Proper gun maintenance is one of the most important aspects of gun ownership. Making sure that your gun is free from dust, residue and rust ensures that ammunition works properly and smoothly. Firearms are a major investment and properly caring for them will maintain their value and longevity. Today we are going to cover our top picks of the gun cleaning kits that are currently available.

• Otis Elite Gun Cleaning Kit
• DAC Winchester Super Deluxe Care Case
• Gloryfire Universal Gun Cleaning Kit
• Hoppe’s BoreSnake Rifle Cleaning Kit
• Allen Company Ultimate Universal Gun Cleaning Kit
• Real Avid 223/5.56 Pro Pack Premium Cleaning Kit
• Hoppe’s 9 Elite Gun Cleaning Kit

Otis Elite Gun Cleaning Kit

The Otis Elite Gun Cleaning Kit is a universal kit that comes with practically everything you need to clean all your firearms. This professional grade kit can be used on 17 to 50 caliber rifles and pistols, 410 to 12/10 gauge shotguns as well as all in-line muzzleloaders.

Overall this is a high quality kit that works on a wide variety of firearms. The only real drawback is the carrying case which could be more durable and the instructions are printed with very small text making them hard to read.

DAC Winchester Super Deluxe Care Case

The DAC Winchester Super Deluxe is a well rounded, affordable and top rated cleaning kit. It comes with 68 individual cleaning tools inside a durable and well organized soft sided carrying case.

This is a well made universal kit at an affordable price point. Keep in mind that you would still need to purchase solvents, cleaning oils and a bore snake to truly round it out. There are also no instructions included but there are plenty of online resources that show how to use all the components.

Gloryfire Universal Gun Cleaning Kit

The Gloryfire Universal kit is a multi caliber kit that covers many different, shotguns, rifles and pistols. The carrying case is made of lightweight durable plastic with individual slots for each component keeping all tools organized and neat.

This very versatile gun cleaning kit that covers a large array of firearms. There are no solvents or oils included so keep that in mind if you plan on purchasing this kit. Overall it includes practically everything needed to clean your firearms while also managing to still be lightweight making portability easy.

Hoppe’s BoreSnake Rifle Cleaning Kit

This cleaning kit by Hoppe’s is specifically made for rifles. It includes the renowned No. 9 solvent, boresnake, lubricating oil, weatherguard cloths and the pulling tool all wrapped up in a compact soft carrying case. A nice straightforward kit with only the basic essentials needed to clean your rifle quickly or on the go.

Overall this kit is great for rifle owners. It’s not a universal kit so it doesn’t include cleaning tools for other firearms so if you have multiple firearms you might want to look elsewhere.

Allen Company Ultimate Universal Gun Cleaning Kit

The Ultimate Cleaning kit by Allen is a 65 piece kit covering multiple firearms. Included is a variety of mops, bronze brushes, jags, patches and just about any other high grade component you would need to care for and maintain your firearms. All cleaning components are housed in a sturdy tool box with dual latches that is portable and easy to carry.

This gun cleaning kit covers a wide array of calibers and firearms making it one of the top rated kits on our list. It doesn’t include cleaning solvents or oils but the toolbox leaves enough room to easily add them in. Overall the range of components included at its price point make this kit one to definitely consider if you own multiple firearms.

Real Avid 223/5.56 Pro Pack Premium Cleaning Kit

This compact kit by Real Avid houses all the hardware you need for cleaning your AR-15. The lightweight (11oz.) & weatherproof case is surprisingly durable and includes cleaning brushes, barrel cleaning components as well as the tools to clean the bolt and chamber.

Overall this is a great compact cleaning kit that is very portable and convenient if you’re on the go. The tough little case packs in everything you need to clean your firearm. The only things missing are cleaning solvents and oils which can be easily added to your kit.

Hoppe’s 9 Elite Gun Cleaning Kit

Many of the gun cleaning kits on our list do not include solvents and oils but this set by Hoppe’s takes care of that problem. Hoppes #9 is the industry standard for bore cleaner that has been used by generations of firearm owners. Not only does it clean your gun, it also protects it from future damage as well. As an added bonus, the lubricant oil comes with a needle applicator that makes getting into those tough spots easy.

Keep in mind that this set does not include cleaning tools and is strictly made up of cleaning oil and lubricant. With that said, this set by Hoppes makes a great addition to your existing gun cleaning kit.

Basic Components of a Gun Cleaning Kit

Bronze Brush – The best brushes are made of bronze and are used to clean heavy carbon buildup in the barrel. Kits usually contain multiple sized bronze brushes but make sure to keep in mind the quality as to ensure that the barrel isn’t scratched during cleaning.

Nylon Brush – Most often used for the sensitive parts and carved areas of a firearm where using a bronze brush isn’t recommended.

Cleaning Rod – These come in various different sizes, shapes and materials and are hands down the most important tool in your kit. The rod is attached to cleaning components such as brushes, patches & swabs and allows them to reach multiple areas of the firearm.

Cleaning Jag – Most jags are nickel plated or brass. They are used with cotton cleaning patches placed in the center of the jag to clean, dry or oil the bore. Make sure to thoroughly clean and dry them after use as leftover solvent can lead to corrosion.

Cleaning Mop/Swab – These swabs or mops are made of cotton and are used to clean up leftover residue or oil in the barrel after brush cleaning.

Slotted Patch Holder – Some kits will provide a slotted patch holder in place of a jag. They perform the same function. The main difference is the cotton patch is inserted through the slotted opening and wrapped over it as opposed to being pierced through with a jag.

Patches – Available in different types of fabric but most often cotton. They are dipped in cleaning solvent and mounted onto the end of a jag or patch holder.

Double-End Brushes – Toothbrush style brushes made from nylon, stainless steel or brass. They are used to clean the exterior of your firearms.

Cotton Swabs – Often used for detailing and cleaning hard to reach spots on firearms.

Solvent – Referred to as CLP, solvents clean, lubricate and protect your firearm. There are a variety of solvents for different uses so make sure to familiarize yourself with them before purchasing.

Lubricant – Used to keep the firearm components free from corrosion and to ensure smooth functioning.

Gun Cleaning Kit FAQ’s

Q: What are gun cleaning kits?

A: Gun cleaning kits provide everything you need to maintain and properly clean your firearms. They are a more convenient and cost effective means of acquiring the cleaning tools for various types of guns, pistols, rifles and many other firearms.

Q: Why do you need one?

A: Cleaning and maintaining your firearm is an important part in ensuring it performs properly and smoothly. If dust, residue and rust builds up it can cause the firearm to malfunction so it’s very important to keep it clean and clear of debris.

Q: How does a gun cleaning kit work?

A: Many kits provide instructions on how to use the components properly. There are also many videos and resources online that are helpful.

Q: Does one kit clean all types of guns?

A: Not always, some kits are specific to one type of firearm. When the term “universal” is attached to a gun cleaning kit that usually means it provides the cleaning tools for the majority of firearms out there, with exceptions for rare makes or models.

Q: Does a kit include everything I need?

A: Most kits do not come with cleaning solvents or lubricating oils so those are items that usually need to be purchased separately.

Conclusion

We’ve covered various gun cleaning kits and the multiple cleaning components used to maintain your firearm. We hope the information provided was helpful in guiding you through the buying process. Please check back regularly for product updates and reviews!