8 Best Gun Cleaning Kits [2023]: Universal & Caliber Specific Kits
Cleaning your gun is a necessary part of being a gun owner. A properly maintained firearm is more reliable and will last longer.
However, in order to properly clean and maintain your firearms, you need the right cleaning equipment (solvents, brushes, oils, etc.) and it really helps to have it all organized in a complete gun cleaning kit.
Now, I’ve been cleaning guns for as long as I can remember. As a matter of fact, my dad taught me how to clean a gun before he took me out to shoot one. So, in all those years, I’ve used just about every type of tool you can imagine.
Some kits have been worth it, while others have been cheap knock-offs boasting a low price.
For this reason, I’m going to show you the best gun cleaning kit on the market, as well as the best rifle cleaning kit, and the best shotgun cleaning kit as well – in case you don’t want a universal kit.
This way, you won’t make the mistakes I made and can save yourself some money and some heartache.
Types of Gun Cleaning Kits
However, before we get into this, I’d like to first discuss some of the different types of kits out there. This should help with understanding how they function as well as how I built my list of top gun cleaning kits.
Gun Cleaning kits can be broken down into two categories:
Complete Cleaning Kits: These firearm cleaning kits typically come with the basics you need to clean a firearm and are self-contained in their own case. These are a great place to start for new gun owners – however, they’ll likely include many things you won’t use or need. Complete cleaning kits can either be universal cleaning kits (meant for most firearms) or they can be specific to certain firearm types like handguns or shotguns.
“Build Your Own” Cleaning Kits: Once you’re more familiar with your firearms and know the type of tools, equipment, and solvents you’d like to use, you’re going to want to start building your own kit for cleaning guns. Even if you started with a complete cleaning kit, you’ll surely want to start adding to it or replacing items to make the cleaning kit work for your needs.
In addition to these, you can find compact/travel cleaning kits, bore snake kits (these pull a tool called the bore snake through the barrel to remove any residue), and kits designed for each gun type like handguns, rifles, and shotguns. Our best gun cleaning kits guide looks at a mix of these different types so you can make a pick.
What are the Best Gun Cleaning Kits?
Now that we covered the types of kits, here is my list of the best gun cleaning kits on the market in order:
Best Gun Cleaning Kits
Editors’ Choice Otis All Caliber Elite Range Box |
| Buy on Amazon | |
Best Value GuardTech Gun Cleaning Kit |
| Buy on Amazon | |
Best Heavy Duty Gloryfire Universal Cleaning Kit |
| Buy on Amazon | |
Best for Storage Allen Company Universal Ultimate Kit |
| Buy on Amazon | |
Best for Handguns Real Avid Gun Boss Handgun Kit |
| Buy on Amazon | |
Best for Rifles Gloryfire AR15 Cleaning Kit |
| Buy on Amazon | |
Best for Shotguns Spika Compact 12 GA Cleaning Kit |
| Buy on Amazon | |
Best on the Field Hoppe’s 34011 Boresnake Soft Sided Field Kit |
| Buy on Amazon |
Specs Comparison For Gun Cleaning Supplies
Below are the specifications for all the different gun cleaning supplies within the different kits:
Type | Room for Expansion | Price Range | |
---|---|---|---|
Otis All Caliber Elite Range Box | $75+ | ||
GuardTech Universal Kit | ~$50 | ||
Gloryfire Universal Cleaning Kit | ~$50 | ||
Allen Company Ultimate Universal Cleaning Kit | Less than $50 | ||
Real Avid Gun Boss Handgun Cleaning Kit | Less than $20 | ||
Gloryfire AR-15 Cleaning Kit | Less than $20 | ||
SPIKA Compact 12 GA Shotgun Cleaning Kit | Less than $50 | ||
Hoppe's 34011 Boresnake Soft Sided Field Kit | Less than $50 |
Reviews of the Different Gun Kits
Now that we listed the different kits based on their rankings, let’s go ahead and take a deeper look into each. Here, I will explain my thoughts on each one, and why I ranked them the way I did. Also, if you have any experience with any of these, please be sure to leave your grade. That way other readers can see what you think as well.
The best gun cleaning kits are:
- Otis All Caliber Elite Range Box with Universal Gun Cleaning Kit
- GuardTech Universal Gun Cleaning Kit
- Gloryfire Universal Cleaning Kit
- Allen Company Ultimate Universal Weapon Gun Cleaning Kit
- Real Avid Gun Boss Handgun Cleaning Kit
- Gloryfire AR15 Cleaning Kit
- SPIKA Compact 12 GA Shotgun Cleaning Kit
- Hoppe’s 34011 Boresnake Soft Sided Field Kit
You can click the links above to jump to my specific review on each or just scroll down below.
