MTM Gun Cleaning Patch Catcher Review

A Close Look at the MTM Gun Cleaning Patch Catcher

As someone who has spent over a decade navigating the often-grimy realities of gear maintenance across a variety of demanding environments, I’ve learned that the devil is truly in the details. Cleaning firearms, a ritual many of us engage in regularly, can quickly devolve into a messy affair if proper precautions aren’t taken. This is precisely why the MTM Gun Cleaning Patch Catcher caught my eye. It’s a deceptively simple tool designed to tackle a very specific, yet pervasive, problem: the explosive spray of solvent and debris that erupts from a firearm barrel when a cleaning brush exits. My own workshop floor, once a testament to countless cleaning sessions, bore witness to this frustration; dried solvent spots and stray patches were a common sight. While I’d experimented with makeshift solutions like old rags or strategically placed cardboard, none were consistently effective or particularly dignified. After seeing this compact solution from MTM, a brand I trust for practical shooting accessories, I was immediately curious if it could live up to its promise of tidier gun cleaning. My initial impression upon unboxing was one of sturdy, no-nonsense functionality; it felt exactly like what it is: a purposeful piece of gear. I briefly considered just continuing with my rags, but the appeal of a dedicated, tidy solution was too strong to ignore. A small wave of anticipation for cleaner cleaning sessions washed over me.

Real-World Testing: Putting MTM Gun Cleaning Patch Catcher to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing of the MTM Gun Cleaning Patch Catcher took place right on my cluttered workbench, the usual epicenter of my firearm maintenance. I was cleaning a .22LR rifle, a task that, while not inherently messy, still produces its fair share of solvent splatter. Attaching the catcher was straightforward; the adjustable strap easily secured it to the rifle’s barrel just in front of the receiver. As the cleaning brush began to exit the bore, I braced myself for the usual spray, but this time, it was contained. The expelled patches and a surprising amount of solvent were neatly caught within the device. It performed exceptionally well in this controlled environment, immediately demonstrating its core functionality without any fuss. There was no complex setup, no fiddly parts, just an immediate, tangible improvement in cleanliness. It felt remarkably intuitive, an essential trait for any piece of gear designed for frequent use.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks and numerous cleaning sessions across various firearms – from my .22LR rifle to a 12-gauge shotgun – the MTM Gun Cleaning Patch Catcher has proven to be a remarkably durable and reliable accessory. It has been repeatedly exposed to different cleaning solvents, oils, and a constant barrage of spent patches, yet shows no signs of degradation. The material feels robust, and the strap has maintained its grip without loosening or fraying. I’ve even accidentally dropped it on the concrete floor of my garage a couple of times, and it emerged unscathed, a testament to its resilience. Cleaning it is as simple as emptying the accumulated dirty patches and wiping down the interior with a rag, a process that takes less than a minute. Compared to the inconsistent mess I used to contend with using improvised methods, this dedicated catcher is a significant upgrade. It performs just as well, if not better, than more expensive, complex cleaning mats or catch systems I’ve encountered, offering exceptional value.

Breaking Down the Features of MTM Gun Cleaning Patch Catcher

Specifications

The MTM Gun Cleaning Patch Catcher boasts a straightforward design with practical specifications tailored for its purpose. Its length of 10.3 inches provides ample containment for expelled patches and solvents. The unit is designed as a universal gun type accessory, accommodating a wide range of firearm barrels. Its construction appears to be from a durable, yet slightly flexible plastic, which is important for its ability to conform to different barrel shapes and withstand minor impacts. The MTM manufacturer is known for producing practical, no-nonsense shooting accessories, and this catcher fits that ethos perfectly. While specific material composition isn’t detailed, it feels like a resilient polymer that will resist common gun cleaning chemicals. The quantity is listed as one per package, which is typical for individual cleaning aids.

These specifications matter because they directly translate to usability and effectiveness. The generous length ensures that even with larger caliber firearms or vigorous brushing, solvent spray and patches are unlikely to escape. Its universal fit means one catcher can serve multiple firearms in a collection, adding to its value. The durable material suggests it’s built to last through countless cleaning sessions, resisting chemical breakdown from solvents.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of the MTM Gun Cleaning Patch Catcher is to catch expelled cleaning patches and solvents, and it excels at this task. When a cleaning brush emerges from a barrel, particularly after a solvent-soaked pass, it often ejects debris and liquid with surprising force. This catcher acts as a highly effective barrier, trapping nearly everything that is expelled. I found it particularly effective with shotgun barrels, which can expel a larger volume of gunk due to their wider bore. There’s a satisfying feeling of control knowing that your workbench or floor is protected from these inevitable cleaning byproducts. Its effectiveness is a direct function of its design; it creates a contained chamber around the barrel’s exit point.

