The initial step in inappropriate gun maintenance is getting a fantastic set of cleaning materials. But given how massive the market is these days, it is good to find some product recommendations to point you in the right direction.
Inside this guide, we’ll provide you with all you want to know when it comes to gun cleaning. Included below is some basic information on why appropriate gun care is critical, what to search for while purchasing a cleaning kit, and a list of the best gun cleaning kit options currently in the marketplace. We’ve also included a listing, which lists all of the products you ought to have and what they’re used for. There’ll be quite a Great Deal of information to cover in this article, but you can easily navigate this guide using the navigation below:
Greatest Gun Cleaning Kits
Now that we’ve covered all of the basic gun cleaning advice, let us take a look at the top products currently on the market. This list begins with the best universal gun cleaning kits, followed by a few specialized kits and other helpful things that you might want to check out. Towards the end, we have listed our recommendations for cleaning solutions and oils. Let’s begin!
Otis Technology’s Universal All Caliber Elite Cleaning Kit is as close to finishing as any kit you’ll find and the quality is top-notch. The kit features over 60 parts and is perfect for pistols, rifles, and shotguns.
It comes with 16 standard sized bronze bore brushes (.17, .22 restricted breech, .22/ / .223, .243-.260, .270/7mm, .30-06/.300/30-30/.308, .338-.35, .357-38cal/9mm, .40/10mm, .44/.45, .50cal, .410ga, 28ga, 20ga, 16ga, 12/10ga) that are excellent quality. I’d also prefer the conventional jags within the slotted tips provided. That said, this is a great kit at a reasonable price point.
Otis All Caliber Elite Cleaning Kit
Other Attributes:
- Bottles of Bio-CLP, Complete Cleaner, Lubricant, and Firearm Protectant.
- 100% cotton 2″ & 3″ patches, 3 slotted hints & 2 patch savers
- Small & big obstruction removers knock out sand, snow, adhered casings and double as at-handle foundation for comprised t-handle; small t-handle & stud comprised for small quality cleaning.
- 223cal/5.56millimeter chamber brush, pin punch, finish brush, directly pick, locking lug scraper, scraper, brief AP brush, dual end AP brush and female & male rod for more precise cleaning.
- Lens tissue, lens spray, lens brush and lens cloth for optics care.
- Warranty protection
It is a 68 piece set that contains 6 solid brass rods (.17-.28 cal/.30.54 cal.) , 14 bronze bore brushes (.17/.22/.204/.243/.270/.30/.357/.38 and 9mm/.40/.45/.50/.54 cal. And 12/20/.410 gauge), 14 mops, and 4 slotted hints.
I like that along with all the slot tips the kit also comes with 13 jags. The case itself is soft-sided, but it is more durable than the Otis case. The aesthetic is certainly lacking still, but the interior organization of the instance is superb.
gun cleaning kit reviews
The general quality of these tools is not amazing, but that is much more of a bargain item so I would not expect it to be perfect. The brushes will get the work done, but the rods are somewhat flimsy. The additional accessories such as the double-ended cleaning pick you can use on hard-to-reach areas are a wonderful touch.
Overall, this is another fantastic universal kit at a cost compared to the one over, which makes it a strong contender for the overall best gun cleaning kit.
Other Attributes:
- 4 accessory adaptors
- Double ended metal cleaning pick
- 2 dual ended utility/breech brush (phosphor and nylon)
- 3 utility parts brushes (phosphor/nylon/stainless)
- 2 choke/breech brushes (1/4″ & 3/4″ diameter)
- 3 sets of 50 patches (1″x 1″/1 1/2″ x 1 1/2″/3″x 3″)
Hoppe’s No. 9 is a popular brand in the gun cleaning market most commonly known for its oils, cleaning solvents, and the Hoppe’s Bore Snake. We’ll touch on the bore snake in the next section, but for now, let’s turn our focus to Hoppe’s Premium Universal Cleaning Kit and the Deluxe Gun Cleaning Kit.