1 Otis All Caliber Elite Range Box W/ Universal Cleaning Kit : Editors’ Choice
Otis All Caliber Elite Range Box W/ Universal Cleaning Kit
Provides a quality range box to carry all cleaning supplies. The range box is also specially designed to support the gun while cleaning.
- Components A+
- Function A+
- Quality A+
- Value A-
Our Grade
A+
Reader’s Grade
B
Based on 1 Reviews
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Otis All Caliber Elite Specs
- Case Hard Shell Range Box
- Brushes Included 16 Bronze Bore Brushes
- Bore Snakes 4 Included (.22/.223, .30-.308, 9mm/.38, 12 GA)
- Oil and Lube Yes
- Patches Yes
Otis All Caliber Elite Range Box Review
If you’re looking for an all-in-one universal cleaning kit, and money isn’t a problem, then do yourself a favor and just get this one.
No, it’s not “perfect” but I don’t think that any pre-made kit can be perfect for everyone’s needs and styles.
But, if you want one kit to cover most things, then this is the one to go for. I love this kit because it has tons of quality components and one really important thing for me: room to expand! You’re eventually going to want a room for a general-purpose cleaning rag (a piece of an old t-shirt), some more gun cleaning solvent, gun oil, and some cleaning rods. You can do this without an issue because the compartments are spacious and make it super easy to keep things organized while adding new tools.
I find the Otis kit perfect for days when I’m cleaning my guns in batches because, true to its name, it’s universal. I’ve got guns of multiple calibers, so I really appreciate that there’s one kit I can use for all of them.
Plus, everything in the box is of pretty high quality. I’ve seen some kits come with brushes that fall apart after a few cleans, but I’ve had my Otis Range Box for a couple years now and haven’t had to replace any parts yet (with the exception of the cleaner, but that’s just because it was good).
Other bonuses to this gun cleaning kit include the nice case that can be used to support the firearm while cleaning and the inclusion of the Otis ripcord barrel cleaners. They, along with another brand (bore snakes), are SUPER handy to quickly clean out a barrel and chamber, but they’re not a replacement for a full cleaning.
For example, as a long-range guy, I’m a snob for a certain type of jag and cleaning rod. The pull cables Otis uses instead of cleaning rods are ok but they are not my preference, and they wouldn’t be of much use if you’ve got something lodged in your barrel. I just found an adapter that lets me use the attachments with my other rods so it wasn’t a dealbreaker, but I’d prefer if they were already in the kits.
I also had an issue with the firearm holder – it’s a thoughtful addition but it isn’t very sturdy. The holder sits above the rest of the kit so there’s a chance you could spill chemicals on other equipment while cleaning. You’ll either have to put a cloth under it or just remove everything from the box and clean up once you’re done, which is a hassle I can live without.
My kit was delivered in perfect condition, but a couple of my buddies had issues with the cleaning oil spilling inside the box. There’s a bit of a design flaw in that sense because there’s nothing to keep the components in place inside the box if you’re shifting it around a lot. This isn’t the type of kit I’d carry around with me though, mainly because it’s got more than I need if I’m hunting or heading down to the range. I’ll just use one of my smaller kits in that case. At over $200, I’d say the Otis Range Box is great if you’re planning on building your gun collection, but it might not be worth the investment if you don’t have multiple firearms. It does have over 60 components so I won’t go into each one now, but if you want an individual look at them, check out my full Otis All Caliber Elite Range Box Review.
Otis All Caliber Elite Range Box Pros and Cons
- Room for expansion
- Universal high-quality supplies
- Supports gun while cleaning
- Lube and grease included
- Most expensive kit
- Rods sold separately
- Odd placement of firearm holder
- Items shift out of place when you move it
2. GuardTech Universal Cleaning Kit : Best Value
GuardTech Universal Cleaning Kit
This set is a comprehensive collection of gun cleaning tools. It includes jags, slotted tips, adapters, utility brushes, patches, and more – even a bore rope cleaner and cleaning picks that aren’t widely available in cleaning kits.
- Components A-
- Function A
- Quality A+
- Value A+
Our Grade
A
Reader’s Grade
A
Based on 6 Reviews
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GuardTech Specs
- Case Plastic Carrying Case
- Weight .17, .20, .22, .243, .270, .30, .357, .40, 410, .45, .50, .54, 20Ga, 12Ga Brushes, Utility Brushes
- Bore Snakes .357, .38, 9mm Rope Snake Cleaner
- Oil and Lube No
- Patches Yes
GuardTech Universal Kit Review
After receiving this kit and giving it a solid review, the GuardTech Universal Gun Cleaning Kit deserves its place as the second best kit on my list.
This kit is a great tool to keep your firearms clean and well-maintained. The kit comes with everything you need to clean both pistols and rifles, and it does a great job of getting rid of all the dirt, grime, and gunk that can build up on your guns over time.
