Suggest a cleaning kit for my 1911?

My preference is for the older Outer’s with an aluminum rod with a generous, bulbous black handle which came in a clear vinyl pouch with a plastic patch loop and jag, with room for a silicon bronze brush.

I don’t like the new Outer’s version, nor the similar looking Hoppe’s.
I’m not opposed to a box kit with room for patches and bottles of oil and solvent.

This will be dedicated kit for .45s & .44s, so I won’t need a universal kit that handles multiple calibers.
So far, I haven’t seen one that floats my boat, so I thought I ask here for advice.
Any suggestions?

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I just use a universal cleaning kit I picked up on amazon for like $60 it’s been sufficient, nothing that I am too excited about but I do like the rifle mount and the case with all the accessories is not that heavy.

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I am not a fan of the aluminum rod.
You could build your own using Dewey rod and jags, brushes and swabs. My go to is brownells.com but I have seen them on Amazon.
Avid makes a dedicated pistol kit featuring the brass rod. It will take you past the 44 and 45.
While on brownells.com, look for a 1911 wrench which will make disassemble much easier unless your 1911 does not have the barrel bushing.
Good luck with your search.

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I just use patches and long wooden cotton swabs, with a pick and a patch for tight spaces.

Haven’t used my actual cleaning kit since I started doing that.

Edit: for handguns.

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Make it simple.

  • Cleaning wipes (Hoppe’s or Otis)
  • Cleaner in aerosol (Ballistol or Hornady OneShot) to clean hard to reach spaces
  • any lubricant
  • bore snake to clean the bore

Don’t be attached to any “cleaning kit”… these always get either something missing or added too much :wink:

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I recently tried Slip2000 EWG and I’m very happy and impressed with it.

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I use a nylon brush for the barrel. I clean everything else with a toothbrush and/or cleaning swab with alcohol. Lube and done!

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I still use an 80’s era Army issue kit with a steel rod, bronze or copper brush, double ended nylon brush, CLP, and lots of patches. Hasn’t failed me yet.

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Shopruger has caliber-specific kits but not for .45

https://shopruger.com/Ruger-Universal-Handgun-Cleaning-Kit/productinfo/29852/

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And your butler that cleans your arsenal :grinning_face:
Mine keeps asking for a raise.

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I have migrated to pull-through systems (Real Avid primarily) to get away from rods (when I need a rod my choice is graphite). I am anti “kits” because I end up paying for stuff I don’t need or use. I like the Breakthrough line of cleaning chemicals, and Battlebourne (Battleborn?) lubricants. By buying only what I need I can afford better kit. I sometimes defer to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

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For cleaning my 1911, I just use a Hoppe’s kit. Super basic but gets the job done. Got the rod, brush, solvent, patches, all that. I also picked up a Real Avid kit ‘cause it’s way more organized and comes in a nice case. For lube, I usually go with Break-Free CLP, but sometimes I’ll use the Wilson Combat stuff if I’m feelin’ fancy. Keeps my 1911 smooth and happy.

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Some day…..

:grinning_face:

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These are my #1. I’ll spend 3+ hours stripping (read: removing roll pins and disassembling) my handgun, cleaning it until a white glove won’t show dirt, and then applying multiple lubrication products to different parts depending on their function. And that’s after a 150 round range day.

It’s like meditation for me.

Plus if I’m gonna trust my life to it I might as well not run it with makeshift lapping compound inside it, right?