Best Gun Cleaning Kit – 2022 Ultimate Round-up

If you own firearms, then owning a quality universal gun cleaning kit is crucial to maintaining your guns’ life and performance. But what makes a good kit, and how can you select the right one? Our helpful guide will give you a look into everything you need to know about choosing the best gun cleaning kit for your needs.

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  • Best overall
  • The Otis Elite comes with a lifetime warranty
  • Works with .17 to .15 caliber rifles, in-line muzzleloaders, pistols, and .410 to 10 gauge shotguns
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  • The sturdy case is durable, easy to carry
  • Pieces are made out of durable solid brass
  • Cleaning tools are compatible with rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders, and pistols
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  • Best value for the money
  • The carrying case is small and compact
  • Includes 16 high-quality brass and bronze pieces
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  • The case is custom-fitted and soft-sided
  • Works for a variety of calibers and gun types
  • Winchester licensed accessories
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  • Rods and brushes are designed to work with both shotguns and pistols
  • The set features 31 pieces
  • Durable bronze brushes
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Are Gun Cleaning Kits Universal?

For the most part, most gun cleaning kits have universal parts and come with various accessories that can theoretically be used to clean any gun. The attachments that come with might not be the right diameter for the caliber firearm you have. Additionally, if you have guns with longer barrels like a shotgun or rifle, you will need a gun cleaning kit that has a long enough rod. Unless a gun cleaning kit is marketed as universal, it likely is only for a single or small range of calibers.

What Are the Components of Gun Cleaning kit? 

There are staple items that you will find in any gun cleaning kit. Here’s what you can expect to find in even the most basic level gun cleaning kit. 

Solvent

You will need a solvent to get lead, copper, and carbon residue out of your gun, especially in the barrel. Most kits will come with a generic solvent. 

Lubricating Oil

Lubricating oil gets applied to your gun to give it a layer of protection against rust. Lubricating oil helps keep the different moving parts of your gun working smoothly without any unnecessary friction.

Cleaning Rods

Any good gun cleaning kit will come with cleaning rods. Cleaning rods will allow you to get inside of the barrel and pull out any leftover residue. High-quality rods are made out of stainless steel or aluminum. 

Rod End Accessories 

Rod and accessories vary depending on your kit, but accessories are typically slotted patch holders or different types of bore brushes. Rod end accessories are made out of softer metals that won’t scratch up or damage the boar.

Patches

You will almost always find Patches in a cleaning kit, no matter the type of kit it is. Patches come in a variety of sizes depending on the diameter of your barrel. They’re usually made out of 100% cotton so that they can soak up the solvent before you push it through the barrel. 

What Should I Look For When Buying a Gun Cleaning kit?

Shopping for a gun cleaning kit can be overwhelming with all the options. Be sure to keep these features in mind. 

Type of Kit

If you need to clean your gun while you are out on the field, then a portable cleaning kit may be an excellent option to invest in. Portable cleaning kits are small and lightweight and will only include the necessary cleaning tools you need, like cleaning rods and brushes.

For a more in-depth cleaning job, bigger cleaning kits are the way to go. Larger cleaning kits will typically come in a wooden chest or large pack that provides a practical way to store all your gun cleaning tools.

What’s in the Kit

The pieces that come in your kit should factor into your decision of whether or not a kit is suitable for your needs. Gun cleaning kits come in various sizes, from 10 piece kits to 68 piece kits. If you own a lot of guns and need a variety of gun cleaning accessories, larger kits may benefit you. Overall the size of your kit will depend on the type of firearms you have.

Quality of Material 

As with any purchase, you want to buy the best quality materials. Gun cleaning kits are certainly no exception, especially considering this is a purchase that you should only make once. Look for cleaning rods that are made out of strong metals, not wood. If you have more than one gun, shopping for gun cleaning kits with varying accessories can be helpful.

Review of the Best Gun Cleaning Kits

Now that you have the basics of what to look for, let’s dive into our top 5 picks of the best gun cleaning kits. 

Top Pick

Otis Technology The Otis Elite

PROS

CONS

What Recent Buyers Report

Overall, the Otis Elite Cleaning System has a favorable rating by customers. The major features recent buyers enjoy is the quality and quantity of the accessories. A big win with this kit is the versatility of taking out the included mini kit and using it as a field cleaning kit. 

Why It Stands Out to Us

The highlighting feature that stands out to use is the versatility of this cun cleaning set. The different attachments allow you to clean various weapon types. For gun owners who have several firearms, this is a great option to invest in. You get the entire line of Otis chamber cleaning brushes and bore brushes so you can adjust according to your cleaning needs. Lastly, we love that there is a lifetime warranty available with this set. 

Bottom Line

Overall, the Otis Elite Cleaning system stands up to its name with all the cleaning components it has to offer. This is also one of the best gun cleaning systems if you own a variety of different weapons. 

Runner Up

FIREGEAR Gun Cleaning Kit Universal

FIREGEAR Gun Safe Biometric Pistol Safe Quick Access Handgun Safe Safes

PROS

CONS

What Recent Buyers Report

Buyers who purchased this gun cleaning kit really like it’s affordability and the fact that it comes with various cleaning brushes, rods, and patches. Buyers are impressed with the high-quality CNC Precision Machined slotted solid brass jags and slotted patch loops. 

Why It Stands Out to Us

Aspects that stand out with this gun cleaning kit is its adaptability to a variety of calibers. There are three solid brass rods for .17-.270 caliber rifles and three solid brass rods for rifles, pistols, muzzleloaders, and shotguns with a caliber of .30 and over. Lastly, the icing on the cake is a lifetime warranty that keeps you covered against any defects or imperfections you may encounter with your kit.

