Essential Gun Cleaning Supplies & 7 Best Gun Cleaning Kits Reviewed in 2024

Undeniably, part of owning a gun is being responsible for safety and cleaning. That’s why it is necessary to know all the gun cleaning supplies to achieve efficient and flawless cleaning of your guns, promoting long-lasting maintenance of excellent condition and performance. In addition, guns are not cheap. In fact, they can be your most worthy investment for your safety and passion, so you must not let dirt and residue accumulate in them.  

Moreover, a dirty gun is undeniably not safe to use because the residue and dirt within can affect its performance and cause inevitable accidents. Therefore, you must always pair a gun with cleaning supplies to ensure that it is always safe and in good working condition. You’re in luck because you don’t have to search further. After all, we have the relevant information about essential gun cleaning supplies and their importance here. 

Amazing, right? Well then, don’t waste any time and learn all of them now. 

Essential Gun Cleaning Supplies

Admittedly, it is challenging to find the best gun cleaning kit without knowing what gun cleaning supplies you should expect included in the best kit. In addition, you must do gun cleaning responsibly and carefully to achieve the best cleaning results. After all, you are cleaning your gun to ensure that your gun can maintain an excellent condition and performance like it is brand new. More importantly, regularly cleaned guns are safe to use without fearing malfunction and genuinely have a longer lifespan compared to dirty guns. 

However, it might be tricky to complete all cleaning processes without knowing what cleaning supplies you need and their functions. Also, it is hard to clean fast if you don’t know how to use each gun cleaning supply, leading to problems with gun cleaning and damaging your gun.  

Fortunately, you can learn about the essential gun cleaning supplies here and guide how to use them accordingly. So, without further ado, let’s get into it.  

Brushes

If you see universal gun cleaning kits, you’ll notice that various and multiple kinds of cleaning brushes are on them. For instance, there are bore brushes specifically designed to clean bore safely. They are firm, tough, and soft, so you won’t damage your bore when brushing away the residue and all the unwanted components around it. 

Aside from bore brushes, double-ended brushes and wire brushes are also included in most gun cleaning kits. Wire brushes are meant for removing the stubborn build-up of powder residue in the exposed parts of the barrel. In addition, they are generally made from stainless steel or brass. Meanwhile, double-ended brushes are versatile because they feature small and big bristles to cover the cleaning of all exterior parts of the gun.

On the other hand, nylon brushes equipped with soft bristles are specifically used for flawless and safe brushing of exterior parts of the gun, especially the most sensitive areas. Since they are designed with soft bristles, they don’t have the sufficient rigidity and durability to handle the cleaning of the gun areas that are highly prone to build up stubborn residue and unwanted components. With that being said, the functionality of brushes is vital to be addressed so you won’t misuse them or damage them along with your gun.      

Cleaning Rods

Cleaning rods are another essential cleaning supply featured in many gun cleaning kits, and they are often available in different sizes for universal gun cleaning kits for various gun calibers. In addition, you must use them as conjunctions to attach other cleaning supplies, such as bore jags, slotted tips, and brushes. More often, they are separated into a few segments. That’s why you must thread them together to achieve the appropriate length that you need.   

Moreover, cleaning rods don’t have specific material and often depend on the quality of the cleaning kit. Hence, you can see various cleaning rods made from carbon fiber, fiberglass, aluminum, stainless steel, brass, and many more. Nevertheless, the best material with high durability, strength, and corrosion resistance is brass. However, you need to remember that brass is a heavier material, so careful use is necessary.  

Bore Jags/Slotted Tip Patch Holders 

Cleaning jags are used attached to the end of cleaning rods. You can attach them by screwing the threaded end. In addition, you’ll see assorted caliber sizes of cleaning jags with universal cleaning kits. By that, you need to ensure that you are using the correct caliber. After all, you are cleaning your gun to maintain its quality and condition, so careful actions are necessary. 

Moreover, the correct cleaning jags must have a snug fit in the barrel and save adequate space for cleaning patches. Also, they hold the cleaning patches. Together, they clean the hard-to-reach areas and remove the foreign and harmful components. The best ideal material for cleaning jags is brass because it represents strength and durability. By choosing brass, you can prevent experiencing frustration from having broken jags inside the barrel. 

