For any tool or machine to perform optimally, it needs regular care and maintenance. Guns are no exception. Regular cleaning and inspection ensure your gun will perform when you need it most. It might be boring, but a clean gun could be the difference between a misfire and a life-saving shot.
But, you can’t just run your pistol through the dishwasher — and while ketchup can clean out the gunk when you’re flat broke, it’s not a great solution to rely on. To clean your handgun properly, you need a good handgun cleaning kit.
These kits contain all the necessary materials to give your gun the cleaning job it deserves. In this article, we’ll break down the key features of these kits, plus our list of the top five best handgun cleaning kits on the market.
Quick List: Our Top 5 Handgun Cleaning Kits
- Real Avid Gun Boss Handgun Cleaning Kit: Good all-around handgun cleaning kit for beginners.
- Otis Defender Series Cleaning Kit (9mm Version): Solid caliber-specific set that includes everything you need for cleaning your gun.
- Real Avid Gun Boss Pro Handgun Cleaning Kit: Slightly up-scale kit with an indestructible case.
- Hoppe’s No. 9 62-Piece Universal Cleaning Kit: Complete luxury cleaning kit for every gun in your arsenal.
- Gloryfire Universal Handgun Cleaning Kit: Excellent value portable kit with high-quality components.
(Source: otistec.com)
Why Clean Your Gun?
With the quality of modern firearms and ammo, you could probably never clean your gun and it would still work relatively fine. But, “relatively fine” doesn’t cut it for a life-saving tool. You need optimal performance.
Cleaning your firearm regularly provides several advantages:
- Improved accuracy: A barrel full of dirt and grime can affect the trajectory of the bullet. Cleaning it makes your gun shoot straighter. If the day ever comes when you need to take a once-in-a-lifetime shot, don’t let a dirty gun ruin your chances of survival.
- Greater longevity: Regular maintenance keeps your gun in good working order, reduces the need for expensive repairs or replacements, and generally optimizes its lifespan.
- Enhanced reliability: Dirty guns are more prone to jamming, stovepiping, and/or misfiring, and Murphy’s law ensures they will happen at the worst possible time. A clean gun increases the odds of smooth and predictable operation.
How Often Should You Clean Your Gun?
Cleaning frequency will vary based on use and personal preference. But as a general rule, it’s a good idea to clean your gun after every 500 rounds or every six months, whichever comes first. However, don’t overclean your gun, either. Excessive cleaning is a waste of time and might do more harm than good. It’s a gun, not silverware.
When in doubt, check with your gun’s manufacturer to know exactly how and when to clean it.
Want to learn more about gun cleaning? Check out our gun cleaning guide for tips on materials, process, and frequency.
(Source: https://gloryfire.com/products/universal-gun-cleaning-kit-elite)
Handgun Cleaning Kits Explained
Here is a quick breakdown of what you need to know about cleaning kits before you buy one.
Handgun Cleaning Kit Types
Handgun cleaning kits come in a variety of flavors. Here are the most common:
- Beginner kits include essential items and won’t overwhelm you with options. You can figure out what tools you like, what you don’t like, and what items need to be durable. Plus, beginner kits often include common items that last forever, so they are a good place to start.
- Specific kits are designed for a particular caliber (e.g., 9mm) or gun type (e.g., handguns). If you only own one gun and don’t plan to buy more, a specific kit might be best for you.
- Universal kits include tools to clean various calibers and gun types — a good choice if you own multiple guns. However, these kits tend to be larger and less portable.
- Compact/travel kits are designed for range or hunting trips. These kits tend to be smaller and simpler, only including essential items to keep your guns operational until you can get home and apply a more thorough clean.
- DIY kits are customizable kits you assemble yourself. These are ideal for experienced owners who know exactly what they need for their arsenal and shooting habits. It’s probably best to start with a ready-made kit if you’re a beginner. Over time, all kits become DIY kits.
Common Handgun Cleaning Kit Components
Handgun cleaning kits include a bunch of strange-looking tools which might be confusing. Here are the essential tools that good handgun cleaning kits include (and their uses):
- Solvents are cleaning chemicals that help break down residue and fouling inside the barrel (the bore) and on other parts of the gun.
