Looking for a perfect all-in-one gun cleaning kit?
Bad news…there isn’t one.
But we’ll help you get the best one for your end-use…and suggest some standalone products to truly make your kit perfect.
I’ve used a bunch of cleaning kits throughout the years and this is only a snapshot of the ones I haven’t thrown away.
Follow me as I cover what’s needed for pistol and shotgun up to precision rifle shooting. I’ll also cover my favorite cleaners/oils, cleaning rods, AR-15 specific tools, and more.
Summary of Our Top Picks
-
-
Best AR-15 KitGuardTech Plus AR-15 Cleaning Kit
Everything you need to clean your AR-15 in a small range-friendly package.
-
Runner Up PickAll your necessary tools plus my favorite cleaning system and oil.
-
Affordable OptionWinchester 32 Piece Universal Gun Cleaning Kit
Decent universal kit at a decent price.
-
Best Handgun KitReal Avid Gun Boss Handgun Cleaning Kit
Super compact handgun cleaning kit that has everything you need.
Table of Contents
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Best Gun Cleaning Kits
1. GuardTech Universal Gun Cleaning Kit
My current go-to all-encompassing gun cleaning kit is the GuardTech.
It comes with everything you’ll ever need from shotguns to pistols, rifles, and even rimfire.
I’m also a big fan of the stainless, brass, and nylon brushes that I use for getting the gunk off hard to clean surfaces.
Grab some extra patches, your favorite cleaning solution, and oil…and you’ve got yourself a nice cleaning kit.
Plus the newer “upgraded” kit comes with 9mm specific components and modified jag retention so they don’t pop out easily. Great idea since I’ve definitely had that happen with other kits spilling out parts when you open them up.
It’s fairly large but comes in a nice locking hard-case if you plan on bringing it to the range.
An extra perk is that GuardTech is US-based in PA.
What do you think? Rate it below!
2. GuardTech AR-15 Cleaning Kit
A more recent product from GuardTech is their AR-15 specific cleaning kit which comes with everything you need in a smaller package compared to the everything kit above.
I especially like the two choices of using a bore snake and a surprisingly nice brass cleaning rod that rotates as you push it through your barrel.
It’s a very nice to have that when the rifling rotates your patch/jag nothing becomes loosened.
Speaking of jags and other tips…the kit also comes with everything for cleaning your barrel to your chamber and even a nylon brush for everything else.
All you need is some of your fav cleaner and lube (don’t worry we have those a little more down) and you’re ready to go.
3. M-Pro 7 Tactical Gun Cleaning Kit
From my favorite gun cleaner comes their cleaning kit that has everything you need…including the oil and cleaner.
The kit rocks since it has individually packaged brushes and tips (.22 to 12-gauge) so you can keep everything tidy and the case has more pouches to add additional cleaning items.
Even comes with a silicone cloth to wipe down the surface of your guns. Throw in some Q-Tips and this kit is ready for anything.
There’s soft and hard versions of the kit but as far as I can tell it should be the same contents.
4. Winchester 32 Piece Universal Cleaning Kit
The Winchester Kit is a good deal for $30 since it is pretty universal…covering everything from .22 to 12 gauge shotgun.
There are two sets of brass rods that won’t scratch your barrel’s harder steel and all the copper brushes are actually pretty good quality and marked with the caliber.
It also looks to have an update recently so say bye-bye to the wooden box and welcome a nicer nylon case.
There’s an ok amount of patches but you’ll need to add your own oil and gun cleaner (and there’s no room to fit it in the box). My specific suggestions at the end…but hint…it’s M-Pro 7.
5. Real Avid Box Handgun Cleaning Kit
Only have a handgun for now…or want a super compact kit?
The Real Avid kit is great and covers everything from .22 to .45 caliber handguns.
It’s tiny since the rods are long enough just for handgun length barrels. Everything feels sturdy and the box can take a beating in your range bag or trunk.
The only fault I can find is that it doesn’t come with oil or cleaner…and you’ll be hard-pressed to fit anything in the box beside eye drop sized droppers.
6. Green Canvas Gun Cleaning Kit
There’s a lot of this kind of kit being sold…probably one factory that makes it and a bunch of people brand it as a something else.
But it’s my go-to range kit if I don’t think I’ll actually need to clean.
It’s small, slim, and is supposed to have an empty bottle to put some cleaner or oil.
I’ve modified it through the years to have extra bronze brushes, a dental pick, Allen key, and Q-tips/patches. And yes I’ve lost the bottle but I tend to keep my cleaner and oil separately.
It’s not my cleaning kit for home since the rods seem to be steel and could damage the barrel if used a lot. But it’s great for getting things unstuck! Can’t go wrong as a backup cleaning kit for around $10.