Moreover, slotted tip patch holders are often alternatives for cleaning jags. They have similar functionality and purpose. With that being said, if there are no cleaning jags in your chosen cleaning kit, you’ll probably have to use the slotted tip patch holders. Sometimes, you can have both, depending on your choice. 

Furthermore, it is important to mention that some gun owners don’t find the slotted tip patch holders ideal because exposed parts of the slotted tip can scratch the barrel, interfering with the accuracy and performance. Also, since the slotted tip only holds the cleaning patch, you’ll have a bow tie-shaped cleaning patch. By that, you need to ensure a thorough guide of them because a bow tie-shaped cleaning patch tends to have less contact inside the bore. Hence, you might miss some spots if you are not careful. 

Ultimately, the choice is yours to make, whether you’ll have cleaning jags or slotted tip patch holders. Above all, ensure that what you choose will help you attain excellent cleaning results in less time. It all depends upon your needs and preferences.   

Cleaning Patches

Undeniably, cleaning patches are among the most used cleaning supplies in a cleaning kit. In addition, their quantity differs on each cleaning kit. These gun cleaning supplies are quickly consumable since you will use them in cleaning the bore and applying chemicals. Plus, it is not advisable to reuse them. They are meant for single-use because they can discard the deposited dirt they are holding back into the barrel. Hence, it will be reasonably best if you do not reuse them.

Since you will use many cleaning patches, it is better to buy another bulk to stock up a significant number of patches. With that, you will always have one to use. The ideal cleaning patches to purchase are made from 100% cotton since they are absorbent. So, they can hold an adequate amount of solvent to remove stubborn residue. 

Overall, quality cleaning patches are inexpensive and won’t break a bank. Just be sure to buy them from trustworthy manufacturers. However, some brands that offer gun cleaning kits have separate cleaning patches, and you can start with searching on them. 

Cleaning Pick

Cleaning pick acts as a support to ensure that your gun is free from any dirt and residue. The primary purpose of this cleaning supply is to reach and clean fit corners and areas in your gun that are too narrow for brushes and cleaning rods. In addition, a cleaning pick is easy to use since it is just like a dentist tool that can chip away any dirt from the gun. 

Muzzle Guards/Bore Guide

There is no doubt that cleaning rods are valuable and helpful cleaning supplies. However, it is easy to scratch and damage your gun with a cleaning rod if you are not careful with your action or you are inexperienced. Cleaning with a rod requires careful and safe movements. 

Fortunately, a muzzle guard or bore guide is available that can help guide and guard the rod while you are cleaning. Also, it is vital to mention that these tools are not essential for shotguns and pistols. Nevertheless, they are vital for other firearms, such as rifles, since they promote correct alignment for the cleaning rod and protect the muzzle crown from any unnecessary damage. Therefore, if you find it difficult to control your rod when cleaning your rifle, it is essential to secure a muzzle guard or bore guide. 

Cleaning Chemicals

Using your gun comes with inevitable consequences that take a toll on its overall condition. Indeed, when you fire your gun, it manages and deals with friction, extreme heat, and high-speed movement, promoting quick wearing and deterioration to its quality. That’s why cleaning chemicals are essential to keep your gun’s excellent condition by stripping away any unwanted firing residue. Also, the correct chemicals provide dependable protection to your gun to withstand a rugged and tough environment. 

Moreover, these gun chemicals quickly penetrate up to the most sensitive parts of your gun to shield them from foreign components that cause threats and affect performance. In addition, various types of chemicals are available now. So, to save you from confusing buying, here are the most basic and essential chemicals that clean and protect your gun:

• Solvent

A solvent is a powerful cleaning chemical that comes in various forms, such as liquid and foam. In addition, you can depend on it with your problems in removing firing residue, such as lead, carbon, copper, and other harmful elements, depending on the bullet and ammo you used. More importantly, the best solvents are safe yet powerful. 

Moreover, some cleaning kits don’t include cleaning chemicals in their set. That’s why you must need to buy them separately if you choose to have cleaning tools over chemicals. With that being said, you must prioritize choosing safe solvents that are not made from harmful ingredients. Plus, it is ideal if they are odorless, so you’ll not be frustrated from using them. Above all, you must use solvents in a well-ventilated area or outdoors to eliminate any possible foul odor. 