GuardTech uses durable materials like brass and certain nylon plastics to make these kits so they last quite a while. The Universal Kit is packed with 60 individual components and 130 total pieces, including brass jags, brushes, cotton mops, patches, a bore snake, and to my relief – rods. Like I said before, they come in handy if you’ve got something lodged in your barrel.
This is a great kit for shooters who haven’t done a lot of cleaning before because everything is labeled, so you’ll know exactly what each item is. The labels also make it super easy to pack up once you’re done cleaning, plus you’ll know if you’re missing any parts.
My issue with this one is that the kit doesn’t include any lube or oil, but that’s expected for kits at this price point. Also, of note, I have never been a fan of the oil most of these include. I’m quite particular about the oil I use…so I list it as a negative, but it’s actually sort of a positive for me. The kit does come with a needle oiler bottle though, so you can just add your favorite oil to it. If you want some recommendations on cleaning oils, I’ve got a blog covering the best gun oils.
The GuardTech kit is lightweight and meant to be carried around by its handle, but turning it sideways makes all the pieces fall out of place – so you can’t really use it. This seems to defeat the purpose of having a handle at all. The kit’s bore snake wasn’t the greatest either – it’s just a rope with pieces of brass at the ends so you can’t really attach the tools to it.
I should also point out that while this kit claims to be universal, it doesn’t have any brass brushes or cotton mops for 9mms so you’ll have to buy them separately. This leads to my next issue – there’s no room for expansion. Ideally, I would have room for an extra rag, a larger bottle of oil, or even a few more rods. If you’re buying anything more, you’ll have to store them separately.
Like I pointed out with the Otis Range Box, universal kits might have more than you need if you don’t have a whole collection of firearms. Even so, the GuardTech Universal Gun Cleaning Kit is an excellent choice for anyone who wants an easy, effective way to clean their firearms. The kit is very affordable, and it does a great job of keeping your guns looking new. Highly recommended!
For the full review of this kit, be sure to check out the GuardTech Universal Cleaning Kit Review!
GuardTech Pros and Cons
- Great value kit
- Comes with an organized case
- Comprehensive collection of gun cleaning tools
- Leaves no room for expansion
- No lube or oil
- Items fall out of place when you carry it by the handle
- Not actually universal
3. GLORYFIRE Universal Cleaning Kit : Best Heavy Duty
GLORYFIRE Universal Cleaning Kit
This all-around cleaning kit comes in a nice hard clamshell-style case that’s easy to organize and store.
- Components A-
- Function A-
- Quality B+
- Value A
Our Grade
A-
Reader’s Grade
B
Based on 4 Reviews
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Gloryfire Universal Cleaning Kit Specs
- Case Hard Clamshell Style Travel Case
- Brushes Included 14 Bronze Wire Brushes
- Bore Snakes None
- Oil and Lube No
- Patches Yes
Gloryfire Universal Cleaning Set Review
Coming in third on my list is the Gloryfire. Now, you’ll probably notice that this looks awfully familiar to the GuardTech. That’s because it is. However, I found as I checked each item between the two, that there are definitely some differences that help nudge the Guardtech over it.
The reason the Gloryfire Kit makes it onto my list is because it’s still an affordable kit with some high-quality tools. It’s pretty basic in terms of the pieces, but everything is labeled so it’s very easy to keep organized.
I’m a big fan of the Gloryfire cleaning rods. They’re made of solid brass which means they’re pretty sturdy, so they won’t bend and break even if you use them a lot.
This is not my main cleaning kit – it’s more of an emergency one that I keep in the back of my truck in case I need to clean my gun in a jiffy, but it would work fine as a first kit.
Unlike the GuardTech Kit, the Gloryfire Set is a bit lacking, and you’ll eventually want to add more specialized tools to your collection. It has 159 pieces, but you’ll need an extra case to store solvents, oils, rags, etc. Also, it doesn’t include some of the things that Guardtech has, like the bore snake…which didn’t work for me personally, but they’re still useful to have.
If you aren’t familiar with a bore snake, these are amazing for cleaning guns and are super easy to use. I usually recommend that new shooters get one for their caliber.
Gloryfire also doesn’t include any gun oil, but it does have two needle droppers for you to add some of your own. This works in my favor since I’m picky with my gun oil, but it also means this isn’t a complete kit.
Another difference between the two, which is important to me, is that GuardTech is an American company while Gloryfire is Chinese. So, even if they were similar, I’d still choose the American-owned company over it, especially since they are evenly priced.
Overall, I prefer GuardTech, but Gloryfire still makes a decent alternative that’s compatible with multiple calibers. If you’d like to learn more about the Gloryfire and my use, and layout, then be sure to check out my full review of the Gloryfire Universal Cleaning Kit.