Hoppe’s Premium Universal Cleaning Kit comes with 10 bronze brushes (12, 20 and 28 ga., .410 bore, .44/45, .38, .30, .40/10mm, .22 and .17), 6 machine-washable and reusable cleaning swabs, along with 9 jags (.17/.20, .22/.243/6mm, .25-6.5mm, .270-7mm, .30-8mm, .375-.40, .416 into .44, .45, .338 to 9mm). The quality of the gear is passable, surely good for the price point, and it comes at a hard carrying case, which I like.
You can alternatively choose Hoppe’s Deluxe Gun Cleaning Kit, which has fewer resources but includes Hoppe’s famous No. 9 Bore Cleaner and oils. This also comes in a tough case, this time made of wood. The case is a little flimsy, but I’d still prefer it over a gentle case. The kit comprises 3 brass rods, four slotted ends, 5 bronze brushes (.22 and .30 rifle, .38 pistol, and 20 and 12 gauge shotgun), along with a silicone cleaning fabric. The obvious downsides to the kit are it isn’t designed to wash 9mm or even .45.
Allen’s cleaning equipment is all great upper-middle shelf items which are great for your intermediate gun owner.
The best gun cleaning kit out of them is the Allen’s Ultimate Tactical Gun Cleaning Kit. This kit includes 65 bits and is branded to utilize high-grade tools. It comes with 8 bore brushes (.50, .44/ / .45, .40, .357/9mm, .30, .22, 12 gauge, and 20 gauge), 10 cleaning swabs, 3 brass slotted hints, 6 brass jags (upgraded from plastic), along with brass adapters for 5-40 (.20 Caliber and much less ) 8-32 (rifle and pistol) and 5/16-27 (shotgun).
Additionally, it includes the bolt and upper carry essential brushes, .223 and .308 room brushes and a tube cleaning brush. The listing of further components is long so that I include the remainder in bullet points below.
The kit is stored in a strategic hard-plastic casing, complete with pull out pockets. The organization of the kit is exceptional and in my opinion the very best on our listing. The single drawback to this kit is that there are no solvents or oils contained, but the Ultimate kit does have lots of space at the case to put away oils and solvents after buying them separately.
Other Attributes:
- 3 specialization gear for MSR
- Hex handle to be used with one piece of the brass rod
- Clear plastic tube and rope cable
- 3-piece cleaning rods for shotgun and rifle/handgun
- Muzzle guards for every cleaning rod (4mm and 6mm)
- 3-piece brush and pick set (not contained in Deluxe set)
- Cotton cleaning patches
- 10 cotton cleaning fabrics
Real Avid produces a series of compact Gun Boss kits for handguns, AR-15s, AK-47s, Shotguns, along with other rifles that are a great something to take into the stove or keep in your truck. Each kit typically comes with a 2-section rod with detachable T-handle, a few jags, a few brushes, and slotted tips.
Real Avid Gun Boss Cleaning Kits
The tools come in a durable padded-hard-case along with the kits costs vary by about 10 bucks depending on if you’re buying to get a handgun or even long. The overall grade of the situation and tools are strong, and the only real downside is that no additives or oils are included.
Actual Georgian Gun Boss Handgun Kit
The Otis Tactical Cleaning Kit is extremely popular and in my opinion the best compact cleaning kit available on the market. It includes a wide range of tools, is compatible with pistols, rifles, and shotguns, and also has its own little CLP bottle, which is a fantastic plus. The kit is more than twice as pricey as the Avid Gun Boss, however, the quality is exceptional and it’s more universality. It comes in a soft cushioned zip-up case and we have recorded the extra contents below.
Otis Tactical Cleaning Kit Contents:
Boresnakes might be handy alternative gun cleaning tools for when you are away from your primary cleaning kit. They were extremely common during the World Wars and when I am not mistaken that it was Hoppe’s BoreSnakes that were used by the US Military during WWII.
The Hoppe’s BoreSnake Rifle Soft-Sided Rifle Cleaning kit Includes Gun Bore Cleaner, Hoppe’s Lubricating Oil plus a Weatherguard cloth. Remember that a Boresnakes by no means can wash your gun completely, but these are a great choice for shooters who like to provide their gun a fast clean immediately after usage or for those who use a lot of corrosive ammo. They are cheap, easy-to-use, and as compatible as can be. So give it a try if you think that it may be handy.
Hoppe’s BoreSnake Rifle Soft Sided Rifle Cleaning Kit
It does a much better job than cleaning stains in my view, also it is reusable.
Finest Gun Cleaner, Solvents, and Oils
Below is a brief list of our favorite gun cleaners, solvents, and oils. It’s wise to stick to these reputable brand names for quality assurance.
If it comes to the most admired and popular gun cleaner it’s not even close: Hoppe’s No. 9. This cleaner is inexpensive, easy to use, and also only an 8-ounce jar could be all you require for years. It specializes in cleansing carbon buildup and contributes. The majority of folks will tell you Hoppe’s isn’t as well suited to cleaning aluminum, and this is unfortunately true.
Hoppe’s No. 9 Gun Cleaner & Hoppe’s Elite Gun Cleaner
But fear not, because Hoppe’s does offer a solution to these difficulties with their Elite Gun Cleaner. This more expensive choice is great at eliminating copper fouling and comes in a spray bottle. Thank you, Hoppes. Given that the Elite cleaner is more expensive, I would recommend using the two cleaners together to save a bit of money if you are on a budget. I’ll be recommending yet another gun cleaner, but in my view, Hoppe’s is nearly always the thing to do.
There are a few dissidents among us who favor alternative cleansers to Hoppe’s, for reasons I may never completely comprehend. However, for the rebels one of you I’d alternatively recommend M-Pro’s gun cleaner. It is odorless (Hoppe’s smells strong( but not bad), and a little better at removing copper fouling.
M-Pro 7 Gun Cleaner Best Gun CLeaning SOLVENT
I think M-Pro’s gun oils are pretty much hands down the best on the market. It’s highly versatile and I think you can use it on pretty much any gun. The oil acts as a top-notch lubricant, so it’s simple to use even in tough to reach areas, and it retains rust in check.
Best Gun Cleaning Kit – Buyer’s Guide
Unsure what you want or what makes a good cleaning kit?
A person new to guns may be amazed at how quickly the exterior and interior of a firearm can accumulate unwanted buildup. Normally it only takes two or three trips to the range before a gun is due for a cleanup. The first point to understand is that cleaning your firearm is hardly just for aesthetics. The fouling in your gun may result in corrosion within the long run and in the short term cause lots of major malfunctions with your firearm. Buildup gets anywhere and it causes issues with your fire trap, the springs, the activity, the gas system, not to mention the room. Even if a dirty gun manages to operate, the buildup will frequently impact the gun’s accuracy, sometimes drastically. Once corrosion starts to wear down the barrel then you’re screwed.
This is common knowledge to many gun users, but hopefully, now we’re all caught up to speed. Even in case you’ve made it in storage for a little while without usage, it can be prudent to do a cleanup to get rid of any dust or dirt that may have accumulated.
What to Search For in a Prospective Gun Cleaning Kit
You want to be methodical when cleaning your firearm. Each nook and cranny will need to be attended. To do this, you will need the right set of tools. When buying a kit first make sure that it comes with the parts required your kind of gun.
Generally, a good universal kit like the ones we have listed above will have tools to clean a wide range of firearms. However, not all of the kits are full so expect to maybe buy a few additional things to round out your rifle cleaning toolbox.
After you have found a kit together with your required quality sizes, you want to check out the particulars of this kit. What kinds of tools are contained and how are their caliber? How about the kit’s case, can it be lasting and well organized?
We’ve assembled a critical Tool listing below from the review section of the manual. This will go into the details of each part and let you know what each is for and how to identify if a single instrument is of better quality than the next. You’ll also want the kit to add more general tools such as utility brushes, cleaning swabs, and a pair of cleaning choices. Last, you’ll require a gun cleaning solvent and gun oil. While some kits include their solvent and petroleum many don’t, so this is only one of the things you will probably need to buy separately. But do not worry we have added recommendations for that above also.
Bronze Bore Brushes – Bronze bore brushes will be the primary instrument used to extract significant carbon buildup in the barrel of the firearm. A kit usually comes with numerous bronze brushes and the caliber of the bronze used in the brush will determine how effective it’s at eliminating buildup. Quality bronze can also be important since it will make sure that the brush does not scratch the barrel during cleaning. Bronze brushes come in varying sizes to fit different caliber barrels, and it is a fantastic idea to purchase a kit with a broad choice of brushes to fit varying sized guns.
Nylon Brushes – Nylon brushes aren’t as omnipresent in cleaning kits as bronze beams, but they are great for cleaning increasingly much more sensitive areas of the gun. I’d recommend having a nylon brush when working with polymer or wooden-framed firearms. Use them sparingly on the bore as they can wear out fast.
Like bronze brushes, even more, mops come in various sizes and it is a fantastic idea to wash them after every use to slow down deterioration.
Cleaning Jag – Cleaning jags are sparse rods made from nickel, brass, or plastic. They are used alongside cleaning patches at the last phase of cleaning your barrel to eliminate any leftover dirt or cleaning solvent from the barrel. This is vital since the leftover solvent in the barrel may cause corrosion. Be certain that you use a fresh cleaning patch after each use.
Cleaning Patches – As explained above, cleaning stains are small squares of cotton that are mounted on a jag to clean the bore of residual cleaning solvent. These are contained in almost every cleaning kit. Remember to just use a cleaning patch once and then replace it.
The cleanup patch is inserted through and wrapped around the slotted tip patch holder rather than pierced through like with a cleaning jag. I find trendy tip patch holders to be more difficult to use than conventional cleaning jags, but since they’re cheaper to make they are inclined to be seen in lower quality kits. Choosing a slotted suggestion or a jag is up for you, but I would recommend using a jag.
Cotton Swabs/Cleaning Swabs – Traditional cotton swabs occasionally come as well as a cleaning kit, alternatively you can purchase them at any drug store. All these are good for doing touch-up cleaning and also make sure to get excess solvent or tough-to-reach residue.
These are the principal tool used for cleaning the outside of your firearm. Some utility bruss will come double-sided with brush heads on both ends.
Cleaning Rods – cleaning rods are crucial, and many different sized cleaning rods should be contained in almost any cleaning kit. These attach to the cleaning tools listed above and allow you to nourish your cleaning tools down the bore of the firearm. You will wish to be certain that whatever kit you opt to purchase comes with appropriately sized cleaning rods for your firearm. Sometimes beginners will make the mistake of using a small rod to clean a large barreled rifle or shotgun just to find that the rod is too feeble, so bear in mind sizing.
There are also version styles of cleaning rods, and new flexible cleaning rods have become popular. As opposed to pushing the rod through, these flexible cables are utilized to pull your cleansing tools through the barrel. These may work great and are very streamlined, but you should be sure the cable is long enough to match your gun’s barrel length. I think with more barreled rifles and shotguns you’re still better off with a conventional rod, rather than attempting to manage 30-inches of cable.
Cleaning Solvent – Cleaning solvents are utilized to clean your firearm and are therefore one of the most essential items in any cleaning kit. There is a broad choice of solvents on the market and based on which type of ammo you generally use (steel, brass, copper-jacketed) certain kinds of solvent will be more effective than others. It’s a fantastic idea to purchase solvents from the trusted brand name manufacturers listed above.
Oil – Applying oil to your firearm once it’s cleaned is your last step in the cleaning procedure. Oil serves several purposes. It acts as a lubricant for several of the mechanical elements within the firearm, and in addition to it helps prevent corrosion. As with cleaning solvents, it is good to choose oils from trusted brands that were designed for your firearm.
CLP – CLPs (short for clean lubricate and protect) are a favorite all-purpose cleaning and lubrication solution that you will undoubtedly encounter while buying Best Gun Cleaning Kits materials. These can be great for when you are in a rush and want to do a fast cleaning, but it is still important to use a traditional oil and solvent to get a more thorough cleaning.
Bore Snake – Bore snakes are just another instrument used for giving your gun a quick clean. These should not replace conventional cleaning tools, but purchasing a bore snake in the caliber of your firearm can certainly come in handy. The bore snake is a nylon chord using an integrated bronze brush woven into the human body and a cleaning swab woven to the tail. It’s drawn through the barrel of this gun like a flexible cleaning rod.
Here are some other tools that may help clean your gun, but certainly aren’t necessary:
Pin Punches – disassembling a firearm for cleanup frequently requires you to get rid of several pins. The process of removing pins can become tedious, but it could be made easy with a pair of punches. These are also needed for building firearms such as an AR-15.
Punches are small rods of varying dimensions which are pressed up from the trap you are working to remove and then lightly hammered to make for simple extraction. They’re generally made with brass, plastic, or steel. Plastic punches are great for not only scratching the gun, however they aren’t very effective when hammering is required. Brass is the best all-around kind of punch. It is a softer metal so it will not hurt the pins and they can be hit hard with a hammer if need by. Steel punches are exactly what you would choose for if you want a narrow punch, but be cautious using steel punches as they would be the most likely to harm your rifle or deform the hooks.
Screwdrivers – Many firearms will require a screwdriver to completely takedown, so investing in a good pair of different sized screwdrivers is suggested. It is generally best to purchase a screwdriver with interchangeable heads to conserve space. A set of specialization gunsmithing screwdrivers can provide a ton of added flexibility and are incredibly compact. This might be a worthwhile investment, particularly for those with a diverse gun collection.
Magnifier – I’m a young man with great vision, but even I appreciate how much easier it is to work in my firearms when I’m at a workbench using a magnifier. It certainly is not necessary, but having a magnifier can make working with small parts far less stressful and it is pretty cool looking at the detail of your firearm through it. They’re also rather affordable.
Clamps – A simple pair of rubber clamps can be another easy-to-obtain that just makes working with your firearm a little easier. Clamps hold the gun set up as you’re working on it, and while not mandatory, they do make life easier.
Gun Vice – If you want to update from using clamps, a gun vice is a superb way to go. Gun vices could be expensive, but they do an amazing job keeping the rifle in place.
How to Wash Your Gun
Here’s a basic rundown on what you will need to do during a typical clean:
Take your firearm and cleaning supplies into a nicely lit ventilated room. Additionally, it is excellent to pick a place with good lighting, and I would recommend laying out the paper, a tarp, or another sheet of plastic to protect the surface you’ll be cleaning.
Unload your gun– remove the magazine and be certain that there is not anything in the room. Always follow the rules of gun safety.
Disassemble your gun as the maker recommends- refer to your gun’s owner’s manual to estimate how far the gun should be taken down for proper cleaning. Pistols are typically removed to barrel, slide, guide rod, framework, and magazine along with added stripping be unnecessary. Revolvers and shotguns will usually need to be field stripped to clean all components.
Apply the cleaning solution to the interior of the barrel using a cleaning rod equipped with a cleanup patch. Input the rod through the back of the bore and push through. Don’t go through the front of the barrel as this may cause harm. Repeat until the patches are moving through the barrel without amassing any residue.
Utilize dry patches to remove any lingering solvent until the barrel is dry. Make sure you get all excess solvent as it can cause rust if left in the chamber. Once more use a cleaning brush soaked in the solution to eliminate any fouling in the action. Be thorough in this procedure and don’t overlook any hard to reach spaces. Having a range of different sized brushes and resources can be useful here.
Dry the action and make sure you remove all solvent residue. Then employ oil throughout the numerous elements of this activity.
Reassemble the firearm and wash the outside of the firearm using the gun cleaning material provided in your kit (soft clothing can work also. Anything that will not scratch)
Conclusion
It is not the most alluring topic on the planet, but having the very best gun cleaning kit and all of the required cleaning solutions is surely a must. The products listed here will be more than enough to get the work finished.