(Part 2) Best gun cleaning kits according to redditors

First off familiarize yourself with the four rules of firearm safety

>Treat all guns as if they are loaded.

>Never let the muzzle cover anything you are not willing to destroy.

>Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target.

>Be sure of your target and what is beyond it.

sounds like a safe is out of the question, if so you can pick these up a couple of gunvault breech lock kits or these.

second you can pick up a universal gun cleaning kit, hoppes no. 9 cleaning solvent, and cleaning patches online or at your local Walmart.

search this question on firearms or ccw. Its been well covered there.

quick answer though:

bulk FMJ for range/target practice. Brand isn't that important. Winchester white box, cci blazer brass, seller and belloit, remington, pmc, Speer lawman, ANY of those brands should be absolutely fine. SOME people like one brand over another in terms of the ammo being "dirtier" (as in, how much carbon residue does it create and thus, how much work will it be cleaning your gun later)

  But general shootability, just pick whichever one of those you find a good price on.

 

Defensive ammo: You want hollow points. They do a better job of stopping the bad guy. They do a better job of NOT overpenetrating, going through the bad guy, and harming other things behind the bad guy.

 

Top recommended hollow point defensive choices are usually: Federal HST, Hornady Critical Defense, Speer Gold Dot. There are others that are probably fine too, but those three are probably the most recommended. Good chance, whatever police dept near you probably uses one of those three.

 

DON'Ts:

Do NOT bother with gimmicky high tech, superlight (50 grain) ammo with names like "RIP" or whatever. Its all hype.

Do NOT buy ammunition AT the shooting range, if you can at all help it. Shooting ranges typically have a crazy price markup on their ammo.
 

DOs:

Do buy your (target) ammo in bulk if you can. 500-100 rounds at a time is where you start to notice the savings.

Do use luckygunner, brickseek, r/gundeals. luckygunner is more of an ammo sales site, while brickseek is an indexer that shows you what current ammo prices are at other retailers.

 

----------------------------------

Non, ammo related things:

Cleaning: You don't need a lot. A good cleaning solvent, a lube, OR an all in one cleaner/lube combo (rem oil, clp, etc). A brush, a few gun q-tips, a bore snake , some rags or cloths (I like blue shop towels actually) and you're good. You can probably get a decent all in one kit off amazon for <$20. Also recommend a good cleaning mat You don't NEED the mat, but its convenient, keeps oil and scratches off your floor/table, and its like $10, why not? You also don't NEED the gun brand specific mat with YOUR gun diagram on it, but ... come on. Isn't it just a little cooler with it? Yeah, yeah it is.

 

As cleaning goes, this isn't military inspection. You don't need to scrub her spotless after every shoot. Just mostly wipe it down, get the noticeable carbon build up off, make sure the slide cycles smoothly, and IF anything internal is supposed to be factory shiny, make it shiny again. (specifically, it the feed ramp looks shiny )

 

Other than that...

Go shoot. A lot. A LOT

And ask questions.

Shooting is just like anything else. Practice a lot and ask for advice is how you get good.

They're available on Amazon for ~$10. Might have to clean the kit itself when you first get it.

Also, everyone's free to correct a potential old wives tale, but I recall reading warnings against using the original rods/kits for actual cleaning of the barrel due to being made of steel. Modern cleaning rods are typically composed of softer materials like brass or carbon fiber to prevent damage to the bore/rifling.

Here you go, buddy

Thats an m9a3 which shoots 9mm.

That detailing kit looks nice, but for my part, I'd rarely use it.

I use this multi gun kit. I added nylon picks and brushes for the rare occasion I'm deep cleaning without disassembly.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0046IHQVI/ref=mp_s_a_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1481042324&sr=8-10&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=compact+gun+cleaning+kit this works well for a pistol, add a boresnake for your rifle.

I get a lot of plastic fouling in my chokes. I've found that any of these approaches will do the job:

1. Soaking the choke tubes in Ed's Red overnight.
   
2. The previously-mentioned brass brush + electric drill. Finding a long-enough rod can be a problem w/ 32 inch barrels, and can be messy.
   