Gloryfire Universal Cleaning Kit Pros and Cons
- Affordable
- Low profile and labeled case
- 14 bore brushes, jags, and loops are solid brass
- Leaves no room to expand the kit
- No bore snakes included
- No lube and oil included
- Foreign-owned
4. Allen Company Ultimate Universal Cleaning Kit : Best for Storage
Allen Company Ultimate Universal Cleaning Kit
Great value for 65 different weapon cleaning tools for all calibers. Comes in a handy easy-to-organize toolbox.
- Components A-
- Function A
- Quality B-
- Value A+
Our Grade
A-
Reader’s Grade
A-
Based on 2 Reviews
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Allen Company Ultimate Universal Kit Specs
- Case Hard Shell Toolbox
- Brushes Included 14 Bronze Bore Brushes
- Bore Snakes None
- Oil and Lube No
- Patches Yes
Allen Company Ultimate Kit Review
If the Otis Kit above is too expensive for your budget, and you didn’t like the others, then this is the kit you should get instead.
Truth be told, this is just a larger box and organizational setup than the others, but at a relatively smaller price.
This kit has a lot of components to get you started including bore brushes, cleaning rods, adapters, and more, but the best part about it is its room for expansion. I’ve collected plenty of cleaning supplies over the years and none of my other kits store them quite as well as the Allen Company Kit.
It’s got two removable trays labeled for every item it comes with, but also has plenty of space at the bottom if you want to throw in a few rags or cleaning solvents. One thing I almost missed was the extra storage in the lid – the kit gives you two extra compartments on either side of the handle. The locks on these lids are a little difficult to snap shut, but that didn’t bug me too much.
I’ve seen a few people get confused about how the kit is supposed to clean some calibers like a .227 because it only has 2 rod sizes and 3 adapters – you basically mix and match them. Say you wanted to clean a .223 or a .17, you’d use the small rod with the .22 adapter. This is a pretty versatile kit as you can clean a wide range of rifles and handguns with it.
However, with the low price point comes lower quality components and a few missing items. For one, the rods are only 30 inches long and can’t clean the full length of some of my barrels. I couldn’t lengthen them with my other rods either because the Allen Company rods don’t use standard threading. Apart from that, a couple of the rods did snap while I was cleaning, but I didn’t bother ordering more – I just replaced them with some other rods I had on hand. The Allen Company Kit also doesn’t include any bore snakes or cleaning solvents, and there are no bottles either, so you’ll need to get your own.
Also, if you get the Allen, then you’re going to need to buy a bore snake and gun oil. So, this isn’t a full-on set as the Otis is. Still though, it has the best storage of them all, so if you are looking for a kit to expand as time goes on, this might be the one for you.
If you’d like to learn more about this cleaning kit, check out our full Allen Company Ultimate Kit Review.
Allen Company Ultimate Universal Cleaning kit Pros and Cons
- Great value
- Room for expansion
- Nice organized toolbox
- Plenty of bore brushes
- No bore snakes included
- No oil or lube included
- Rods are short and break easily
5. Real Avid GUN BOSS Handgun Cleaning Kit : Best for Handguns
Real Avid GUN BOSS Handgun Cleaning Kit
An affordable handgun cleaning kit that’s easy to grab and go.
- Components B
- Function A+
- Quality A
- Value A+
Our Grade
A
Reader’s Grade
B
Based on 2 Reviews
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Real Avid Gun Boss Handgun Kit Specs
- Case Zippered Ballistic Nylon
- Included Brushes 4 Phosphor Bronze Brushes
- Bore Snakes None
- Oil and Lube No
- Patches Yes
Real Avid Gun Boss Handgun Cleaning Set Review
With all of my recommendations so far being about large kits with room to expand and many components, you may be surprised to see this tiny kit on my list. So, why such a small and limited kit? Because it’s compact and easy to carry around.
The Real Avid Gun Boss Kit includes tools that are handgun barrel-sized, and cover everything from .22 to .45 calibers. It has 14 pieces, including rods, brass brushes, jags, threaded brass receivers, and a tap hammer.
A small kit like this is SUPER handy if you only have one or two handguns to clean, and is really useful to throw into your range bag with other shooting accessories. It’s very compact, and the case folds into a kickstand to give you a stable surface to hold your gun and supplies – which means you can clean it wherever.
The tools aren’t of the best quality because there are some plastic parts, but they work fine and they’re sturdy enough for a quick clean. The kit also doesn’t come with any gun oil or solvent, and there isn’t room to add any either, so you’ll want to keep that in mind.
Think of this as your basic travel cleaning kit even if you might have a full-sized one at home. I recommend this for both beginners and experienced shooters because it’s a simple, well-organized kit that can last in the field. The rugged zip case is weather-resistant and made using ballistic nylon shell, making it pretty durable.