• Degreaser

Degreaser mainly features a fluid form to provide its purpose efficiently. Truly, this cleaning chemical is reliable for removing any tough and stubbornly existing oil, grease, dirt, and residue from the moving parts of your gun. Thus, a degreaser offers you a clean and fresh gun surface, necessary in efficient lubricant application. 

Moreover, as mentioned above, most cleaning chemicals are not included in gun cleaning kits. With that in mind, you have the chance to look for trustworthy manufacturers that can provide you with suitable and safe degreasers.

• Lubricant

Lubricant or lubricating oil is another must-have chemical for your gun. You must use the lubricant after thoroughly cleaning your gun. Hence, a lubricant is not for cleaning but protection. You can apply lubricant in most parts of your gun, especially the moving parts, to help them slide and work freely. Aside from that, lubricant also provides your gun with a protective coat that shields it from moisture build-up that causes corrosion and rust. Therefore, if you want a clean and protected gun, you must use lubricants.     

• Protectant

A protectant has a similar purpose as a lubricant. Hence, it is another solution to protect your gun from any foreign and threatening component. In addition, a quality and effective protectant can efficiently repel water and prevent rust and corrosion simultaneously. Best of all, a protectant is vital if you mostly go to harsh shooting environments, such as hunting in nasty weather conditions. 

Therefore, it doesn’t matter even if you go to a rugged and harsh shooting environment as long as you use cleaning chemicals and protectants. If you can’t prevent your gun from accumulating dirt and residue, then you must own cleaning chemicals that strip them away efficiently. 

Bore Snake

A bore snake works like a cleaning rod, but it doesn’t mean that it is an alternative or replacement to the cleaning rod. Instead, gun owners used a bore snake for quick and easy cleaning of the barrel when they didn’t have the luxury of time to clean, and their guns only accumulated a minimal amount of residue and dirt or the primary build-up of unwanted components. 

In addition, a bore snake does not require you to fieldstrip your gun. In fact, you can use it at every end of your shooting session to eliminate any dirt and residue that your gun holds. You can use a bore snake with a gun cleaning chemical. Also, it would be best if you ran the bore snake in the same direction that your gun shoots. With that in mind, you must pull the bore snake through the bore, then out of the tip. 

Moreover, since a bore snake is designed for easy and fast gun cleaning, you must not have high expectations for thorough and fine cleaning with a bore snake. The best approach for efficient and precise cleaning is to use a cleaning rod and complement it with a bore snake.

Cleaning Mat

A gun cleaning mat is beneficial when cleaning your gun because it provides you with a soft, smooth, and delicate surface to work on, protecting any table from cleaning chemicals you are using. Not only that but most gun cleaning mats feature a magnetic surface that helps you to keep all your gun parts and tools organized in one place, avoiding misplacing them. If you want a surface cover that comes with enough space to accommodate your gun and components to have an organized and mess-free cleaning, you’ll surely need a gun cleaning mat. 

Now that you know the relevant information about gun cleaning supplies that you need to own to achieve the best gun cleaning results. However, the lists of gun cleaning supplies seem long, and you’ll probably spend a vast amount of time and money buying all of them separately. Fortunately, many gun cleaning kits are available, including most of the gun cleaning supplies you need in a package. They come in a set, so they are time and money-saver. 

Thankfully, you won’t have to experience a hard time, hassle, and frustration from searching for the best gun cleaning kits because we’ve got you covered here. You don’t need to see thousands of gun cleaning kits because we have the most trustworthy here. Continue reading to know all of them. 

7 Best Gun Cleaning Kits

Your search is over. The most trustworthy and impressive gun cleaning kits that provide excellent cleaning supplies are here. They are money and time savers, saving you from trouble and hassle in buying all cleaning supplies separately. Check them out below: 

1. FIREGEAR Gun Cleaning Kit Universal Supplies

Let’s start the list with one of the best seller gun cleaning kits out there, the FIREGEAR Gun Cleaning Kit Universal Supplies. What makes this cleaning kit achieve a best seller reputation is truly its satisfactory quality and feature. More importantly, all the cleaning tools included are made with high durability, built to last exceeding your expectations. 