3. Spraying a bore solvent in the barrels and let it sit (with chokes screwed-in) for a few minutes. Then, follow w/ a Tornado Brush (use the brass version if you're worried about scratches; I use the stainless steel kind).
   
   I prefer "3". because it's the least time-consuming for me while still being pretty damn thorough.
   
   "2" is probably the most thorough, however, and doesn't take much elbow grease. Having a Gun Butler (or similar) really helps.
   
   "1" takes zero physical effort but won't address plastic fouling in the barrels.

My kit

Real Avid Handgun Smart Mat-19-inch by 16-inch Handgun Cleaning Mat https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0185PB8AW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_WuTl343G4CERJ

Hoppe's 24002 BoreSnake Pistol and Revolver Bore Cleaner, 9mm, .357, .380, .38 Caliber https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0013RKHJI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_Bre6MnkuW1npv

Birchwood Casey Gun Cleaning Patch for 2 1/4" Square 9 mm/.38/.45 Caliber (Pack of 500) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TD0UEGI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_8wvVvfu8z14rN

Hoppe's Elite Gun Cleaner Spray Bottle, 8 Ounces https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0013RA3A6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_o5oHvt8b7y27O

Hoppe's No. 9 Gun Grease, 1-3/4 oz. Tube https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000PW5ZGC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_HI2YuNyqeJeOt

Hoppe's No. 9 Lubricating Oil, 14.9 ml Precision Bottle https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0013R67A6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_i8emEskpQydLM

SE 7624BC-5 Gun Cleaning Set with 3 Brushes & 2 Double-Ended Picks https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009HD0R86/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_e675klKxRfh9s

Ballistol Multi-Purpose Oil, Aerosol spray, 6 oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004ERKCIA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_QH46NYitYG8Xb

Hoppe's No. 9, 9-Piece Pistol Cleaning Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004U8S0D2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_e30bzbRXP7JAR

(Tapered and Regular Tip) Type-III 100pc Gun Cleaning 6 Inch American Made Cotton Swabs https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008CPU4JW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_OcSPLNbBbOo6M

I also picked up some cans of compressed air at Walmart

I just went through this not too long ago, and ended up forgetting a whole bunch of stuff. What I eventually got was this cleaning kit, simple eye protection at wal-mart, earmuffs like these, and a range bag to put it all in.

I haven't used any of it longer than a month, but so far it works well.

For easily striped firearms I like using a jag and rod, seems to get better results. Pick up one of those $10 cleaning kits. It'll get you a decent rod, a starter bottle of solvent, and an oil that'll last you a good while. I personally would also pick up a brass jag, I've had the plastic ones flex and break on me.

I personally like Hoppes #9, if you get one of those kits, it comes with a smaller bottle that will last you a long time if you keep your collection small.

I use Hoppes oil, but this is all personal preference. Clean motor oil will also work.

"If it slides grease it, if it rotates oil it"
My brother picked up some of this and it is enough for a lifetime. It is actually what is called for to grease the M1 Garand
Not the best grease, but it works for what we need. A little on the rails is plenty.
However oil will work if you don't have grease, but know that oil is more likely to drip/dry off than grease. So oil needs to be reapplied more than grease.

I only use patches with a wet jag to get the barrel. For wiping things down I generally use a paper towel. My brother uses old towels or shirts.

Those double sided brushes are nice for getting into small places, but any old brush will work.

Guns can go a while before they need cleaned. It is fine to clean a gun after every range trip, but there is no advantage if you do. Keeping it lubed is more important than keeping it clean.

You sir could use some gun scrubber

I would suggest just getting this or this You don't really need the bcg a chamber brush or one of the brass wire brushes that looks like a tooth brush works fine.

I'll check him out, though thinking I'll just order a large custom printed mousepad with a modified design.

Always wanted somthing like This for working on balisongs.

Edit: Those are some swank hanks... might have to get myself a couple of those

This little gem that packs up nice and small! Real Avid Gun Boss Universal Pull-Through Cleaning Kit: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00AIQWNLA

I found mine from Glocks Amazon.

Glock AD00073 Perfection OEM Cleaning Bench Mat https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A6VX9M4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_WvaDCbBGR3J6J

I like a man/woman who speaks my language.

