Otis Cleaning Kit?

[msb45]

Every so often I look at an Otis cleaning kit and think it may be a good way to consolidate my odds and ends cleaning components.

Does anyone have an Otis kit? How does it compare to a solid rod for bore cleaning?

Mod: Please move to firearms accessories.

 

[Atticus]

I like mine, and use it far more than a rod. In fact, I'm mot sure where my cleaning rod disappeared to. Having different lengths of cable available to clean handguns to rifles is pretty handy. Also very handy for weapons that require some disassembly to clean from the breech. Some people have troubles with patches getting stuck in the bore. I haven't- but came close a few times. They always came out by putting a little more umph on the T handle.

 

[jwr_747]

thought I read where the military was getting away from the Otis system because of problems,stuck patches,cord seperation,and a few more I can't remember. jwr

 

[readyme]

I love mine.
I use it both for pistol and shotgun.
You can simply pass a soaked patch for a "bore snake" on the move cleaning, or you can use the same system to do a full systematic cleaning...great product that works...and it is small enough to fit in a pocket.

 

[Snagglepuss]

I use mine for everything, and love it. It goes where ever my guns go. Get one, you won't be sorry.

 

[Green Lantern]

I took the plunge on the 'tactical' (IE, .22 through 10 gauge) belt kit, and am quite happy with it. About $50 at a local store. They're cheaper at some online stores....till you pay shipping at least. Felt good to buy something made in the USA and support a small business at the same time!

I actually got just a few Otis components for my AR a while back, but gave up on it for a while due to stuck brush problems. I gave it another try recently, and no problemo. I guess I was either not assembling the patch right (too big), or not applying enough "umph" to get it through.

The bore reflector is really GREAT to have...though I find I get much better results by using a flashlight on it.

I've cleaned my Garand with it, and I did have some stuck-patch problems a few times that actually required me to unscrew the rod (while it was still INSIDE the barrel, mind you! :wow: ) turn it around, and tap the tip and patch out with the obstruction remover...

Still, no HUGE deal - if a doof like me could figure out how to fix it, anyone can.

BTW, I've not yet opened up the little tube of their "CLP" that came with it.

I like the compact size, the "breech to muzzle" method, the notion of NOT screwing up a barrel with a mis-applied cleaning rod, and having gear on hand to at least do a basic bore cleaning of most ANY firearm I'll come across.

Though I am a LITTLE wary of the "SIX cleanings per patch" claim. Er, maybe I don't obey the "JUST a few drops of CLP!" rule all the way to the letter, but still...

If you fix it to where the front of your swab is clean, is that OK even though parts of the trailing end have gunk on it from earlier passes???

 

[Green Lantern]

:bump:

Still wondering about the answer to:

f you fix it to where the front of your swab is clean, is that OK even though parts of the trailing end have gunk on it from earlier passes???

Also wondering what other gear you might have added to the kit to help make it more useful?

After cleaning my Garand this evening, I put a few q-tips and toothpicks in mine, as I used them to help get some of the gunk out of tiny places. I might spring for the brass scraper set eventually (though I don't think that would replace the q-tips)...

I also need grease for a Garand, but I have some surplus "buttstock grease pots" on the way that I'll probably just keep in the rifle itself.

 

[swan hunter]

About 12 years

I have had mine and it serves me well. Never had a problem of any kind with the system. You don't have to worry about damaging any part of the gun with it.
Sometimes hard to run a brush down a revolver because of the short space to line up the brush.

 

[24kshooter]

I use my Otis kits at the range all the time - bolt, shotgun and semis. It is not a replacement for a rod to clean semiauto chambers, remove wad debris or decopper jobs.