Taking care of your gun is vitally important if you want it to be reliable and last a long time.
While you can clean a gun with a toothbrush, solvent, and gun oil, we recommend you get a professional gun cleaning kit that will do a better job.
We put together a list of best gun cleaning kits that will help you keep your firearm in top condition for years to come.
Here’s Our Top Pick
Otis Technologies FG-1000
- Over 40 firearm-specific Cleaning components in a nylon case
- (6) memory-flex cables of varying length for effective and correct...
- (22) bronze bore brushes Remove Copper deposits and other fouling
Why is it better?
- Over 40 firearm-specific cleaning components in a nylon case
- Six Memory-Flex® Cables of varying length for effective and correct Breech-to-Muzzle® cleaning
- Twenty-two bronze bore brushes to remove copper deposits and other fouling
5 Best Gun Cleaning Kits
With that in mind, let’s now take a closer look at our top picks.
Let’s dive into the specifics and review each kit individually. You can use the list below to jump and review specific models, or you can read along and go through all the information.
Best Overall: Otis Technologies FG-1000 Gun Cleaning Kit
- Over 40 firearm-specific Cleaning components in a nylon case
- (6) memory-flex cables of varying length for effective and correct...
- (22) bronze bore brushes Remove Copper deposits and other fouling
It’s not easy cleaning out your guns. Not unless you have Otis on your side.
This kit features everything you need, including two patch savers, cotton, and slotted tips to get every bit of grime out.
Clearing out your breech to muzzle area has its difficulties, which is why Otis sets you up with six memory-flex cables that get into every tough spot, every single time.
In total, there are six brushes and three cables, as well as a chamber flag and five ounces of Bio-CLP for cleaning.
Otis promises a no-hassle kind of warranty, so you can feel good about the kit you purchase.
Pros
- Over 40 firearm-specific cleaning components in a nylon case
- Six Memory-Flex® Cables of varying length for effective and correct Breech-to-Muzzle® cleaning
- Twenty-two bronze bore brushes to remove copper deposits and other fouling
- Obstruction removal tools for jammed cases and other blockages
- Optics cleaning gear for care and maintenance of scopes, rangefinders and more
Cons
- Poor functional use
Features
- Black nylon rust-proof case
- Bore reflector and flag safety
Product Information
- Weight: 3.5 lbs
- Dimensions: 16.5 x 10 x 6 in
- Designed For: .17 to .50 cal. rifles and pistols, .410 to 12/10 ga. shotguns and all in-line muzzleloaders
- Made In: USA
Allen Company Gun Cleaning Kit
- GUN CLEANING KIT FOR ALL GUNS: A professional-grade cleaning kit...
- SHOTGUN CLEANING: Bronze bore brushes and cotton swabs are all...
- PISTOL AND RIFLE CLEANING: Bronze brushes for .17, .22, .243, .270,...
Allen Company is responsible for a lot of excellent tactical gear, but among all of them, I’d have to say that their gun cleaning kit comes in handy the most.
Everything comes in a sturdy container with organizers and a latch system to keep it shut. Nothing’s more aggravating than having your pieces roll all around.
These trays stay in place to keep everything in proper order when you need to access your kit again.
From rods to muzzle packs, everything you need is included.
One minor thing is that they included more cotton swabs than the standard kit, which is convenient since you always run out of them when you’re trying to get your gun pristine as can be.
Pros
- 100% cotton patches
- For every type of common firearm
- A full array of cleaning accessories
- Great for pistols, rifles and shotguns
- Separate compartments for each tool
Cons
- You’ll have to buy your own solvent and lubricant
Features
- 65 Pieces
- Muzzle guards
Product Information
- Weight: 5.35 lbs
- Dimensions: 16.50 x 10 x 9.80 in
- Designed For: 12 gauge, 20 gauge, and .410 bore shotguns, as well as standard rifle and pistol calibers
- Made In: USA
GLORYFIRE Gun Cleaning Kit
- 【US Patent Design】Most brass rods on the market are very fragile....