Best Gun Cleaner, Oil, Grease, & Copper Solvent
Everyone and their mom have a favorite gun cleaner and oil. Here’s a sample of what you’ll see if you try to find out more:
- Hoppe’s No. 9…enough said.
- They issued me _____ and I’ve been using it for _____ years.
- I can eat my gun oil…can you?
- I bought 1 gallon of (insert motor oil) and it will last me a lifetime.
I’ll admit…I started with Hoppe’s No. 9 and it’s an awesome cleaner. Problem is that I like to clean indoors and though I really LOVE the smell…I’d get dizzy and also it started eating away at my nails (now I wear gloves no matter what).
I switched to M-Pro 7 cleaner and didn’t look back. It’s nearly as good at cleaning but without the caustic effects.
For oil…I also like M-Pro 7, but I also like Militec 1 for the smell.
The following are also popular ones (including some combo CLP which stands for clean, lubricate, preservative):
I also like to use gun grease for rails since it stays on longer…and I go by the old adage “oil if it turns, grease if it slides.”
Now, how about copper cleaners (for when you start seeing some accuracy degradation). I’ll admit…I almost never do this except for my precision rigs.
Additional Accessories
For my precision rifles, I like using a one-piece cleaning rod to make sure nothing scratches my lands & grooves. I stick with the ole standard…Tipton.
Now some of you might be asking where are the bore snakes? Frankly, I don’t really use them since I don’t like the idea of running something previously dirty back through my barrel.
But some swear by them…especially as the ultimate space-saving cleaning “kit” for a range bag.
And you’ll be sure to run out of patches sooner or later. In a pinch some cut up t-shirts or boxers will work. But I like going with Hoppe’s.
Lastly…for the hard to clean carbon-fouled parts of AR-15’s…there’s a scraper tool that’s been a godsend. And also our AR-15 Cleaning & Maintenance Guide.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, my go-to everything cleaning kit is the GuardTech.
And the runner-up is the MPro-7 Kit.
That’s it on my end…let me know if I missed some kits. And if you must…your favorite oil and cleaner.
Lastly, be sure to check out our Editor’s Picks for more guns & gear that we love.
The post 6 Best Gun Cleaning Kits of 2023 [Hands-On Tested] appeared first on Pew Pew Tactical.
Looking for a perfect all-in-one gun cleaning kit?
Bad news…there isn’t one.
But we’ll help you get the best one for your end-use…and suggest some standalone products to truly make your kit perfect.
I’ve used a bunch of cleaning kits throughout the years and this is only a snapshot of the ones I haven’t thrown away.
Follow me as I cover what’s needed for pistol and shotgun up to precision rifle shooting. I’ll also cover my favorite cleaners/oils, cleaning rods, AR-15 specific tools, and more.
Summary of Our Top Picks
-
-
Best AR-15 Kit
GuardTech Plus AR-15 Cleaning Kit
Everything you need to clean your AR-15 in a small range-friendly package.
-
Runner Up Pick
All your necessary tools plus my favorite cleaning system and oil.
-
Affordable Option
Winchester 32 Piece Universal Gun Cleaning Kit
Decent universal kit at a decent price.
-
Best Handgun Kit
Real Avid Gun Boss Handgun Cleaning Kit
Super compact handgun cleaning kit that has everything you need.
Table of Contents
Loading…
Best Gun Cleaning Kits
1. GuardTech Universal Gun Cleaning Kit
My current go-to all-encompassing gun cleaning kit is the GuardTech.
It comes with everything you’ll ever need from shotguns to pistols, rifles, and even rimfire.
I’m also a big fan of the stainless, brass, and nylon brushes that I use for getting the gunk off hard to clean surfaces.
Grab some extra patches, your favorite cleaning solution, and oil…and you’ve got yourself a nice cleaning kit.
Plus the newer “upgraded” kit comes with 9mm specific components and modified jag retention so they don’t pop out easily. Great idea since I’ve definitely had that happen with other kits spilling out parts when you open them up.
It’s fairly large but comes in a nice locking hard-case if you plan on bringing it to the range.
An extra perk is that GuardTech is US-based in PA.
What do you think? Rate it below!
2. GuardTech AR-15 Cleaning Kit
A more recent product from GuardTech is their AR-15 specific cleaning kit which comes with everything you need in a smaller package compared to the everything kit above.
I especially like the two choices of using a bore snake and a surprisingly nice brass cleaning rod that rotates as you push it through your barrel.
It’s a very nice to have that when the rifling rotates your patch/jag nothing becomes loosened.
Speaking of jags and other tips…the kit also comes with everything for cleaning your barrel to your chamber and even a nylon brush for everything else.