Enjoy:

Rod

Brass Jags

Patches

Clothes

I don’t think the length matters provided that it will fit in a .30 caliber barrel and it’s long enough to get down a 16” barrel as they all are. This is what I’m using:


Tipton Deluxe 1-Piece Carbon Fiber Cleaning Rod 27-45 Cal. 36", retail pk https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BYAKDC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ZaiDDb56G9GFM

I bought this kit from Amazon and a quick search found this rod which I can't speak for personally but seems to be correct.

Here's the bipod, it's kinda crap though, here's the cleaning kit, here's the cleaning rod, and here's the mags but detachables are crap.

Amazon link:

http://www.amazon.com/Squeeg-E-Universal-Cleaning-System-17096/dp/B008FQIR42/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1371482597&sr=8-1&keywords=rem+squeeg-e+universal+gun+cleaning+system

Something like this?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AIQWNLA/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

I think I might try this. Some seem to like these and others swear by their rods. It seems this uses std brushes and patches, etc, and you can use it on level guns and semi's like the ruger 10/22 pretty easily.

Regular bits are angled. Gunsmithing bits are square. If you use regular bits your screw heads will certainly show damage. You most certainly need proper fitting hollow ground bits to do the job right.

Field stripping an M1 Garand does not require any tools. But what you're attempting to do does.

My buddy asked me for my recommendation last year and I told him this: it's more important you have the correct sized bits vs high quality bits. If you can afford both, great! But most of us have a budget so go with a set with a large variety of sizes. Remember, both the width and depth are equally important. A bit that is too wide will open the ends of a head like an opposing set of parentheses. A bit that is too narrow round out the top like opposing lower-case r's.

He ended up buying:
Wheeler 89-Piece Deluxe Gunsmithing Screwdriver Set, Black/Yellow https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001C63M7O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_uwzdBbY5REFM0

And of course, you need to steady the rifle so be sure to have a cleaning rest. Mine is cheap but it works great:
Tipton Gun Butler https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0036FFQAU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_NyzdBbR86YV6Z

Here you go: Gloryfire Cleaning Kit

Thank you! Almost exactly what I was looking for... I think this one seems a little more for my guns and durable to boot! I had no idea such things existed.

I shoot thousands of rounds every year in several pistol sports. I have this kit in my range bag and I don't bother getting out my tackle box of gun cleaning supplies when I need to clean my handguns. There is space for some cleaning patches inside as well, then just throw whatever solvent/lube or clp you like to use in the bag as well, and you're ready for everything.

http://www.amazon.com/Win-Compact-Pistol-Clng-Alum/dp/B0046IHQVI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1411791435&sr=8-2

• 1: Cleaning rod - don't use steel cleaning rods for real 22's.. they will scratch the crap out of your inner barrel.
  
  
• 2: Put 22 cal. Cloth barrel cleaning pads on rod
  
  
• 3: Silicone spray (the least amount of petroleum in the lube is best, it will break down rubber surfaces such as hopup rubber) on the cloth, scrub inner barrel. You will notice the shittier the BB's you use, the more BB residue will come out along with dust and dirt.
  
  
• 4: Put clean cloth pad on cleaning rod without silicone and clean the barrel again.

hey I bought this cleaning kit
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001FKUL4E?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00

But unfortunately I didn't read the reviews first and didn't realize it was for a m44 and also alot of people said the firing pin depth gauge sizes are all wrong, is there a place that has all the dimensions of the correct firing pin tools measurements so I can see if they are correct?

• Cheap power strip or two.
  
• Roll of electrical tape
  
• Mosin-Nagant Bolt Tool- it's a really nice lever when you need to violently separate two things.
  
  
• Two nylon spudgers, for when you need to separate two things in a not-so-violent manner.
  
• An emergency lock-pick set, where legal.
  
• A paper back book of something you can just pick up and read any section. I used to have Machivelli's The Prince, now I have Pirsig's Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. This will let you deal with frustration and boredom while you're waiting for something.
  
  
  
  
  

there's this stuff:

Nikwax Cotton Proof

which has relatively good reviews

I'd avoid applying any sort of beeswax or oil to the coat that would drastically alter it's appearance. I'm not too familiar with otterwax.