- 【Full Coverage of Caliber】Cleaning kit basically cover all caliber...
- 【Included】33.5''wire rope with it own handle for cleaning .17-.270...
GLORYFIRE really went for universal when they designed this, and I’d say they hit the nail on the head.
Every quintessential gun cleaning tool is included, allowing you to clean out most rifles and handguns that you can buy in North America.
The brushes included in this kit gently remove all forms of soot and grime buildup.
I’d say that if you haven’t cleaned your gun before (since purchase), now’s the time to put GLORYFIRE to the test, and see the immediate difference in your firearms.
Three kits are available. I’ve selected the one with the plastic jigs and tips for cost effectiveness, though there are brass option available.
While brass is important in gunsmithing, it’s not required as much in gun cleaning.
Pros
- Three solid brass rods to take care of a wide range of barrel widths
- A large variety of cleaning patches, muzzle guards, patch loops, etc
- Ideal for cleaning all types of shotguns, rifles, and handguns
- Durable carrying case
- Affordable
Cons
- No solvent included in the kit
Features
- Easily portable
- No cheap plastic
Product Information
- Weight: 2.16 lbs
- Dimensions: 15.75 x 10.24 x 2.13 in
- Designed For: all types of shotguns, rifles and pistol
- Made In: USA
Falko Tactical Gun Cleaning Kit
Strapped into a convenient carry case that’s built to withstand major abrasion and shock, Falko gives you a standard set of brushes, tips and jags that are equipped for universal use.
This kit is designed to fit with any handgun or rifle, and clear every part with a fair bit of ease.
Your jags have plastic anchor-style handles on each end to assist you in digging out thick grime and soot from spent rounds.
Zero plastic tips, all brass. While it makes the kit more expensive (for the amount of pieces that you get), you’re still getting a cleaning cloth and polish brushes as well, so you can leave your gun factory-fresh.
Pros
- Kit comes with nine different bronze brushes
- Comes with five different mobs in six different jags
- Compact kit that has a lot of accessories to it
- Very durable products, and love that the rods are made of brass
- 2-year guarantee
Cons
- There are a lot of pieces to this kit that will take some time to figure out
Features
- Effective at cleaning
- Good for rifles, handguns, and shotguns
Product Information
- Weight: 2 lbs
- Dimensions: 15.5 x 13.8 x 13.2 in
- Designed For: 17, .22 (22lr/.223), .270(7mm), .30 (30 06, .308/30-30/.300), .38 (357/380/9mm), .40(.45,45acp,10mm)
- Made In: USA
BOOSTEADY Handgun Cleaning Kit
- Zippered Compact Padded Case: Keeps everything neatly organized; Holds...
- Gun Cleaning Supplies Includes: .22Cal., .357Cal./.38Cal./9MM,...
- Quality 10.5" Handgun Cleaning Rod: 2 Piece brass cleaning rods thread...
The quintessential miniature kit. This is designed solely for handguns; the pieces aren’t long enough to fit in rifles or ARs.
With two brass jags and a lifetime warranty, you’ve got the necessary amount of power behind your cleaning kit to really dig down to the root of the problem.
Steel picks assist in removing bits of grime that have been melted to the barrel of your gun from repeated spent rounds that slowly cook soot into the wrong places.
You’re also fitted with a money-back guarantee if this doesn’t help you clean your pistol to absolute perfect.
Pros
- Amazing value
- Plenty of cleaning patches
- Secure zipper
- Compact case
- Nylon brush
Cons
- No cleaning solution
Features
- 16 piece set
- Bronze bore brush
Product Information
- Weight: 0.55 lbs
- Dimensions: 6.5 x 3.6 x 16 in
- Designed For: .22Cal., .357Cal./.38Cal./9MM, .40Cal., and .45Cal.
- Made In: USA
What Comes in a Gun Cleaning Kit?
In your basic gun cleaning kit, you need a few components to get the job done right.
While every kit is different and will include different gauges of various tools, this is a fundamental checklist to get you well on your way.