Moreover, this gun cleaning kit is highly versatile because you can efficiently utilize it to clean various firearms, including shotguns, rifles, and pistols. So, it is highly suitable for professional shooters and even beginners. It is a sure solution to keep your gun in its best working condition and quality. 

This cleaning kit comprises assorted cleaning supplies in numerous sizes and calibers. Expect that you’ll see three cleaning rods made from brass, each for different firearms. In addition, they are more rigid and firmer than other cleaning rods because they are CNC precision-machined. So, they are never fragile. 

Aside from that, the kit also features a significant number of brushes; there are three utility brushes made from brass and 14 wire brushes constructed from bronze. Even if the brushes are different materials, you can trust that they are top-notch quality and sturdy because FIREGEAR does not use cheap materials. 

Additionally, accessory adapters and muzzle guards are included, both available in three various calibers. Meanwhile, you’ll also have 9 highly absorbent cotton mops for effective cleaning of your guns. Besides that, the cleaning kit is jam-packed with 4 slotted patch loops, one black powder jag, and 12 pointed spear jags made from high-quality nylon plastic, so they are not easily breakable.   

Other than those tools, there are also 3×3 sized, 50 cleaning patches, and 4 polishing cloths. You don’t have to worry even if these cleaning supplies are highly consumable because FIREGEAR offers separate packages at a budget-friendly price. Plus, there are two empty bottles included for cleaning chemicals. 

All the cleaning supplies are neatly organized in a sturdy tool case, each tool has designated slots, and the case is marked with caliber sizes. With that, you won’t be confused about using and organizing them. However, each cleaning kit has limitations, and this FIREGEAR cleaning kit is no exception. So, it comes with some drawbacks, such as there is no extra space for other tools. 

Nevertheless, this gun cleaning kit has an undeniable value: you get more than what you pay for. Hence, it is best for money and a must-have for multi-caliber gun owners. Plus, it is portable, so you can use it both outdoors and home gun cleaning. 

2. Allen Company Universal Gun Cleaning Kit

Admittedly, the Allen Company Gun Cleaning Kit is not a portable cleaning kit that you can bring along in any shooting field and environment. Instead, it is like a storage box for gun owners who own many firearms and collect many gun cleaning tools. Hence, it is more suitable for professional gun owners with shotguns, rifles, handguns, and pistols.  

In addition, this gun cleaning kit is composed of 65 gun cleaning supplies and tools; all have their specific functionality and contribution for gun cleaning. Since there are a significant number of cleaning tools, it is not surprising that the kit comes with multiple removable trays to level the toolbox. With that, you can have an innovative and smart organization of all the gun cleaning supplies. 

You can see the two sturdy gun cleaning brushes, three-piece cleaning rods, cleaning wipes, absorbent cleaning patches, cleaning picks, and cotton patches on the first removable tray. On the other hand, the 13 brass jags, 14 bronze bore brushes, two muzzle guards, 6 bore swabs, three brass adapters, 4 brass slotted tips are neatly organized in the other removable tray. 

Most of the cleaning tools are made from brass, and it is a good thing because brass is durable, strong, and with high resistance to corrosion and rust material with a long lifespan. That’s why they are great in value and functionality. So, this cleaning kit is an excellent choice for gun enthusiasts who want to collect many gun cleaning supplies for their vast range of firearms collections.    

One drawback that the Allen Company Gun Cleaning Kit has is it does not include any gun cleaning chemicals. With that being said, you must buy them separately. The only good thing about the huge tool case is you will have many extra spaces for cleaning chemicals, and it will never be overcrowded. However, it is best not to set unrealistic expectations because the case is only made of quality plastic. 

With almost everything of the gun cleaning tools, this Allen Company Gun Cleaning Kit is still affordable and doesn’t break a bank. All tools are reliable in giving you what you need. So, check out this cleaning kit if you are enthusiasts collecting gun cleaning supplies and tools as you are with guns and firearms. 

3. GLORYFIRE Cleaning Kit for All Guns

Looking for a top-notch gun cleaning kit with must-have gun cleaning supplies that are well worth your money? Well then, you need to see the GLORYFIRE Gun Cleaning Kit because it is designed for a universal cleaning of all guns, including rifles, shotguns, handguns, and pistols. In addition, this kit offers flexible cleaning with two options for barrel cleaning, rod, and rope, depending on your needs and preferences.