Bottom Line

Overall, this gun cleaning kit is great for both new and experienced gun owners. The sturdy case lends well for on-field and in-depth home cleaning. While it does not come with any solvent or lubricating oil, two bottles will allow you to pour in the product of your choice. 

Best Budget Option

BOOSTEADY Universal Handgun Cleaning kit

BOOSTEADY Universal Handgun Cleaning kit .22,.357,.38,9mm,.45 Caliber Pistol Cleaning Kit Bronze Bore Brush and Brass Jag Adapter

PROS

CONS

What Recent Buyers Report 

The compact carrying case allows you to take this handgun cleaning kit virtually anywhere you go. This versatility is something customers appreciate, mainly since it includes only 16 high-quality brass accessories essential to any gun cleaning routine. 

Why It Stands Out to Us

Though this is the best budget option, quality is not sacrificed. Some of the quality pieces include bronze boar brushes in four different size options and two solid brass cleaning jags. Unlike other products that include wooden cleaning rods, this gun cleaning kit is equipped with a tough brass cleaning rod that can extend. There’s also a 1-inch stainless steel pick for even more thorough cleaning. Lastly, we love the lifetime money-back guarantee covering the cleaning rod, jag, and slotted tips. 

Bottom Line

This kit can be a great selection if you are looking for an affordable yet high-quality compact gun cleaning kit. Though there are not many pieces to use, the pieces you do have are high quality and effective.

DAC Winchester Super Deluxe Soft Sided Gun Care Case

PROS

CONS

What Recent Buyers Report

Overall, customers are impressed with the variety of cleaning tools that come with this Winchester Universal gun cleaning kit. Customers also appreciate the excellent customer service provided by product experts.

Why It Stands Out to Us

If you have several firearms, then the Winchester 68 piece Universal gun cleaning kit can be a great option for you. This kit has various brass rods, brushes, mops, and end jags, allowing you to work on a variety of calibers. Though not all pieces are made of solid brass, there is a mixture of different materials allowing you to get a range of accessory options at an affordable price.

Bottom Line

This is a great universal gun cleaning kit if you want a variety of gun cleaning accessories but also need a budget-friendly kit.

Hoppe’s No. 9 Deluxe Gun Cleaning Kit

PROS

CONS

What Recent Buyers Report

Recent buyers like the different bore brushes, jags, and rods. They also appreciate the practicality of every piece as you are not overwhelmed with unnecessary accessories. This practicality is something that Hoppe’s is known for, and customers appreciate the consistency. 

Why It Stands Out to Us

The small carrying case allows you to tote this kit around wherever you go, especially if you need to clean your rifle on the field. The bronze brushes and rods work with a variety of firearms, including pistols and rifles. The variety and choice make this ideal for gun collectors and owners of various types of firearms. 

Bottom Line

If you are looking for a universal gun cleaning kit that is shotgun and pistol adaptable, this cleaning kit is a great start. Experienced gun owners will appreciate the practicality of each accessory as each piece serves an intended purpose.

Benefits of Investing in a Quality Gun Cleaning kit

As with any purchase, you should aim to invest in a quality gun cleaning kit. But with so many different gun cleaning kits available at varying price points, it can be easy to opt for the cheaper kits. Here’s why you should consider any one of the quality gun cleaning kits listed in our top picks.

Versatility in Cleaning

A great gun cleaning kit will come with various high-quality cleaning accessories made out of brass, bronze, and even aluminum. Different size accessories will allow you to clean out a variety of firearms. Even if you currently own one type of firearm, if you purchase another firearm in the future, you won’t need to upgrade your gun cleaning kit. In the long run, this can be an effective way to save money on your firearm gear.

Great Warranty Coverage

High-quality gun cleaning kits are built to last. Often companies will reflect this by offering exceptional warranty coverage. Many of the products on our topics offer either lifetime warranties or money-back guarantees. This alone should give you peace of mind that the product was built to last.

Extend the Life of Your Firearm

Investing in a high-quality gun cleaning kit allows you to have the best tools on hand to clean out your firearms. And because firearms are often pricey investments, you want to use the best to keep them clean and in tip-top shape. 

In doing so, you will naturally extend the life of your firearms. If you are a collector or are aiming to keep your guns for the long haul, taking care of your firearms properly, primarily through the cleaning process, will extend your gun’s overall lifespan and performance.

Conclusion 

While there are hundreds of gun cleaning kits to choose from, it’s clear that not all are made alike. Overall, quality overrides quantity when it comes to gun cleaning kits. We hope our picks of the best gun cleaning kits have been helpful for your next purchase. 

People Also Ask

Understandably, you may still have some questions about gun cleaning kits; here are the answers. 

What’s the Best Gun Cleaner and Lubricant?

Any solvent that offers rust and corrosion protection will benefit your firearm. It’s best to avoid three-in-one cleaners like CLP cleaners as they often lack corrosion and rust protection. Lastly, purchasing a separate solvent and lubricant oil than the one that came with your gun cleaning kit is always a better choice. 

How Often Should You Clean Your Gun?

This depends on the type of gun and the type of ammunition you are using. Corrosive ammunition, water, dirt, and dust will lead to rust if not cleaned out immediately. Moisture is the number one culprit for rust. For the most part, quick touch-ups after every use are ideal. A thorough cleaning should also happen periodically.

Joseph Fox

Joseph Fox

Joseph Fox writes on a variety of topics ranging from reloading ammunition to gun cleaning. He has been featured on various publications like thetruthaboutguns, Sofrep & many more. Joseph is also the founder of Gunloading, where he reviews different types of reloading & firearm products available on the market.