- Bore brushes are circular metal brushes used to clean the bore and are made in various sizes for different calibers.
- Cleaning patches are made from absorbent material and are used to distribute solvent through the bore.
- Slotted tips attach to the cleaning rod and hold patches for wiping down the bore.
- Jags are caliber-specific tools that hold patches for precise bore cleaning.
- Mops are fluffy, absorbent tools used to dry and polish the bore after cleaning.
- Rods are solid metal tools that allow you to reach cleaning patches, brushes, and mops all the way through the bore.
- Extender cables are flexible devices that pull cleaning implements through the bore.
- Bore snakes are single-piece, single-pass cleaning tools made from absorbent material and/or brushes used for quick cleaning.
- Utility brushes are used for cleaning exterior parts like the slide and magazine.
- Lubricants help keep moving parts functioning smoothly.
- Gun cloths are used for final exterior wipe-down of the gun prior to storage or holstering.
Handgun Cleaning Kits: Our Top 5 Picks
Here is a list of our top picks for good handgun cleaning kits.
Real Avid Gun Boss Handgun Clning Kt
$19.99
The Gun Boss
Prices accurate at time of writing
1. Real Avid Gun Boss Handgun Cleaning Kit
The Real Avid Gun Boss Handgun Cleaning Kit is a great overall choice for beginners. This compact, portable kit contains the basic tools you need to clean the most common handgun calibers both at home or in the field.
Designed for portability, the sturdy, lightweight zippered case neatly contains tools and components, making it easy to toss into a backpack or range bag. The solid bronze brushes and tips are gentle on your gun but designed to last. Plus, the kit includes plenty of cleaning patches to run through as you figure out the cleaning process that works best for you.
Users agree this kit is a good value for beginners, but there are some complaints about overall component quality. The kit also doesn’t include solvent or lubricant, so you’ll need to buy them separately.
Kit Details
Price: $19.99
Calibers: .22 through .45
Items included:
- Compact zippered nylon case
- 4x bronze phosphor bore brushes
- 4x bore patch jags
- 2x slotted tips
- Cleaning rod with T handle
- 50x cleaning patches
What Users Are Saying
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Good value for money | Some complaints about material quality and durability |
| Convenient and portable compact size | No solvent or lubricant included |
| Effective for multiple calibers | |
| Great choice for new handgun owners |
(Source: otistec.com)
2. Otis Defender Series Cleaning Kit (9mm Version)
The Otis Defender Series Cleaning Kit is a high-quality, caliber-specific kit that contains everything you need to clean your gun, all packed into a durable, lightweight case. This kit is perfect for use at home, at the range, or in the field.
The kit is built around Otis's signature Memory-Flex cables, which allow for a breech-to-muzzle cleaning approach, reducing the risk of damage to your gun’s bore. Plus, the kit includes a Ripcord (bore snake) for rapid, single-pass cleaning.
Users say this compact kit contains high-quality components and includes everything you need to clean, but the price might be a little high for some gun owners. Also, the kit doesn’t include jags or mops, which would be expected at this price point.
Kit Details
Price: $84.99
Calibers: .38 and 9mm
Items included:
- Durable nylon zipper case
- 2x bronze phosphor bore brushes
- 2x brass slotted tips
- Memory-Flex extender cable
- Brass cleaning rod system
- 10x cleaning patches
- 1x all-purpose utility brush
- 1x Ripcord
- 0.5 fl. oz. FP-10 CLP
What Users Are Saying
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Complete kit with excellent design | Other kits offer better value considering price and contents |
| Compact size great for hunting and range trips | No jags or mops included |
| High quality components and materials |
Real Avid Gun Boss Pro Hndgun Cln Kt
$24.99
The Gun Boss
Prices accurate at time of writing
3. Real Avid Gun Boss Pro Handgun Cleaning Kit
The Real Avid Gun Boss Pro Handgun Cleaning Kit is the “pro” version of the first kit on our list. This highly-organized portable kit is packed neatly into a nearly indestructible kickstand-style polycarbonate case. Plus, components are labeled for easy organization and use, avoiding the confusion of other kits.