Moreover, the cleaning brushes are made from brass, guaranteeing to clean better than other ordinary brushes for efficient and fast cleaning results. Also, since this is dedicated to universal cleaning, you can expect to have them in various calibers, including .9mm, .17, .270, .338, 12GA, and many more. To see all the brushes, check out this cleaning kit.

Aside from that, the cleaning rods are reinforced to offer you exceptional durability and lifespan. So, you won’t experience having broken or bent rods while cleaning. Since cleaning rods can damage your gun, you can have an alternative option, the ropes. Also, the ropes are meant to do versatile, and various cleaning and are easy to carry out. Thus, helping you out to meet your gun cleaning standards. 

Meanwhile, the cleaning kit also features very multi-sized jags. Like the brushes, they are also constructed from quality brass, promoting high durability that is hard to break. Besides that, utility brushes are also included; they are made from aluminum, brass, and nylon. They are valuable to clean other parts of the gun, such as the interior. Thus, letting no unwanted components in your gun. 

You’ll also have an outstanding amount of cleaning patches. However, it is also better to buy a separate pack, so you will always have one to use. Also, the cotton mops included are highly absorbent. What is more excellent with this cleaning kit is that all the caliber of the accessories is uniform, plus all the brushes have the same caliber. Thus, saving you time and effort from the need for an adapter. 

All the tools are neatly kept in a bag with specific spots for some gun cleaning supplies. It is important to mention to take extra precautions with the bag since the stitching can quickly get damaged. Nevertheless, it is a great deal if you want to own excellent and durable gun cleaning supplies that you can use for a long time. 

4. iunio Universal Gun Cleaning Kit

Suppose that you want a gun cleaning kit that features a gun cleaning mat. In that case, what you need to see is the iunio Universal Gun Cleaning Kit. It is jam-packed with top-notch quality gun cleaning supplies designed for several guns, including rifles, shotguns, and pistols. 

All tools and supplies are tidy and organized in their specific compartments in the portable storage case for safe and convenient carry outdoors. More importantly, the case is designed with size labels for hassle-free selecting and organizing gun cleaning supplies. Now, let’s get to know all the tools and supplies included.

First, you’ll have six solid and durable brass rods in various sizes to clean different firearms. Also, there are 17 brushes included: three dedicated for utility purposes and 14 for cleaning various gun bores. The bore brushes are exceptionally threaded, so they are high in quality and durability. 

Additionally, one pack of cotton swabs is included along with four polishing cloths and 100-piece cleaning patches, 50-piece in 3×3 inches size, and the other 50-piece in 3×1.5 inches size for smaller bore. Meanwhile, the cleaning kit also features nine highly absorbent cleaning mops made from cotton, promoting flawless and precise cleaning. 

Aside from that, other tools components comprise four brass accessory adapters, one brass black spear jag, 12 brass jags, and 4 brass slotted patch loops. You probably notice that all gun cleaning components are made from brass. It is excellent because brass is a popular material that combines strength, endurance, hardness, workability, and high corrosion resistance. With that being said, you can trust that you can use this cleaning kit for a long time. 

The priority of this gun cleaning kit is to provide you with an exceptional amount of cleaning tools and supplies. That’s why it does not include gun cleaning chemicals and oil. Hence, you’ll need to buy them separately. Thus, think of it as an opportunity to buy the most suitable and safest gun cleaning chemicals. 

All in all, if you want a full range of gun cleaning tools and accessories of superior quality, highly consider the iunio Universal Gun Cleaning Kit for that since it comes with more value than it costs, promoting no buying regret.  

5. HOPPE’S No. 9 Deluxe Gun Cleaning Kit

Out of all the gun cleaning kits here, the HOPPE’S No. 9 Deluxe Gun Cleaning Kit is the most portable and compact option, and it also stands out with its heavy-duty presentation wooden box. In addition, you can’t ignore all the positive reviews it garnered from thousands of past buyers, reflecting that it is worth a great deal. Plus, it includes an impressive and helpful booklet guide to gun care. 