I think a nikwax product made for cotton would work fine and have the least side effects. Ultimately you'll have to alter your existing coat in some way if you want to increase its water-resistance.

As long as you dry it well after every sit and store it in a fairly dry place it should be fine. A gun snake should do for the inside and papers towels for the outside, just be sure you get every tight crevasse.

If you really want to take good care of your guns I'd recommend a cleaning kit, something like this, if you don't already have one. My dad bought a set for muzzle loading guns but they are amazingly useful for shotguns and normal rifles as well. I give them a quick clean with these each night during a hunt then a thorough clean with gun oil both on the inside and outside of the barrel before storing. I don't use anything on the stock since mine are all composite or well worn wood, but furniture polish wouldn't be a bad idea for a wood stock to keep it looking new.

If you want to use something that you can pull through like a bore snake but still uses separate brushes and patches, take a look st the Otis System.

Otis Deluxe Rifle/Pistol Cleaning System https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000U416EK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Z4PsDb7638245

Hello!

I recently purchased a Glock 19 Gen 4 - I paid $529.00 out the door with 3 15 round mags. If you are in North Texas, stop by SportingArms.com - I bought from them and they are a great little mom and pop shop in Lewisville. Anyway, on to your questions.

1. I have the Glock 19 Gen 4, I have about 2000 rounds through it now (updated extractor and 043 spring installed). I have had NO issues with it at all. Even with crap Brown Bear ammo I bought. The only issue I've had is that some times the lower grain cheapo target practice ammo (115 gr) didn't kick the slide back far enough to lock the slide back after the mag was empty. But as of lately, it appears as though the spring as loosened up a bit, and now it locks back as it should.
   
   2.) Don't buy a GunVault safe. They apparently fail to open some times, not something you want happening when it really counts. Also, apparently if you pick it up and drop it hard, it can open! I bought a Barska Biometric safe Link to Amazon Page I have had no issues with it, it's quiet and fast.
   
   3.) Cleaning is easy. Hops #9 Kit , 9mm Bore Snake, and a clean DRY toothbrush.
   
   As for ammo, I've put cheap brown bear, winchester white box, and federal champion ammo through it without problems. Personally I like the winchester whitebox, it's reasonably cheap and clean, and can be purchased at your local walmart for about $22.00 a box (100 rounds)
   
   edit: For cheap bulk ammo, check out gun-deals.com
   
   

Easiest thing - go to a sporting good store, buy a gun cleaning kit for $10 (outers, Hoppes, Winchester) and use the supplies included.

It will have a solvent designed for guns, and a lube/oil designed for guns. You will have all the stuff you need.

Additionally, you will need a cleaning kit, like here.

https://smile.amazon.com/PS-Products-AR15-M16-Cleaning/dp/B003ITAFMS/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1498843976&sr=8-8&keywords=ar+cleaning+kit

Also it's a good idea to use paper towels, q-tips, patches, and dental picks.

You don't need to clean your gun every time you go shooting, although it's not a bad idea. I typically clean my gun every other time, or about 200+ rounds. There are AR guides on youtube of all the secret little places where carbon loves to build up, too.

Wear ear protection. Every single time. I always, indoors or outdoors, wear earplugs with earmuffs on top. Gun stores have specialty ones but hardware store ear muffs work just as fine.

Finally, use eye protection as well. Just any safety glasses will do. Sometimes my AR will spit hot gas, carbon, and CLP into my eyes. That's just the way they work with the charging handle at the rear. Also saves you from shrapnel on the very, very off chance of a severe malfunction.

edit:

https://smile.amazon.com/Break-Free-Cleaner-Lubricant-Preservative-Squeeze/dp/B0050GW7KU/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1498844908&sr=8-3&keywords=clp

Also you're gonna need some CLP, cleaning and lube oil basically.

To clean your gun, wipe down all the dirt and oils, scrape the carbon out, clean the barrel, and then use a little clp to lube the gun and put a thin coat of oil on all the metal parts to prevent rust and wear.

If you AR came with a manual there may be a section of how to break it down and clean it.