The main strength of this particular catcher is its simplicity and effectiveness. It doesn’t have moving parts or complex mechanisms to fail. Its sole purpose is to contain the mess, and it does so admirably. A minor area for improvement, though not a significant drawback, could be the strap’s grip on extremely smooth or heavily oiled barrels, though I haven’t experienced it slipping on its own. However, for its intended purpose and price point, its performance is outstanding.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the MTM Gun Cleaning Patch Catcher is purely functional, devoid of unnecessary aesthetics. It’s a utilitarian piece of gear, and that’s its strength. The shape is essentially a channel with an open end to slide onto the barrel and a closed end where the solvent and patches accumulate. The strap attachment mechanism is simple and effective, allowing for quick adjustment. It’s made from what feels like a sturdy, yet slightly pliable plastic, which gives it a good balance of rigidity to hold its shape and flexibility to fit snugly.

Ergonomically, it’s straightforward to use. Sliding it onto the barrel and tightening the strap takes mere seconds. There’s no learning curve; it’s immediately intuitive. The smooth interior surface makes it easy to wipe clean after use. The one-piece molded design contributes to its perceived sturdiness, with no seams or joints that could potentially break or leak. It’s designed to be used, get dirty, and then be easily cleaned, which aligns perfectly with its role in firearm maintenance.

Durability & Maintenance

Durability is a key selling point for the MTM Gun Cleaning Patch Catcher. Constructed from what appears to be a robust polymer, it’s built to withstand the harsh chemicals commonly found in gun cleaning solvents. After repeated exposure, I haven’t noticed any signs of swelling, cracking, or degradation of the material. The strap, too, has held up well, showing no signs of stretching or wear. This makes it a long-term investment rather than a disposable item.

Maintenance is exceptionally simple. Once the cleaning process is complete, you simply detach the catcher, invert it over a trash can, and the accumulated dirty patches and residual solvent fall out. A quick wipe down with a clean rag, perhaps dampened with a little isopropyl alcohol, is usually all that’s needed to prepare it for its next use. There are no complex parts to disassemble or intricate areas to clean. Potential failure points are minimal, likely limited to the strap mechanism if subjected to extreme abuse, but under normal cleaning conditions, it should last for years.

Accessories and Customization Options

The MTM Gun Cleaning Patch Catcher comes as a standalone item, with no additional accessories included or typically offered. Its design is self-contained and specialized, meaning there aren’t really any “customization” options in the traditional sense. You can’t swap out parts or add attachments. However, its inherent design allows it to accommodate a wide range of barrel diameters thanks to the adjustable strap.

While it doesn’t come with extras, its functionality is so focused that it doesn’t really need them. The real “accessory” you might consider is a good supply of cleaning patches, as this device makes them more efficient to use and dispose of. It is not designed to interact with other gun cleaning tools beyond acting as a receptacle.

Pros and Cons of MTM Gun Cleaning Patch Catcher

Who Should Buy MTM Gun Cleaning Patch Catcher?

This patch catcher is an ideal tool for any firearm owner who performs their own cleaning and maintenance. It’s particularly beneficial for those who clean firearms indoors, whether on a dedicated workbench, a kitchen table, or even in a garage. Home gunsmiths, recreational shooters, and hunters who regularly clean their firearms will find this accessory significantly reduces the mess associated with the process. It’s perfect for anyone looking to protect their surfaces from corrosive solvents and avoid stepping on stray, oily patches.

Individuals who might want to skip this are those who only ever have their firearms professionally cleaned, or those who exclusively clean outdoors in an area where mess is not a concern. For a home user, it’s a simple, affordable upgrade to the cleaning process. I’d highly recommend pairing it with a good quality cleaning solvent and a supply of cotton cleaning patches for the best results and easiest cleanup.

Conclusion on MTM Gun Cleaning Patch Catcher

The MTM Gun Cleaning Patch Catcher is a testament to how a simple, well-executed design can solve a common problem effectively. It takes a messy, often frustrating aspect of gun cleaning and transforms it into a far more controlled and tidier experience. Its robust construction, universal fit, and sheer effectiveness in containing expelled solvents and patches make it a worthwhile addition to any gun cleaning kit. For its modest price of $15.49, the value it delivers in terms of cleanliness and ease of use is exceptional. I wholeheartedly recommend this catcher to any firearm owner looking to streamline their cleaning routine and keep their workspace significantly cleaner. It’s a small investment that pays immediate dividends in reduced mess and a more pleasant maintenance experience.