All you need is some of your fav cleaner and lube (don’t worry we have those a little more down) and you’re ready to go.
3. M-Pro 7 Tactical Gun Cleaning Kit
From my favorite gun cleaner comes their cleaning kit that has everything you need…including the oil and cleaner.
The kit rocks since it has individually packaged brushes and tips (.22 to 12-gauge) so you can keep everything tidy and the case has more pouches to add additional cleaning items.
Even comes with a silicone cloth to wipe down the surface of your guns. Throw in some Q-Tips and this kit is ready for anything.
There’s soft and hard versions of the kit but as far as I can tell it should be the same contents.
4. Winchester 32 Piece Universal Cleaning Kit
The Winchester Kit is a good deal for $30 since it is pretty universal…covering everything from .22 to 12 gauge shotgun.
There are two sets of brass rods that won’t scratch your barrel’s harder steel and all the copper brushes are actually pretty good quality and marked with the caliber.
It also looks to have an update recently so say bye-bye to the wooden box and welcome a nicer nylon case.
There’s an ok amount of patches but you’ll need to add your own oil and gun cleaner (and there’s no room to fit it in the box). My specific suggestions at the end…but hint…it’s M-Pro 7.
5. Real Avid Box Handgun Cleaning Kit
Only have a handgun for now…or want a super compact kit?
The Real Avid kit is great and covers everything from .22 to .45 caliber handguns.
It’s tiny since the rods are long enough just for handgun length barrels. Everything feels sturdy and the box can take a beating in your range bag or trunk.
The only fault I can find is that it doesn’t come with oil or cleaner…and you’ll be hard-pressed to fit anything in the box beside eye drop sized droppers.
6. Green Canvas Gun Cleaning Kit
There’s a lot of this kind of kit being sold…probably one factory that makes it and a bunch of people brand it as a something else.
But it’s my go-to range kit if I don’t think I’ll actually need to clean.
It’s small, slim, and is supposed to have an empty bottle to put some cleaner or oil.
I’ve modified it through the years to have extra bronze brushes, a dental pick, Allen key, and Q-tips/patches. And yes I’ve lost the bottle but I tend to keep my cleaner and oil separately.
It’s not my cleaning kit for home since the rods seem to be steel and could damage the barrel if used a lot. But it’s great for getting things unstuck! Can’t go wrong as a backup cleaning kit for around $10.
Best Gun Cleaner, Oil, Grease, & Copper Solvent
Everyone and their mom have a favorite gun cleaner and oil. Here’s a sample of what you’ll see if you try to find out more:
- Hoppe’s No. 9…enough said.
- They issued me _____ and I’ve been using it for _____ years.
- I can eat my gun oil…can you?
- I bought 1 gallon of (insert motor oil) and it will last me a lifetime.
I’ll admit…I started with Hoppe’s No. 9 and it’s an awesome cleaner. Problem is that I like to clean indoors and though I really LOVE the smell…I’d get dizzy and also it started eating away at my nails (now I wear gloves no matter what).
I switched to M-Pro 7 cleaner and didn’t look back. It’s nearly as good at cleaning but without the caustic effects.
For oil…I also like M-Pro 7, but I also like Militec 1 for the smell.
The following are also popular ones (including some combo CLP which stands for clean, lubricate, preservative):
I also like to use gun grease for rails since it stays on longer…and I go by the old adage “oil if it turns, grease if it slides.”
Now, how about copper cleaners (for when you start seeing some accuracy degradation). I’ll admit…I almost never do this except for my precision rigs.
Additional Accessories
For my precision rifles, I like using a one-piece cleaning rod to make sure nothing scratches my lands & grooves. I stick with the ole standard…Tipton.
Now some of you might be asking where are the bore snakes? Frankly, I don’t really use them since I don’t like the idea of running something previously dirty back through my barrel.
But some swear by them…especially as the ultimate space-saving cleaning “kit” for a range bag.
And you’ll be sure to run out of patches sooner or later. In a pinch some cut up t-shirts or boxers will work. But I like going with Hoppe’s.
Lastly…for the hard to clean carbon-fouled parts of AR-15’s…there’s a scraper tool that’s been a godsend. And also our AR-15 Cleaning & Maintenance Guide.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, my go-to everything cleaning kit is the GuardTech.
And the runner-up is the MPro-7 Kit.
That’s it on my end…let me know if I missed some kits. And if you must…your favorite oil and cleaner.
Lastly, be sure to check out our Editor’s Picks for more guns & gear that we love.
The post 6 Best Gun Cleaning Kits of 2023 [Hands-On Tested] appeared first on Pew Pew Tactical.
