A basic gun cleaning kit needs five things: a cleaning rod, bore brushes in the right size, patches, solvent and a lubricant. Everything else is helpful but not required. If you shoot more than one caliber or gauge, you also need a brush and patches for each one.
This post lists what goes in a starter kit, what each part is for, and what you can skip at first. It also covers when it is simpler to let a gunsmith do the cleaning.
The Five Things Every Gun Cleaning Kit Needs
Most beginner guides agree on the same core list. Hunter education course materials list rods, rod tips such as brushes and jags, patches sized for the gun, solvent and gun oil or grease (Hunter-Ed.com cleaning kit guide). Here is what each one does.
A cleaning rod. This is the long handle you push through the barrel. Many people buy a rod in sections so one rod fits both handguns and long guns. Check that the rod you buy fits the guns you own.
A bore brush. A brush on the end of the rod scrubs fouling out of the barrel. Bronze brushes are stiffer than cloth patches, so they handle stubborn fouling (Sarco’s tutorial on Hoppe’s cleaning kits). The brush must match your caliber or gauge. A brush that is too small does little, and one that is too big will not go in.
A jag or patch holder. This tip holds a cloth patch so you can push it through the bore. A jag is a small tip with a point that grips the center of the patch.
Patches. Cloth patches do the wiping. They also come sized for different calibers and gauges, so buy ones that match your gun. You will use more of them than you expect, so buy a pack and not a handful.
Solvent and lubricant. Solvent loosens powder residue and grime. Lubricant, often called gun oil, goes on the moving parts afterward. They are different products. Solvent cleans, and oil protects and lets parts slide.
Extras That Are Nice to Have
Once the five basics are in the bag, a few small items make the job easier. The same Hunter-Ed list includes a bore light, clean cloths, cotton swabs, pipe cleaners, a toothbrush for tight spots, small screwdrivers, and a stand that holds the gun steady while you work.
A stand is worth thinking about. A gun that stays put on the bench is easier and safer to work on than one you are holding in your lap. A bore light helps you see whether the barrel is clean, and swabs and a toothbrush reach corners a patch cannot.
You can skip anything with a long list of attachments you do not recognize. A smaller kit that matches your gun beats a big kit full of parts that do not fit.
Rod or Bore Snake
A bore snake is a rope with a brush built into it. You drop a weight through the barrel and pull the snake through. Sarco’s tutorial describes bore snakes as a faster option for routine upkeep, while a rod or cable kit suits a thorough cleaning (Sarco).
A rod and brush give you more control when a barrel is dirty, and you can see and feel the patches come out. If you only buy one, a rod kit is the more general choice. A bore snake makes a good second item for the range bag.
What to Check Before You Buy
Match the caliber or gauge. A kit made for one caliber may not have the right brush for your gun. A “universal” kit usually includes several brushes, but check that yours is in the list.
Check the solvent against your gun’s finish. Some solvents can discolor or harm wood stocks and certain finishes. Read the label, and wipe any extra off wood parts.
Read your gun’s manual. It shows how to take the gun apart and which parts to leave alone. If you are not sure how your gun comes apart, stop and ask.
Safety Comes First
Before you open a cleaning kit, make sure the gun is unloaded. The NRA lists keeping a gun unloaded until you are ready to use it, and keeping the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, among its basic rules (NRA gun safety rules). Then look into the chamber and magazine well to confirm they are empty.
The same NRA page says to maintain the gun so it works properly and to have a gunsmith check it if you are unsure. That is useful advice if you find something that looks worn or broken while you clean.
The Basic Steps, in Order
Once you have the kit, the job follows the same order for most guns, according to Sarco’s tutorial on Hoppe’s cleaning kits.
- Unload the gun and take it apart into its main groups, following the manual.
- Run solvent through the barrel with the right brush.
- Follow with clean patches until they come out clean.
- Wipe the other parts, and use solvent on the dirty spots.
- Finish with a light coat of lubricant on the parts that move.
That is the whole routine. If a part will not come apart the way the manual says, stop and ask a gunsmith before you force anything.
How Often to Clean
How often you clean depends on how you use the gun. Our post on how often to clean your gun breaks that down by range gun, carry gun, hunting rifle and a gun in storage.
When to Hand It Off
A kit saves money over time, but it also takes time, space and some patience. If you do not want to build a kit, or if you want a second set of eyes on a gun, we clean guns at the shop. A cleaning is $35, or $25 if purchased at Lakeside. Surface rust cleanup is included during a cleaning to the best of our ability. You can walk in without an appointment. The full list of prices is on our gunsmithing page.
Mistakes to Avoid
Buying one size for every gun. A brush or patch that does not match your caliber or gauge does the job badly. Check each one against the gun it is meant for.
Using solvent on wood without checking. Sportsman’s Warehouse notes that some solvents can blister or discolor wooden stocks. Read the label first and keep solvent off wood.
Skipping the manual. The manual shows how your gun comes apart and goes back together.
Treating oil and solvent as the same thing. Solvent cleans. Oil goes on after the job. Our post on how often to clean your gun explains why more oil is not better.
What to Do Next at Lakeside
If you are not sure what size brush your gun needs, bring the gun in and we can tell you. For a cleaning, come by the shop in Cumming, or use the contact page to ask a question first. The gunsmithing page lists every job and price.