Aside from that, this cleaning kit is dedicated to the universal and versatile cleaning of various guns. With that, you’ll like it since it features gun cleaning chemicals and lubrication oil, providing you with most of everything. The cleaning solvent is ultra-effective and deeply penetrates for ideal and safe removal of unwanted residue in your gun. Meanwhile, the lubricating oil provides refined and long-lasting protection from rust, water, and corrosion.

On the other hand, the cleaning jags and rods are constructed from brass that provides high durability and reliable functionality. In contrast, the bore brushes are made from phosphor for efficient and safe cleaning, and it is most practical for brushing away lead residues. Besides that, the cleaning kit also comes with a box of cleaning patches and a silicone cleaning cloth. 

For practicality, convenience, and compact cleaning kit that features complete cleaning tools you need to maintain your gun top shape condition, it is genuinely ideal to choose the HOPPE’S No. 9 Deluxe Gun Cleaning Kit. 

6. CORQUE Universal Gun Cleaning Kit 

If you don’t have a specific caliber standard for your gun cleaning kit, nothing will go wrong by choosing a gun cleaning kit for all or simply, the universal gun cleaning kits like the CORQUE Universal Gun Cleaning Kit. It features functionality and support, allowing you to clean an entire gun collection. Truly it comes with more value than it actually costs because its tools are made from quality materials. As a bonus, it also offers a cleaning mat and gloves that you won’t find in other cleaning kits in a similar price range. 

Designed to suit various firearms, this cleaning kit is equipped with excellent tools, such as 14 bronze bore brushes, 12 spear-pointed jags, one black power jag, nine mops, and three utility brushes. Also, there are three muzzle guards, four slotted patch loops, 100 cotton cleaning patches, four polishing cloths, and two empty cleaning chemical bottles included. Giving you what you need and didn’t what you don’t. Above all, they are effective and dependable in doing their purposes. 

You don’t have to worry even though you have multiple sizes on many tools because you can still easily manage and organize them. After all, the case comes with clear markings of the caliber sizes, and each tool has specific compartments. 

With this cleaning kit, you don’t have to fear shooting your guns anymore because it will help you clean and efficiently remove all the accumulated residues in your guns. Hence, it is one of the best and cheapest universal gun cleaning kits that do jobs well, leaving you nothing to complain about.  

7. BOOSTEADY Universal Gun Cleaning Kit

The list is not complete without the BOOSTEADY Universal Gun Cleaning Kit, which offers an overwhelming and significant number of gun cleaning tools dedicated to rifles, airsoft, shotguns, and pistols. Also, it is a complete kit that helps to achieve fantastic cleaning results. 

First, the cleaning rods with T-handles promote ergonomic and steady cleaning that prevents accidental damage. Also, the rods are made from brass, which is softer than your gun so that it won’t produce any scratches. At the same time, brass is a firm and durable material. That’s why it is hard to bend or break, even if you use it regularly. 

Meanwhile, the cleaning mops are designed to remove any leftover residue in the barrel efficiently. In addition, the slotted tips and jags are only made of high-quality nylon plastic so that they won’t scratch your inner barrel. The double-end picks are beneficial in reaching dirt and unwanted components in the tight and narrow spots in your gun that brushes can’t cover. 

You can have complete cleaning of your guns, thanks to the toothbrush-style double-end brushes designed for exterior parts cleaning. Also, they are constructed from nylon and bronze phosphor for durability and a long lifespan. Amazingly, three muzzle guards are included to guarantee damage protection to your gun while cleaning.  

You’ll also have 100 cleaning patches and two empty bottles for cleaning chemicals that you need to buy separately. All the cleaning tools and accessories are securely stored in a range-size carrying case with labels on each case slot. Therefore, you’ll only need to be a responsible gun owner, and your guns will surely maintain excellent quality for a very long time. 

Final Thoughts

Even though gun care and maintenance are a responsibility, you can enjoy it by using the correct cleaning supplies. Hopefully, you have learned many things here. Remember to be a keen observant when buying your cleaning kits and always check important product details before making the final decision. 

If you want, you can always have the gun cleaning kits listed here because they are all top-rated with impressive and dependable functionality, giving benefits and value beyond their prices.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are the most interesting and frequently asked questions about gun cleaning supplies and kits. Check them out: