Updated: January 07, 2021
Any good craftsman will tell you that taking care of your tools is the best way to ensure that you are at your best when performing tasks. A saw that is not properly cleaned is likely to become damaged or not function at all, and a nail gun that is not properly maintained will become clogged and jam continuously. This is why you must take care of your tools properly.That same principle is true of your firearms. If you want them to work accurately and do so every time you use them, then you want to make sure the purchase a cleaning kit that will help you to take care of your firearms. This is true whether you are talking about pistols, rifles, or any other type of weapon. Failing to do so is going to cause your weapon to break down, rust, or experience many of the other problems associated with an unclean weapon.
This can end up costing you a lot of money to replace, where it would’ve made a lot more sense to have simply purchased a kit to properly clean your weapon. It is essential that you purchase yourself the right kind of kit to take care of your tools.
What is a Gun Cleaning Kit?
A gun cleaning kit is an essential tool for any gun owner. It is basically just what it sounds like, although kits can differ quite a bit. A firearm cleaning kit will generally contain all the tools you need to clean the firearm it was designed for. It will include tools such as cleaning solvent, brushes, a mop, holders, jags, rods, and more. All packaged within a convenient carrying case.
To give you a more thorough review of the best gun cleaning kits, what I did was break this down into four different categories. I want you to be able to choose something that fits your needs, as well as giving you the opportunity to purchase an all-purpose kit if that works best for you.
How to Make the Right Choice?
While there are many great gun cleaning kits out there that does not mean that all of them are exceptional. There are some that are clearly better than others, and there are those that may be good but may not fit your particular needs. When choosing a gun cleaning kit for yourself, here are the things you need to consider.
- Type of Gun. There are specific gun cleaning kits that are designed for a certain kind of weapon. For example, a rifle is clearly going to need different kinds of tools to be able to clean the inside of the gun Finding a kit that specifically fits with your kind of weapon is a necessity.
- Accessories Included. As we will go through these reviews, one of the things that you will see is that some cleaning kits provide you with a great many accessories. This includes brushes, cleaners, holders, and other types of accessories that make one kit a better choice, primarily because of what it has to offer. Another point to consider with these cleaning kits is that most do not include a gun cleaning mat so you may want to look into getting one of these as they can be a great addition to making cleaning you gun fast and effective. Many also don’t contain a gun cleaning solvent, but it depends on the kit.
- Size of Kit. Besides accessories, one thing you’re going to find is quite practical is the amount of equipment you receive in your kit. Some choices go all out, giving you a number of different tools and solvents that make it ideal for use with any kind of weapon. This can be one of those instances where more is better.
- Caliber Sizes. Even if a gun cleaning kit is specifically designed for a type of weapon, that may not mean it works for different calibers of that type of weapon. Make sure you get a kit that works with the kind of caliber weapon you have.
- Ease of Use. There are a number of different components that come with the kit that can make it a bit more complicated to use. You may not want to spend hours trying to read a brochure or watching a YouTube video to figure it out. Find something that is easy for you to be able to figure out how to use and where to use.
- Tool Quality. While there are a large assortment of great quality kits out there, many of them are made with various types of materials. Some use a durable plastic, which some users don’t particularly like.
- Universal vs. Specific. While some basic kits might not contain enough materials, the opposite problem can be true as well. Some kits on our list are “Universal” kits, which have all the tools to clean a variety of different gun varieties. However, these are only useful if you have a variety of different guns. Don’t waste money buy a kit that has way more than what you need.
12 Best Gun Cleaning Kits on the Market Right Now!
#1 Otis Tactical Cleaning System – Best All Around Gun Cleaning Kit
If you are a person who has several different kinds of guns, then this is the perfect cleaning system for you. This cleaning kit has the equipment for you to clean all types of weapons, including rifles, shotguns, and pistols.
Included in the kit are a set of 2 inch and 3 inch patches that are made of cotton, two patch savers, and three slotted tips. Also included are six bronze bore brushes that are specifically designed for six different types of firearms. This makes sure that you can use it with a wide variety of weapons, something that is ideal for the person who has a number of firearms.
To give you the perfect cleaning of your muzzle, there is an 8 inch and a 30 inch memory flex cable that is connected to a connector to make sure that you get the perfect cleaning from breech all the way to muzzle. The 34 inch aircraft grade cable is threaded so that it is small enough for you to be able to clean even .17 caliber firearms.
The obstruction removers come in two different sizes, making it easy to knock out such stoppages as snow, mud, and casings that may get stuck. You are given both a small and a large obstruction remover. These obstruction removers are durable, ready to endure any kind of material blocking your barrel.
The kit comes in a nice case which is about the same size as a CD storage container. That makes it easy to take with you wherever you go, and you will like that is a durable and made to last. Your equipment will definitely be safe and secure. Another great thing you should know about this kit is that it’s made in the USA to high quality standards.
#2 GLORYFIRE Universal Gun Cleaning Kit for All Guns With Case
This is a kit that provides you with all of the tools that you need for cleaning handguns, rifles, and shotguns. Any common caliber rifle or handgun will easily be cleaned using this kit and is why it is one of the best on the market today.
What is great about this kit is the tools come in a compact case, but you will be amazed at the wide range of tools that are available. The case is specifically designed so that each tool has a spot which will help to keep you much better organized. I even like the fact that lubricating oil came with the kit.
There are three solid brass rods that are included for use with 17 – 270 caliber rifles, as well as three solid brass rods for 30 other types and calibers of weapons. Included you will find 14 different brushes, nine mops, over 100 cleaning patches, as well as four polishing cloths.
This is a well packaged kit which gives you a lot of functionality. You’re really going like the fact that it comes at an affordable price and is the perfect choice for any person who has at least a few different style weapons. Truly a remarkable kit that is well worth the price as it gives you a great deal of functionality and can be used with a wide assortment of weapons.
#3 Real Avid Gun Boss Handgun Cleaning Kit – Best Pistol/Handgun Cleaning Kit
For those who are looking for a great handgun or pistol cleaning kit, this is the perfect option for you. Coming in a weatherproof case, which easily zippers closed, you will enjoy this fantastic kit which provides you with all of the accessories you need to be able to properly clean virtually any caliber handgun, including .22, .357, 9 mm, and .45, among others.
Included in the kit is a two section cleaning rod that contains a swivel tip that allows you to reach as far as 9 inches, making it easy to use with any size pistol. Four different brushes are included, specifically designed to give you a brush that should work within your caliber weapon. The brushes are made with a phosphor bronze blend. You also receive 50 cleaning patches, divided into two separate sizes of 25, and get two durable black slotted tips.
You can be sure with this kit that you can clean the most popular brands of handgun on the market, keeping them in optimal condition. Plus, this kit is made for you to be able to take anywhere, making it the ideal choice for any handgun owner.
Finding a quality handgun cleaning kit is not always easy, as many have issues, but that was not the case with this one. With the exception of some minor flaws, I loved the durability, effectiveness, and success I had when using it.
#4 Hoppe’s BoreSnake Soft-Sided Pistol and Revolver Cleaning Kit
This was a kit that I really liked because it was significantly different than anything I had used before. This kit has everything you could need to clean your firearm, and is designed for you to take with you anywhere. It is compact, durable, and can easily fit even in your pocket.
Unique design starts with the BoreSnake, which does a fantastic job of cleaning the weapon and makes it easy to use as well. I like that I didn’t need a whole lot of cleaning tips or extra swabs to be able to clean a firearm. All I needed to do was drop the brass weight through the barrel, grab hold of the string, and let the product do the rest.
Amazingly, it fit virtually any kind of handgun, but works best with a .357 and 9 mm caliber pistol. It can work for others, but you want to check that before deciding to purchase.
Everything you need to clean the weapon is included in the kit. This includes both solvents and oils, so there is no additional purchase you need to make. Plus, it does also come with a gun cloth.
Whether you are an experienced gun enthusiast or someone who is a beginner, you will find that this kit is ideal. Truly a fantastic way to clean your handgun.
#5 Otis Technology The Otis Elite – Best Shotgun Cleaning Kit
When it comes to creating a great kit for overall cleaning, Otis has established themselves as one of the best, and this kit, specifically designed for shotguns, is one that you will love so much because it can do so much more than simply clean your shotgun.
By purchasing this kit, you start with a brand name that you can count on. There is literally every single kind of cleaning tool that you could need for cleaning a wide variety of caliber weapons, especially shotguns. I love that I could use this kit for anything from a .12 8.50 caliber, for pistols, rifles, and yes, shotguns. It comes with everything you could need to clean anything from a breach to a muzzle weapon.
Included are six different memory flex cables which enable you to clean your weapons better. The flex rod comes with a nylon coating which makes it easier to slide up and down the barrel while cleaning. The brushes are made with a bronze material, letting you know you’re going to be able to clean thoroughly while getting a durable brush at the same time. In fact, there were 23 different bronze brushes included.
The kit comes in a durable nylon bag, which is designed to easily separate out all materials and accessories you receive. It’s easy to find what you are looking for within this case.
#6 Hoppe’s BoreSnake Shotgun Soft-Sided Cleaning Kit
This is another kit that provides you with that unique BoreSnake design which is perfect for cleaning any shotgun. The kit is specifically designed for beginners as well as experienced hunters, and comes at a price that is beyond compare versus other competitors.
When you see this design, you know exactly which company made it. Not only because of the design, but because of the incredible look and efficiency it provides. Simply by dropping the brass down the barrel, then pulling the string through, you are able to easily clean your weapon, making the process a lot easier than using the standard rod and brushes.
Included in the kit is No. 9 solvent, which is perfect for cleaning away any debris within the bore or barrel. You can even use this tool to clean any other part of the rifle and the addition of lubricating oil makes this something that you simply cannot afford not to have.
It’s not a fancy kit, but is an exceptionally good one. I like that the case easily attached to my belt, was lightweight and durable, or could easily fit into my pocket. I could literally carry this anywhere I was going always being ready on the draw. Plus, I could use it for many different other kinds of weapons.
If you are a person considering a gun cleaning kit for the very first time, this may be a choice to start taking a look at. It will simplify your cleaning immediately.
#7 Real Avid Gun Boss Universal Cable
This is a fantastic cleaning kit brought to you by Real Avid, which has established itself as one of the very best on the market. Instead of pushing materials out, this little gadget pulls out the materials giving you much greater momentum and friction to be able to remove debris, oils, and other materials that may have built up within the barrel.
This kit comes in a fantastically designed case, making it both portable and easy to store. It uses a nylon, making it waterproof and the trays inside the case perfectly hold the accessories included within the kit.
In this kit, you don’t thread rods, but instead use the cable to attach brushes and be able to clean your firearm. The cable is made of a durable metal, coated with plastic to protect it, and can work easily in any kind of caliber gun, ranging from .17 to .45. Plus, it can handle shotguns from 12 to 20 gauge.
Besides the brushes and cable, this comes with an oil and solvent for you to clean and lubricate your weapon. There is also an array of adapters and cleaning patches.
This is a great cleaning kit, which you will really like. It’s easy to use and does a great job every time. Truly a fantastic choice for a beginner or an advanced gun enthusiast.
#8 Sage & Braker Gun Cleaning Kit – Best Rifle Cleaning Kit
This Sage & Braker product has capitalized on the great design of the BoreSnake we have seen in other models, and has created one of the very best on the market. This is made of high quality materials with a larger number of bristles woven into the material so that you get a cleaner, more thorough cleaning with each use.
Included a brush that is 100% bronze, perfect for cleaning. The buffing rope is detachable and is made to fit each caliber and each gauge so that you get a perfect cleaning each and every time.
You will be amazed at how quick and easy it is to use this product. In a matter of 15 or 20 seconds, you can get a thorough cleaning of your barrel and bore, something you simply can’t do with most other kits. In fact, with most other kids, it takes you at least a minute or two just to get it set up for use. Not with this product.
This is an easy to use kit that is not ostentatious at all. Some didn’t like this, but I love that it came in a canvas satchel which made it extremely easy to store anywhere. It’s sharp look, and this is a great product you will love.
#9 Otis Technology .223cal/5.56mm Cleaning System
This is the most popular kit on the market for cleaning rifles, and it is understandable why then we tried out. Included is everything you could possibly need to be able to clean a rifle, and you can clean a handgun with this as well. That makes it a nice feature for those who have multiple weapons.
Amazingly, this is one of the smallest size kits you will find on the market, with a look that is very much like a CD holding case. However, it has a lot of punch in this small kit, giving you a wide array of accessories, including six different types of bore brush, with each high-quality bronze brush being ideal for cleaning a gun’s bore. There are also three different memory flex cables, and it comes with a key handle which makes it easy to remove any jams or obstructions.
The B.O.N.E. tool is included, which easily removes any carbon from the bolt, the bolt carrier, and the firing pin. This gives you a more thorough cleaning, and ensures your weapon will not malfunction or get jammed.
Also included is a chamber brush, an end brush, straight and bent picks, and a lug scraper. If you needed to clean your rifle, you can be sure that it is in this kit and that it is built with high quality materials. Truly a fantastic purchase.
#10 Hoppe’s BoreSnake Rifle Soft-Sided Rifle Cleaning Kit
This is another boresnake option, and I absolutely loved it for cleaning rifles. The product is quite affordable, making it a good option right off the bat because of how thorough and effective it is in cleaning your rifle barrel and bore.
Because of the design, it is easy to use, no matter whether you are a beginner or an experienced marksman. In fact, many of my friends who are marksman were amazed at how effective this tool was and felt a little stupid for not getting an earlier.
Using this particular kit is easy. All you do is slide the brass ending down the barrel of the gun, pulled through and then pull back and forth to clean the weapon. In 30 seconds or less you can have a thorough job done, and it works perfectly and cleaning other parts of your weapon. I can even clean my ammunition with it.
You’re not getting a fancy looking kit here. There are not a lot of accessories and tools as they are not needed. A solvent and oil is included, making it easy for you to get started with the kit. It comes in a durable, small case that you could easily attached to your belt or stick in your pocket.
#11 Allen Company Ultimate Universal Weapon Cleaning Kit
Let’s move on to one of the most extensive options on our list. If you’re in need of a big cleaning kit, then this is the one for you. This is definitely for collectors or those with a large arsenal. Be sure you require all these pieces before you buy. But if you do, you’ll come away satisfied with this one.
This kit has everything you might need for almost every common type of gun. It has components for rifle and pistol calibers, 12 gauge, 20 gauge, and even .410 bore shotguns. The components include various types of bronze brushes, brass jags, cotton swabs, slotted tip, cleaning rods, cleaning brushes, and a lot more.
It all comes together in a big, rugged carrying case that keeps all the contents secure. Not only is the case big and durable, it’s easy to close up and carry. It has strong latches and a convenient handle. Within the box, everything is well organized by component, and it has removable shelves for easy access.
Overall, it’s an awesome universal cleaning kit, but definitely make sure that you actually require all these tools. A kit this big will definitely not be for everyone.
#12 Gunmaster 42 Piece Gun Cleaning Kit
To round out our list, we have this classic choice from Gunmaster. The first thing you’ll notice is the classy, traditional carrying case. It’s a vintage wooden box, with all the components packed into foam. If you particularly care about the way things look, then there’s a whole lot of traditional appeal with this one.
Aside from the aesthetic, it’s a pretty solid gun cleaning kit as well. It has all the tools to clean guns from .177 cal to 12 gauge. There are 42 pieces in total, which makes it quite the extensive selection of rods, brushes, and patches.
The components themselves are high quality, but don’t particularly stand out among the options on our list. They’re great, and they work, but there’s nothing of particular note at this point in the list.
Overall, this is definitely geared toward gun traditionalists. If you want to class up your workshop, consider this kit. It’s a great gun cleaning kit, but the main appeal is definitely the style.
Comparison Chart
| Gun Cleaning Kit | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| #1 Otis Tactical Cleaning System |
|
|
| #2 GLORYFIRE Universal Gun Cleaning Kit |
|
|
| #3 Real Avid Gun Boss Handgun Cleaning Kit |
|
|
| #4 Hoppe’s BoreSnake Soft-Sided Pistol and Revolver Cleaning Kit |
|
|
| #5 Otis Technology The Otis Elite |
|
|
| #6 Hoppe’s BoreSnake Shotgun Soft-Sided Cleaning Kit |
|
|
| #7 Real Avid Gun Boss Universal Cable |
|
|
| #8 Sage & Braker Gun Cleaning Kit |
|
|
| #9 Otis Technology .223 cal/5.56 mm Cleaning System |
|
|
| #10 Hoppe’s BoreSnake Rifle Soft-Sided Rifle Cleaning Kit |
|
|
| #11 Allen Company Ultimate Universal Weapon Cleaning Kit |
|
|
| #12 Gunmaster 42 Piece Gun Cleaning Kit |
|
|
Most Frequently Asked Questions
Before closing out this review, I wanted to spend a little time answering some questions. When friends and family asked me about cleaning a rifle, pistol, or other type of shooting kit, these are the kinds of things that I am frequently asked, so I thought I would save you a little time by providing you with the information here.
Why cleaning a gun is important?
As with any tool you may have, cleaning your gun is essential. Dirt, debris, oil, carbon, and other forms of matter can get inside your gun. This cannot only cause it to have issues of accuracy, but could cause the weapon to malfunction, and maybe even cause a serious accident. You must clean on a regular basis if you want it to work at its best.
How often should I clean my gun?
To be honest, the only real answer to this question is after every use. Every time you go out to the range, go hunting, or fire your weapon for any other reason, you should clean it afterward. This ensures that it will work effectively for you in the future. If truth be told, there is really no such thing as cleaning your weapon too often. As long as you do it right you should not have issues.
As an additional sidebar to this, if you have not used your weapon in some time, over a few months, it would make good sense to clean the weapon before using it. Dirt and debris can build up over time, and it just pays to be safe and make sure it is thoroughly cleaned before you use it.
How to check if a gun is clean?
To check to make sure that your gun is clean first, take it apart and inspect each part of the gun. There should be a very light coat of lubricant around most parts of your weapon, but you should not see dirt, carbon, or any other kind of debris. In the barrel, run a cotton swab inside to see what material comes out. Use a white glove when running your fingers across the weapon. If you see dirt or other debris, you know you don’t have a clean weapon.
How to keep guns from rusting?
One issue you have to worry about with any weapon is the gun developing rust on it. Even if you have taken the proper measures to clean your weapon, heat and humidity can wreak havoc with your weapon, leading to rust. This can also occur if you are spending a long period of time outdoors where it is raining or incredibly humid.
To make sure this does not happen there are really four steps to take. First, reduce humidity around your weapon. This can be done by getting a gun storage locker which keeps humidity out or by purchasing a dehumidifier that will remove humidity from the air. You can even put silica gel inside the gun cabinet to protect from excess moisture buildup.
Try to reduce the time you were out in bad weather. Rain and snow can have a terrible effect on your weapon, so do your best to avoid this. Also, clean your gun regularly, at least for five times a year. There are also anti-rust sprays that you can buy which will remove this possibility. That’s a good investment to make.
What is a jag used for in gun cleaning?
The jag is used to hold a patch. The patch is placed over the jag and then inserted into the bore of the weapon. This helps to quickly and effectively remove away dirt, oils, and other debris that may have gotten in the bore.
What is CLP gun cleaner?
CLP stands for cleaner, lubricant, protectant. It is an oil that provides all three of these functions in one, lubricating the weapon, protecting it from damage and debris, and cleaning it all at the same time.
Do I need a specific gun cleaning kit?
The answer to this is “Yes”. It’s not that there is a specific brand or style of kit that you necessarily need, but you do need a kit that has the proper tools to clean your specific weapon. While there are many universal kits that have kits that can clean several different kinds or calibers of guns, you need to make sure that the kit you are choosing is able to handle your specific weapon.
Before you decide to purchase any kind of kit, you should check to make sure that your caliber weapon will work with it. This should be listed on the box, or at least on the company’s website.
How much is a gun cleaning kit?
It really depends on what kind of kit you are talking about. Some of the boresnake options were the cheapest at about $20, but there are kits that rise to near $200. It is all about what you are looking for in the kit, the brand name, and the accessories included. The quality of the materials, how many brushes and other accessories are included will all play a part in price. If you are a person looking for a universal kit to use with several weapons, you should be aware you are going to pay more money.
Is everything I need in a gun cleaning kit?
Practically all kits will include the materials you need to get started. This even includes solvent and oils. However, it is usually a very small amount at first. You may only be able to perform one or two cleanings before you have to purchase additional products. However, the cleaning rods, brushes, and other accessories you need for cleaning should be included in the kit you buy.
Where to buy a gun cleaning kit?
You can buy kits in a wide assortment of places. There are online stores, gun shops, even major retailers sell gun cleaning kits. If you are opting to buy online, it may make sense for you to go and look at the different kits at a store so you can see exactly what they look like upfront before making your purchase.
What safety precautions should I take when cleaning a gun?
As with any other time you are handling a firearm, you should always take precautions. You should make sure that the weapon is on safety, that you have checked to make sure that there are no rounds inside the weapon, and that you have removed any material, such as gunpowder, that could cause injury.
Also, handle the solvents & oils properly. These can become flammable, so make sure that you store them and use them in a way that keeps you safe. Most gun kits will come with a list of instructions on exactly how to use the kit. The safest thing that you can do is follow those instructions to protect yourself and your weapon.