If you’re still not sure about its components, or whether it will do enough, check out our individual review on the Real Avid Handgun Cleaning Kit.
Real Avid Gun Boss Handgun Cleaning Kit Pros and Cons
- Best for handguns
- Affordable
- Lightweight and compact
- Folds to hold your gun
- Handguns only
- Need to empty out unneeded gear to make room for solvent and oil
6. GLORYFIRE AR15 Cleaning Kit : Best for Rifles
GLORYFIRE AR15 Cleaning Kit
A compact, lightweight carry option for cleaning your AR15 or rifle in the field.
- Components A-
- Function A
- Quality B
- Value A-
Our Grade
A-
Reader’s Grade
B
Based on 2 Reviews
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Gloryfire AR15 Cleaning Kit Specs
- Case Lightweight Nylon
- Included Brushes Brass Brush, Chamber Brush, Nylon Brush
- Bore Snakes None
- Oil and Lube No
- Patches Yes
Gloryfire AR15 Cleaning Kit Review
On its face, this is an extremely basic and limited kit. Like the handgun kit above, it is NOT intended to be a complete cleaning kit for all of your guns.
However, if you have an AR15-style rifle, one of these is a must-have. In truth, this can act as a general rifle cleaning kit, but you’ll need differences in certain components depending on the caliber of your rifle.
The kit comes with cleaning rods, an adaptor, a brass brush, a chamber brush, a dual-ended nylon brush, an empty bottle, cleaning patches, and some elongated Q-tips for deep cleaning.
The cleaning rods are handy in the field to clear barrel obstructions (including a stuck case) and the chamber brush is an absolute necessity to clean the star chamber of an AR15. I like to wrap a cleaning patch around my brush and twist it around in the chamber to clean it. All the supplies are of great quality and it makes a proper old-school cleaning kit for your rifles and handguns.
This Gloryfire kit is super compact too. The pouch holds a decent amount of cleaning tools and is super lightweight and easy to carry. You can either toss it in your bag or attach it to your belt, whichever you find more convenient. Once you get one of these, you’ll soon realize its utility – it’s like a small tool kit kept in a vehicle, but for your rifle.
This kit doesn’t come with a jag or any gun solvent and oil, so you’ll have to add those separately. It comes with a small empty bottle though – just fill it with some Break-Free CLP, and you’re good to go. Other than that, I have no complaints and I think it’s a good deal for a few bucks.
For an individual review on this product check out our review on the Gloryfire AR15 Cleaning Kit.
Gloryfire AR15 Cleaning Kit Pros and Cons
- Lightweight
- Inexpensive
- A must-have for AR15s
- Cannot expand the kit
- No jag or cleaning solvent
7. SPIKA Compact 12 GA Shotgun Cleaning Kit : Best for Shotguns
SPIKA Compact 12 GA Shotgun Cleaning Kit
Super portable kit that makes cleaning your shotgun at the range or in the field easy
- Components A
- Function A+
- Quality A-
- Value A
Our Grade
A
Reader’s Grade
A+
Based on 1 Reviews
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SPIKA Compact Shotgun Cleaning Kit Specs
- Case Hard Plastic
- Brushes Included Bronze Brush, Spring Brush, Utility Brush
- Bore Snakes None
- Oil and Lube No
- Patches Yes
SPIKA Compact 12 GA Shotgun Kit Review
Just like our small kit recommendation above for the best pistol cleaning kit, this is a limited but handy kit for shotguns. I’ve been using the kit to clean my .22 caliber and .177 caliber pellet guns and it works like a charm on both of them.
It isn’t really compact enough to easily throw into a bag when you go to the range, but I have found that it is a handy and fairly portable solution to keeping your shotgun clean – thus making it my number 1 best shotgun cleaning kit on the market. It’s also pretty hardy, so you can count on this kit in harsh field conditions like rain, moisture, and strong winds.
It has all the basics you’d need to clean a shotgun. The accessories in this are super beginner-friendly and even a kid can start with this one. This kit includes four cleaning rods, an aluminum handle, multiple types of brushes, a cotton mop, a muzzle guard, and an adapter.
I think the rod and barrel mop that come with this kit are really well-made and strong enough for the force you’ll exert. So far, mine hasn’t bent or broken. The rod can be adjusted to different lengths and its attachments don’t come loose so you feel secure while using it.
The SPIKA Compact Kit is adaptable for different firearms even though it goes as a 12 GA shotgun kit. Instead of keeping it as a single-use kit, you can use a combination of these tools for other firearms as well. It’s a pretty good deal to get all these tools for this price.
My only real issue with this one though is that the jag is plastic, and I’m not thrilled about the case quality. Granted, the price of this is very low so I’m okay with them not doubling up on the case or jag. It also doesn’t come with any gun solvent or oils, but there’s an empty bottle for you to fill in any oil you like. The rest is totally fine though.
So, it’s because of this that I list this as my best shotgun cleaning kit. You can check out my SPIKA Compact 12 GA Shotgun Kit review for more details on this.
SPIKA Compact 12 GA Shotgun Kit Pros and Cons
- Lightweight and portable
- Durable
- Beginner-friendly
- Adjustable rod
- Plastic jag
- The case could be of better quality
8. Hoppe’s BoreSnake Soft-Sided Rifle Cleaning Kit : Best on the Field
Hoppe’s BoreSnake Soft-Sided Rifle Cleaning Kit
Portable Boresnake Cleaning Kit with everything you need.
Hoppe’s 34011 Boresnake Soft Sided Field Kit Specs
- Case Rugged and Soft Sided Case
- Brushes Included No
- Bore Snakes .22/.30 Caliber Bore Snake
- Oil and Lube Yes
- Patches Yes
Hoppe’s 34011 Boresnake Soft Sided Field Kit Review
If you’re looking for a compact cleaning kit that you can take anywhere, this Hoppe’s kit is a great option. It includes all the necessary tools to quickly clean your firearm, whether you’re at the range or out in the woods. The kit comes with a bore snake, cleaning solvent, lubricating oil, weatherguard cloths, and a pulling tool.
This kit is especially useful for .22 or .30 firearms, with customized bore snakes for each size. I personally like them because they are super easy to use. This one also comes with a brass weight at one end that you can drop through the bore and a T-handle for easier pull through. It helped get rid of all the grime conveniently from the barrel without breaking down my firearm, and all it took me was two passes.
The No. 9 Gun Bore Cleaner that comes with the kit can be used to remove buildups of carbon, powder, and lead fouling from any firearm to prevent wear and tear. After cleaning, I use Hoppe’s traditional lubricating oil, which is easy to apply and doesn’t harden or gum up quickly like some other products I’ve used before.
My only complaint is that it doesn’t include a brush for cleaning the internals when I disassemble the firearm for deep cleaning. But overall, this is my go-to cleaning kit for basic maintenance when I’m on the road or in the woods as it does a great job of keeping my gun in good shape even in tough environments.
Hoppe’s 34011 Boresnake Soft Sided Field Kit Pros and Cons
- Lightweight and portable
- Lube and oil included
- Super compact
- No brushes included
Why You Need to Have a Gun Cleaning Kit
A gun cleaning kit is not just an accessory; it’s a must-have tool for every gun owner. I say this because regular cleaning is essential to keep your guns in their best shape.
- Accuracy and durability of the guns: Like any tool, your gun needs regular care for optimal performance. Dirt, carbon buildup, and copper fouling can accumulate in the barrel and affect the accuracy over time. Removing this residue makes sure your firearm performs at its best. Cleaning and lubricating can also reduce the wear of your firearm and preserve its longevity.
- Safety: Regularly inspecting, cleaning, and storing your firearm can prevent malfunctions or accidents. A clean gun is less likely to have jams, misfires, or other mechanical issues that could be a danger to you and those around you.
- Smooth handling: Properly lubricated moving parts can make your firearm super smooth to operate and it also helps with accuracy. Plus, a clean and lubricated firearm is super fun and easy to shoot.
- Cost saving on repairs: If you take the time to clean and maintain your gun regularly, you can prevent most issues that lead to costly repairs or part replacements. When you take your guns apart to clean, you’ll be able to spot potential issues early on and fix them before things get out of hand.
The same way your gun is an investment, your gun cleaning kit is also an investment that helps extend the longevity of your firearms. Now that we know why a gun cleaning kit is worth having, let’s look at what you need to know before buying one.
Gun Cleaning Kit Buyer’s Guide
Choosing the best gun cleaning kit can be difficult. What tools do you need? What kind of kit best suits you? In the above article, I tried to make it easy by listing our favorite handgun cleaning kits, and heavy-duty cleaning kits. However, if you’d like to learn a bit more and need help deciding or even learning what the different parts are for, then check out the below buyer’s guide.
Components for Building Your Own Firearm Cleaning Kit
If you’re just beginning, I still recommend that you just start with a kit. This way, you’ll ensure you have all the necessary gun cleaning parts.
Over time, as many of us do, you’ll start to realize you prefer certain parts over others. Or, perhaps you’re someone who likes to build their own kit anyway.
If that is the case, then here is a list of the different cleaning components you should buy, and some of my specific recommendations.
Cleaning Kit Components:
Cleaning Rods are a tool for cleaning the barrel of your firearm. It can be used to scrub the barrel with a brush or apply solvent.
Jags are attached to the end of a cleaning rod and carry cleaning patches through the barrel.
Cleaning patches are used for cleaning the barrel and other small parts of a firearm.
Bore brush is attached to a cleaning rod to scrub the inside of a barrel. The most popular styles are made from brass or nylon. Some people are concerned with using brass because they are afraid that metal will hurt their barrels. I do not share this concern. The heat and pressure of a bullet are fairly intense and impart more stress on a barrel than brass bristles. My simple theory for bore brushes is that the good ones are inexpensive but the really cheap ones are junk.
Bore snake/Ripcord are handy tools for a quick scrub and wipe clean of a barrel. They do not replace a proper cleaning, but they are so handy that they’re almost all I use for my pistols.
Gun solvent or Gun Cleaner is a cleaning chemical meant to help remove carbon and other residue from previously fired ammo and it can help to remove copper buildup in the barrel.
Gun oil can be used to help clean your gun, preserve your metal from rusting, and also aid in the operation of your gun by providing lubrication.. If you’d like to see our full breakdown of gun oils, you’ve got to see our Best Gun Oil Guide.
General-purpose brushes should be included in a proper gun cleaning kit. Having even one general-purpose brush does the job.
Container to hold all the components of your kit.
Gun cleaning extras are optional, but they’re nice to have.
- Chamber brushes are specifically to clean the chamber of a firearm.
- Cleaning mats give you a clean and padded surface to work on while disassembling and cleaning your firearm. Mine has markings to help keep track of parts so I don’t lose any.
- Benchrests and vises help stabilize the firearm in multiple situations. A benchrest gives a stable shooting platform for bore sighting, and vises hold the firearm for detailed cleaning.
- Bore guides help align cleaning rods with the bore to prevent rod or brush damage while cleaning.
- Gunsmithing screwdriver sets include a variety of tools designed to fit firearm screws precisely, so you don’t damage screws or gun finishes while disassembling or reassembling.
- Silicone gun cloths are for wiping down firearms after cleaning and these provide rust protection.
- LED bore lights are small, powerful lights that can be inserted into the bore to inspect for fouling, debris, or bore obstructions.
Depending on your specific firearm and cleaning needs, you may find some of these accessories super helpful, and some of them you can do without. Gun cleaning is a skill that improves with practice, so here are some additional guidance and resources to come up with your own cleaning routine.
Things to Consider When Buying a Cleaning Kit
When you’re in the market for a gun cleaning kit, here are some things you may want to consider.
- Number and type of guns: Consider how many guns you intend to service and their types. Are you cleaning pistols, rifles, shotguns, or a combination of these? Some kits are designed to cover multiple firearm types (universal kits), while others are more specific.
- Use: Think about where you’ll be using the cleaning kit. Do you need a kit for field use, or will you be using it at home? Portable kits are handy for those on the move and you can have a full-blown cleaning kit if you clean at home.
- Weight and size: This also relates to the use of your firearm cleaning kit. You wouldn’t want to carry a heavy and massive cleaning kit to the field. Plus, if the cleaning kit is for a kid or someone with an injury who can’t carry a lot of weight, a compact and lightweight option would be best even if it doesn’t have all the fancy cleaning tools.
- Cleaning methods: Consider your preferred cleaning method. Are you a fan of traditional rod-based cleaning or the efficiency of bore snakes? Bore snakes often do a faster job, especially for smaller caliber firearms, but your guns still need that occasional full cleanup.
- Upgrading and customizing: Think long-term; what would you want in the future? It’s very likely you’d want to upgrade your kit and add more cleaning components on your own, so getting a kit with the space to customize can serve you better in the long run.
When cleaning your firearm, it’s important to be able to reach every nook and cranny of it to make sure it’s thoroughly clean. For this, you need the proper set of tools that suit your firearm and some cleaning skills. These skills come with practice, so here are some tips to get you started.
How to Clean Your Gun using a Cleaning Kit
If you followed the above recommendation, then you’ve got yourself the necessary gun cleaning tools. However, the next step is learning how to clean your gun. We’ve got you covered with step-by-step instructions for cleaning a gun.
- Step 1: Kit compatibility
Before you begin, make sure your cleaning kit is designed for the correct caliber of your gun. Check for bore cleaning tools, including bore brushes, nylon brushes, bore mops, slotted tips, rods, and cleaning patches. Using the wrong caliber tools can make cleaning a hassle and potentially damage your firearm.
- Step 2: Unload and disassemble
Always check if your gun is unloaded before starting the cleaning process. Disassemble your firearm completely and remove the barrel. Cleaning each part separately makes it easy, plus you wouldn’t miss any spots.