Brushes
These can usually be used free-hand, but you’ll also find that they’re not that difficult to use with screwdriver bases if the bits can fit.
This gives you a good foothold to establish some friction and really scrape the grime off out/out of your gun.
Gun Solvent
You know what happens when you bring brass bristles to the multiple different metals of a gun?
You scratch it up. You actually create more micro chasms for grime and soot to sink into, thus making it harder to clean again later.
It’s not a good thing, but using gun solvent can really fix the problem. This protects the metallic coatings and compounds of your gun from major damage.
Gun Oil
When the parts are all cleaned, that means you’ve stripped all lubrication from the metal of your gun.
It’s not going to function well without being properly lubricated—metal-on-metal friction is never a good thing.
Gun oil is specifically designed to work with gun parts and prevent clogging or building up residue. If you’ve ever been recommended a specific type of oil for a specific model of car you own, that would be under the same principle.
Patches
Cotton is by far the best material that a gun patch can be made of.
It’s not only in abundance, but it’s non-abrasive on your gun parts, and works a treat to soak up grime and gun solvent in the middle and end of the gun cleaning process.
Cleaning Rods
You’re not just going to rip your gun to shreds and catalog every individual working part when you clean it.
You may do that from time to time, but it’s not an every-single-time kind of thing. Get the right size cleaning rods for your guns.
Rods are most commonly used with handguns and rifles, so be sure to consult the informational packets with your weapons to see what sizes you’re going to need to clean them properly.
Rod Add-Ons
These little wonders may have hooks or additional contact points for brushes.
They go onto your rod to help you clean the deep recesses of your guns, removing the grit and grime from within without too much of a hassle.
While these aren’t a necessity for all guns, they will make your life easier more often than not.
Step-By-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Gun
- Assemble your pieces. Get your solvent, your best gun cleaning kit, and a clean, clear area ready. Be sure to have protective eyewear and gloves so you don’t get any chemicals or shrapnel in your eyes (rare, but sometimes when pulling the brush out, bits of metal can come flying at you).
- Once your safety gear and space is all set, start by disassembling your gun into its barrel/frame, and any moving pieces. Separate them in an orderly fashion on your workstation, preferably on top of some rags that you don’t mind ruining.
- Use solvents inside the barrel and areas that you can’t see to remove debris and buildup of soot and carbon. With moving parts, use brushes and gently scrub all visible debris.
- If you’re running into problems scraping away debris, consider an overnight soak for your barrel.
- Dry any pieces that are finished being cleaned and leave them to the side.
- Lubricate all necessary components, usually involving moving parts are sections of the barrel.
- Reassemble your gun
How Often Should You Clean Your Gun?
You should be cleaning your gun as often as possible, especially if you use them a lot.
If you’re shooting outside, and I’m willing to bet at some point, you are, then you’re allowing moisture to get into your gun.
That means rust. It’s unavoidable. Between that and the carbon left behind after every individual gunshot, buildup occurs rather quickly. When you clean your guns often, you’re removing rust particles before it ever becomes a problem.
By doing this, you’re able to preserve the life of you guns, and make it feel like it’s brand new out of the box all the time.
If you shoot rather inconsistently, or you’re just keeping it in the house for self-defense and want to know how often you should be cleaning it, I’ve got some news for you. Twice a year, at the very least. I recommend four. That’s if it’s not getting any TLC whatsoever.
Moisture happens everywhere, and lubrication can dry up from intense heat, like if you keep it in the garage, or very dry spaces like a gun safe.
Cleaning it often means you know it’s going to work when you need it to most—no hesitation, no jamming, no problems.
What Can I Soak My Gun in to Clean it
If you’re just soaking the steel frame of your gun, you can leave it in pure paint thinner overnight to really remove all the grime off of it.
Other than that, Hoppes #9 is a great overnight gun soaking solution. It’s that simple.
Cleaning Your Gun The Right Way
Now that you have everything you need to know, it’s time to clean your guns like never before, and ensure maximum efficiency during every single shot.
You should clean your gun as often as possible to prevent jamming and malfunctions.
Resources:
