Looking for the best way to clean your gun? Need to clean your gun but don’t have a proper cleaning kit? Don’t know about the necessary parts of a gun cleaning kit? Well, don’t worry, because we have got it all covered up for you. Here is how you can clean, maintain and store your rifle so that its accuracy and efficiency can be enhanced:

A top-notch gun cleaning kit contains all the tools you need to clean shotguns, rifles, and handguns. Cleaning kits contain several unique components that work in conjunction with each other to ensure a proper clean each time. A quality gun cleaning kit contains all the components in a light and portable case. It mostly contains the following parts:

• Cleaning rod
• Bore brush (caliber specific)
• Cleaning jags (slotted and form-fitting)
• Cleaning swab
• Mops
• Double-ended/utility brushes
• Cleaning patches (caliber specific, lint and fiber-free)
• Luster cloth/Silicone impregnated Gun and Reel Cloth
• Cotton swabs
• Bore snake
• Cleaning chemicals, including bore cleaners, action cleaners, and lubricants
• Disposable drip pan (to catch by-products and residue of the cleaning process)

Why do you need to clean your gun?

Over time, firearms can be damaged due to rust and friction. But you can protect your gun from corroding and wearing out through regular cleaning.

Types of Gun Cleaning:

Manual cleaning of a gun can take many forms; however, the two main types are:

1. Quick Clean:

In a quick clean, you simply give your gun a quick outer wipe with the help of a bore snake and some oil. It is a time-efficient technique. However, this method doesn’t clean the gun thoroughly.

2. Thorough Clean:

In this technique, the gun is given a thorough clean. The gun is disassembled and each part is cleaned separately. Although it is a time-consuming process, yet, the most effective one.

Advantages:

Manual cleaning helps strip away more dirt, rust, and debris. Furthermore, it also keeps all the gun parts well lubricated, which in turn reduces friction. It also provides protection from corrosion and rust, which are the biggest enemies of a gun.

How often does a gun need to be cleaned?

The frequency of cleaning your gun depends upon how often you use it. It also depends upon the number of rounds the gun fires during your trip to a shooting range. A gun should be given a rough clean after every 250-300 rounds. However, a thorough cleaning is required after 3000 rounds. The cleaning frequency also depends upon the type of gun you own. For example, shotguns require cleaning after only a few rounds.

Basic Components of a Gun Cleaning Kit:

1. Bore Brush

A bore brush can be made out of two materials; bronze and nylon

· Bronze Bore Brush:

A bronze brush is made with high-quality bronze. It can remove heavy carbon buildup from the gun. Bronze brushes have more scrubbing power than nylon brushes. This is the reason they are ideal for the removal of metallic and lead deposits from your firearm. You should pay attention to a bronze brush’s quality while purchasing one, so that it can last longer, and doesn’t scratch the gun’s body.

· Nylon Bore Brush:

Nylon brushes are present in larger cleaning kits. They are used for cleaning the areas that are unreachable with a bronze brush. Nylon brushes have high moisture absorbent rate and they lose their stiffness when exposed to wet environments. A nylon brush is a perfect choice for cleaning carbon residues from the gun.

2. Double-ended brush

A double-ended brush resembles a toothbrush and can be used to clean the gun’s exterior. It can clean hard-to-reach areas of your gun. This brush can easily clean carbon, copper, and oil residues. One end of the brush has traditional-sized bristles for cleaning large areas and the other end features small bristles for cleaning of tighter spots.

3. Cleaning swab

A cleaning swab allows you to easily access even the tiniest areas of the gun, thanks to its small size. The cleaning swab can easily remove any sort of dirt and debris through the cotton that covers its tip.

4. Cleaning patches:

Gun cleaning patches come in a variety of shapes and sizes, depending upon the cleaning preference, gun type, and quality. They are stored in plastic bags. Cleaning patches are ultra-absorbent, uniformly pre-cut, and an effective way to clean the gun. They can be used with cleaners and oils to ensure thorough cleaning.

5. Cotton swabs:

Cotton swabs simplify your gun cleaning task. These extra thick cotton swabs absorb and clean even the nastiest of dirt and carbon. A cotton swab should be among the components of a good gun cleaning kit.

6. Luster cloth

One quick wipe of a luster cloth is all it takes to convert your dull-looking gun into a glossy one! This cloth spreads a luster layer over the gun’s metallic surface. This layer not only repels dirt but also protects the gun from moisture. The luster catches all the dirt and debris and prevents it from entering the gun’s body. Luster clothes are usually made out of silicon.

7. Cleaning jag

A jag is used for cleaning a gun’s barrel. It is the most efficient way to remove fouling from the bore. Jags are the little attachments that go on the end of cleaning rods and hold the cleaning patch in its place, while you push the rod through the bore.

8. Bore snake:

A bore snake protects your gun from rust and corrosion effects. It is used for cleaning the barrel’s interior. Bore snakes come in different sizes, depending upon the barrel’s size. Each bore snake can last for up to two years.

9. Cleaning rods:

It is a sturdy, long, thin, straight rod made out of metal, rigid plastic, or carbon fiber. The cleaning rod usually has a handle to ensure a firm grip. There is a threading at one of its ends. This threading can be used to attach different cleaning accessories. A cleaning rod is used to push the brushes and cotton swabs into the barrel.

10. Cleaning solvent:

Cleaning solvent removes dirt from different parts of the gun. It is also used to clean the gun’s barrel and prevents the buildup of carbon. Different key factors determine the quality of a cleaning solvent. Some of them are as follows:

• Should be safe and easy to use
• Should be ultra-effective
• Should penetrate rapidly
• Should be long lasting
• Should have a lubricating film
• Should be non-toxic and biodegradable.

11. Gun oil:

Gun oil is a highly refined, petroleum-based lubricant. It lubricates the gun after the cleaning process completes. Lubrication is an effective way to improve a gun’s performance. Usually, a small amount of gun oil is enough to lubricate the moving parts of a gun.

12. Slotted patch holder:

A slotted patch holder is used to apply cleaners and lubricants to the gun’s surface. It can easily access the entire gun’s surface and comes in different sizes and shapes.

13. Flashlight:

A flashlight, also known as the bore light is another essential part of a quality gun cleaning kit. It is used for the bore’s inspection after it has been cleaned. The inspection ensures thorough cleaning. The bore can be cleaned again if dirt is still present inside. This flashlight is usually small, compact, and easy to use.

14. Muzzle guards:

Muzzle guards are used for the proper cleansing of the firearm’s muzzle. They provide necessary protection by shielding the barrel’s crown. These condom-sized rubber caps have great flexibility to support all the muzzle sizes, and to keep the dirt out of the barrel.

15. Firearm cleaning mats

These mats are used for the protection and cleaning of the firearm. A firearm cleaning mat protects the gun’s surface while cleaning. It is made up of leak-proof material, which protects the firearm’s surface from any sort of damage.

16. Wire brush

A wire brush can be used to remove rust from an old firearm. It resembles some of the dental tools. The wire brush is made out of copper. However, one should avoid its use on a new gun, as it can damage a firearm’s surface.

17. Cleaning pick

A cleaning pick is another best tool for gun cleaning. It can clean most of the gun parts without any damage. The cleaning pick can even reach the corners of the gun and clean them, thanks to its thin body. It is recommended to use a cleaning pick that is made out of a high-strength polymer so that it doesn’t leave any scratches behind.

18. Mat or Microfiber Cloth

A microfiber cloth must be the part of a quality gun cleaning kit. It is used to clean the firearm’s surface. In the last decade, microfiber cloth has become the cloth of choice for gun cleaning. This is because it removes all sorts of dirt and debris without forming any scratches.

Recommendations for storing cleaning tools:

If you are trying to figure out the best way to store gun cleaning tools in a well-arranged manner, then a large fishing tackle box can be a good choice. This box has multiple fold-out trays designed to hold the baits. These trays can be used to keep some of the gun cleaning tools. You may also use the box’s bottom to store larger tools

If you cannot buy a fishing tackle box, then a small tackle box, aerosol cans, or tall bottles can also be used to store the gun cleaning tools

Spray gun cleaning kit:

A spray gun is the main component in industrial finishing tasks. Just like normal guns, the spray guns also require a timely clean.

Parts of a Spray Gun:

Following are the main parts of a spray gun:

• Airhead
• Flow regulator
• Nozzle or peak
• Tank

Parts of spray gun cleaning kit:

Following are the components of the spray gun cleaning kit:

Gun Oil:

Gun oil protects the spray gun from rusting and corrosion. It also reduces friction and heat effects in the spray gun’s moving parts. This improves the gun’s performance and increases its service life.

Cleaning Solvent:

A gun cleaning solvent removes dirt and debris from different parts of a spray gun. It also prevents the build-up of fouling and grease in the nozzle. Furthermore, a gun cleaning solvent can also be used to clean the spray gun’s tank.

Cleaning Rods:

A cleaning rod is used to clean the nozzle’s inner area. It comes in different sizes for different nozzle types. You may select the one that can easily go into your spray gun’s nozzle.