- Step 3: Barrel cleaning
Begin with the barrel; attach a cleaning patch soaked in the bore cleaning solution to your cleaning rod. Insert the rod into the barrel chamber end and push it through the bore in the same direction the bullet travels. Repeat this a few times to properly remove dirt, fouling, and residue.
- Step 4: Bore brush for deep cleaning
For a more thorough clean, attach a bore brush to your cleaning rod. Run the bore brush through the barrel to scrub away stubborn deposits. Don’t forget to reach those nooks and crannies inside the barrel for a complete clean-up.
- Step 5: Exterior barrel cleaning
As for the outside of the barrel, use a nylon brush and bore cleaning solution to scrub away dirt and fouling. This can help maintain the overall cleanliness and appearance of your firearm.
- Step 6: Reassemble and repeat
You can reassemble your gun after the barrel cleaning. Repeat the same steps for other components like the slide, frame, and magazine.
- Step 7: Lubrication
Apply a thin layer of your preferred lubricant to the moving parts of your firearm. Make sure not to over-lubricate because excess oil can attract dust and debris.
- Step 8: Final wipe down
After cleaning and lubricating, wipe down your firearm with an oil-free cloth. I go for an absorbent, lint-free, and tightly woven cloth like an old cotton t-shirt.
A regular cleaning schedule can help keep your firearm in good shape, but how often is regular? This can depend on the type of your gun and your shooting conditions. A good rule of thumb I follow is cleaning my guns after every 400-500 rounds. You can also do regular cleaning as recommended by the manufacturer, but if your firearm is constantly running in rough conditions, consider cleaning it more often.
The NSSF is recommending that any shooting classes look into offering cleaning classes as well. However, to this day, most shooting classes don’t cover this topic. Therefore, another source to help would be video.
As you can see from the video, this is an overview of the basics of cleaning a gun. However, we also recommend that you go to YouTube, and search how to clean your gun or break down your gun. So, if I have a Ruger Security 9, you’d type in “how to clean a Ruger Security 9” and select the following video.
As to how often you should clean your guns, I have no easy answer for that. Some folks clean it after every shooting session while others don’t clean their gun until it gives them throuble. My recommendation is to opt for a compromise between these two scenarios—clean your gun between every 400-500 rounds. Cleaning your guns too much can damage the bore and use up your solvents and oils way too fast while not cleaning at all can affect accuracy and reliability.
Conclusion
Regularly cleaning your gun is important to keep it functioning smoothly, which is why it’s a good idea for all gun owners to maintain a cleaning kit. While you could collect the supplies yourself and build a kit from scratch, there are plenty of pre-made kits that have everything you need, and possibly more.
Whether you’re looking for a universal gun cleaning kit or just a couple of supplies to clean your rifle with, you’ve got lots of options to choose from. Some of the top cleaning kits I’ve listed are large and compatible with multiple firearms, but they might not be the best choice for you based on your needs and budget. If you only have a few firearms, or you’re looking for a portable cleaning kit, it would be more cost-effective to invest in something smaller instead.
Just remember to take a look at the components of your kit before actually buying it. Besides, whichever one you start with, you’re bound to customize it with your own supplies to suit your needs. With that – happy cleaning.
Gun Cleaning Kit FAQs
A good quality gun cleaning kit should include high-quality components and not cheap plastic. We recommend the Otis All Caliber Elite Range Box and the Guardtech Universal Cleaning Kit. If you’re a heavy-duty user, your best bet is the Gloryfire Universal Cleaning Kit.
The essentials for a gun cleaning kit are cleaning rods, jags, cleaning patches, a bore brush, a bore snake, gun solvent, gun oil, and a general-purpose brush. It could also have extras like a cleaning mat, bench rests, chamber brushes, and bore guides.
Our favorite gun oil is Gun Fighter Oil. If you want more recommendations, check out our Best Gun Oil guide.
If you fail to re-apply oil and allow the solvent residue to remain, your weapon’s parts may corrode. It’s possible that it’s already too late when rusting occurs; nevertheless, proper lubrication and storage can prevent it from happening.
The military uses Break-Free CLP to clean their guns. It’s a three-in-one cleaner, lubricant, and preservative featured in our Best Gun Oil article. You can read our Break-Free CLP review here.
While I recommend you inspect your firearms before use every time, there’s no need to give them a full cleanup daily. I found a good balance of cleaning my firearms every 400-500 rounds. Your guns in storage also need a good clean once or twice a year.
Cleaning your guns too often can wear out the moving parts because of the gun solvent/oil you use and this can decrease its lifespan and performance. Plus, you’re adding to the wear and tear of your firearm every time you disassemble and reassemble it.
If your guns have been running for ages with no cleanups, you can’t guarantee their accuracy or performance are at their best. The more you shoot, the more buildup you can expect inside the barrel, which can eventually cause jams, misfires, or other issues.
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