like SS one piece rods with guides, also only bronze brush and core. Often the damage to gun barrels and muzzles comes from the joints in the rod, some brush types use a steel core, which can easily scratch the barrel.

For handguns, I like plastic or fiberglass one piece rods, i have one with a brush and another with a patch puller, hate unscrewing the little bits on the end of the cleaning rod.

I've got a custom stainless that I bought special for my .17 caliber rifles/carbines. I really like it.

I apologize though - this was about handguns. I really don't care what rod I use for them, except for a few of my contender barrels. Those are REAL accurate, and usually shot from a bench. As much as I love my Kimbers, I'm not choosy about a rod for them.

[CCWInstructor]

I use rods with a barrel guide for handguns. I have the Otis deluxe for the field.

[NikNak]

Ok, so I am a neanderthol and only clean the guns once they quit cycling. Of course, the CCW pieces are ready to roll, but more harm is done by excessive cleaning than anything else .. especially if WD40 is abundant. The majority of my match pistols get cleaned once they begin to have a case of the hiccups. My match rifles get a one piece rod with piercing jag run and rarely more than 4 patches run through them after a whole day of matches. Use a bore guide. The only time I clean the barrel between individual matches in a day is when a change in ammo is made .... fouling is now different and bullet lube is different. Avoid anything with Teflon(PTFE) in the barrel as it coats the metal and will give you fliers at the strangest time. Take your Break Free CLP and throw it as far away as you can. Never let it, or Rem Oil get anywhere near the inside of your barrels.
Kroil, Shooters Choice, work well for Lead. Butch's Bore Shine, Barnes CR10(?) and Sweet's work well for copper fouling.

Just some of my results on the line. Trust me - if you need 10s, do NOT use Teflon(PTFE) based oils.

[OCExec22]

I just got back from the firing line with a few buddies. First time out with the USP we just picked up. I will say I am definitely a fan or the cable or bore snake type cleaning systems. It just seems that its better to PULL something through than to PUSH a rod through. Seems that you can get the patch tighter which results in a cleaner barrel. I'm definitely impressed with the otis kit and I think its pretty cool you can buy "reloads" for them easy. I paid almost 40 for that kit today. I probably haven't paid $40 total on all my cleaning kits for all my rifles but its worth it.

By the way it was interesting to see the compact and full size USP compare at the range today.. My friend purchased the full size and I the compact, both in .45. I will say the full size seems EASIER to shoot but the accuracy was VERY close. The compact had a MUCH aggressive recoil as it is quite a bit lighter also. I will say I was all over the place during the first 50 shots. ( I dont have much experience either) but I was grouping decently thereafter. Once I was comfortable with the compact I was able to shoot the fullsize aswell as my friend. However when he shot mine he had a lot of difficulty. I predict that if you are accurate on a smaller more compact weapon you'd have an advantage when shooting larger weapons with less recoil? DO most people agree?

[IAmASensFan]

I'm starting to become facinated by discussions about cleaning rods...


...are there meds I can take for this condition???

[Justaguy]

Originally Posted by sealbeach

hate unscrewing the little bits on the end of the cleaning rod.

Yup.

[Hal-Koll]

Originally Posted by IAmASensFan

I'm starting to become facinated by discussions about cleaning rods...


...are there meds I can take for this condition???

Quick man, sniff some Hoppes! If you don't take action soon you'll be driving down to the store or ordering something on-line within the day. Repeat after me "I can quit anytime I want."

-Kurt

[IAmASensFan]