Gun Cleaning Patches:

Depending on the cleaning desire, spray gun type, and quality, gun cleaning patches come in a variety of forms and sizes. Plastic bags are used to store them. Cleaning patches are ultra-absorbent, uniformly pre-cut, and a great method to keep your spray gun clean. They can be used in conjunction with cleansers and oils to ensure that any type of spray gun is thoroughly cleaned.

Best cleaning kits in the market:

Although there are a lot of gun cleaning kit manufacturers in the market, yet, the top notches are:

1. GLORYFIRE Universal Gun Cleaning Kit Luxury Hunting Rifle Handgun Shot Gun Cleaning Kit

2. GLORYFIRE Elite Rifle Handgun Shotgun Pistol Gun Cleaning Kit

3. The Real Avid AR15 Pro Pack
4. Allen 65 pc Ultimate Gun Cleaning Kit
5. DAC Winchester Super Deluxe Universal Gun Cleaning Kit

Instructions for the use of cleaning kits:

You just received a new gun cleaning kit that you ordered online. But now what? If you are an amateur, it is recommended to watch a few gun cleaning video tutorials on YouTube. Furthermore, the owner’s manual for your gun can also come in handy in the gun cleaning process. The cleansing process for each gun is a little different from other models.

The basic instructions for using a gun cleaning kit shall be discussed in detail below. These instructions are applicable for a handgun, shotgun, and rifle.

1. Wash your hands 

You should wash your hands before starting the cleaning process. This is done to avoid any unnecessary oils from getting onto the inner or outer parts of the gun.

2. Wear Protection Gloves

The next step is to wear protective gloves. Gloves prevent the absorption of gun cleaning solvents into your hands. Some solvents contain harmful chemicals that can damage your skin.  Therefore, it is advised to wear good quality gloves before cleaning your gun.

3. Unload the Gun:

Make sure that your gun is completely unloaded. There is a possibility that you might pull the gun’s trigger while cleaning it. This can cause a disaster if the gun is loaded! The gun’s magazine should also be emptied from any bullets. Double-check this step as it is an important one!

4. Place the Gun on a Gun Cleaning Mat:

It is recommended to use a gun cleaning mat for the cleaning process. This mat protects the surface from any solvents or scratches. Any sort of mat can also be used if you don’t have a gun cleaning mat with you.

5. Use the Bore Snake:

You may use a bore snake before putting your cleaning rods into use. The bore snake can remove some of the gunk from your gun. This step only takes about 10 seconds, and not only saves time but also eases the cleaning process.

6. Dismantle the Gun:

Follow the steps mentioned in the user’s manual to dismantle your gun. If you don’t have one, then it’s advised to watch a YouTube video tutorial and follow the steps along.

It’s a perfect time to use a gun cleaning vise if you have one. The vise is a perfect tool to keep your gun steady and performs well for long guns. However, it is not required for handguns.

7. Use the Cleaning Rods:

Gather your cleaning rods and select an appropriately sized brush for cleaning the gun. You may choose a bronze brush to start with. The bronze brush needs to be used with a gun cleaning solvent to achieve perfect cleaning.

Pull the bronze brush through the bore about 5-10 times to ensure thorough cleaning.

8. Use Cleaning Patches:

The next step is to use cleaning patches to remove dirt and debris from your gun. Wipe your gun with these patches repeatedly. Continue until the cleaning patches come out white after use. You may require 10-20 cleaning patches for this step.

9. Remove the Gun Cleaning Solvents:

The cleaning solvents have now done their job and need to be removed from the gun. Use fresh and dry cleaning patches to remove all the solvents, The cleaning patches have a liquid absorption ability, and thus, can absorb all the solvent completely.

10. Lubricate the Gun:

It is advisable to lubricate the gun after the cleansing process is complete. Lubrication not only protects the gun parts from rust but also prevents the accumulation of dust. This in return improves the gun’s performance.

11. Clean the Gun’s Exterior:

The gun’s exterior can be cleaned with a double-sided wire brush. Just apply a small about of CLP on the brush and clean off any areas that still hold some dirt or grease. Tiny rust spots also need to be immediately scraped off using the wire brush.

12. Assemble the Gun:

The cleaning process is now complete. The final step is to assemble the gun parts in the same way you dismantled them. It is suggested to lubricate your hands during this process.

Conclusion:

Mentioned above is the clean-up cycle to be followed for MOST guns. Each weapon cleaning unit has various segments but the majority of them have similar functioning, brushes, and poles.

This article gives an in-depth insight, on how important the cleaning of the weaponry is, concerning its optimum performance. Just like a human body needs food to survive, machines like guns and weapons, need to be serviced and looked after properly. Don’t forget to share this article with your friends if you found it helpful in any way.