The kit contains a complete set of cleaning tools, including a well-designed ergonomic handle for precise control while bore cleaning. Most common handgun calibers can be cleaned effectively with this pro-level kit.
Users agree this kit provides excellent value for the money, highlighting the compact size and well-organized case. However, some users complain about the quality of components, including flimsy plastic bore jags.
Kit Details
Price: $24.99
Calibers: .22 through .45
Items included:
- Durable polycarbonate case with kickstand design
- 4x bronze phosphor bore brushes
- 4x bore patch jags
- 2x brass slotted tips
- 2x brass rods plus ergonomic handle
- 25x cleaning patches
What Users Are Saying
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Great value for money | Some complaints about overall component quality |
| Compact size great for hunting and range trips | Plastic bore jags may lack durability |
| Case design makes it easy to use and organize |
(Source: www.hoppes.com)
4. Hoppe’s No. 9 62-Piece Universal Cleaning Kit
The Hoppe’s No. 9 62-Piece Universal Cleaning Kit is a comprehensive cleaning solution for gun owners with multiple firearms. This kit includes everything you need to clean just about every weapon in your arsenal including pistols, rifles, and shotguns.
The kit contains numerous jags, brushes, and swabs, making it one of the most versatile kits you can buy. Plus, all components are housed in a handsome, sturdy case with a classic, timeless look.
While this kit provides fantastic value for the money, the number of components might be overwhelming for beginners. To be clear, this kit is an investment — one that tends to pay off if you have a larger arsenal to use it on. Also, some users complain that the components aren’t labeled, which can quickly lead to kit chaos!
Kit Details
Price: $73.95
Calibers: All common calibers
Items included:
- Durable plastic clamshell case
- 14x bronze bore brushes
- 4x bore patch jags
- 13x pointed jags
- 4x brass slotted tips
- 6x brass rods
- 25x cleaning patches
- 4x polishing cloths
- 3x utility brushes
- Gun bore cleaning solvent
- Lubricating gun oil
What Users Are Saying
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Great value considering the wide range of components | No labels on the components, which can be confusing |
| Covers every caliber including pistols, rifles, and shotguns | Too big and cumbersome for hunting and range trips |
| Durable, easy-to-organize case |
(Source: gloryfire.com)
5. Gloryfire Universal Handgun Cleaning Kit
The Gloryfire Universal Handgun Cleaning Kit is a budget-friendly option for beginners that doesn’t skimp on quality. Suitable for most common handgun calibers, this versatile kit has all the tools you need for optimal cleaning.
Kit components are packed into a lightweight, portable iron case that can withstand the toughest environments. Take this dependable kit anywhere to make sure your gun is clean after a long day at the range or in the field.
Users say this is a solid, affordable choice for beginners, with high-quality components usually reserved for more expensive kits. However, the kit lacks some specialized tools common in other kits, and the box might be a little small for the components.
Kit Details
Price: $14.99
Calibers: .22 through .45
Items included:
- Tough, lightweight iron case
- 4x brass bore brushes
- 4x brass bore patch jags
- 2x brass slotted tips
- 4x cleaning mops
- 2x cleaning rods
- Extended cable (220mm)
- 30x cleaning patches
- 1x utility brush
What Users Are Saying
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Great value for a universal handgun cleaning kit | No lubricant or solvent included |
| High-quality materials, especially considering the price | Some complaints that the tin is too small for the components |
| Compact and portable | |
| Includes cleaning mops |
Final Word
If you deal with tools and machines, you know that care and maintenance is a way of life. Guns are no different. Not only does regular cleaning help ensure safety and reliability, but it also extends the life of your guns.
Whether you build a kit yourself or buy one ready-made, you need to fit firearm maintenance into your schedule — it’s all part of responsible gun ownership.
Looking for a good handgun cleaning kit to get started? Want to expand your existing kit with better materials and tools? Pro Armory has you covered. Check out our selection of kits, components, and cleaning solutions. We have everything you need to clean and maintain your gun so you can be confident it will function when you need it the most.
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