Adding to Fumbler's excellent list:
1. Shaving brushes (two). One is used for easily and rapidly applying a light coat of oil (CLP) to all metal surfaces after cleaning. It can also be used to oil up a dirty or damp firearm until you have time to clean deliberately. It's also useful for evening out an already applied overly heavy coat of oil.
The second brush (kept dry) is used to brush away sand, dirt, dust, carbon, brass shavings, and gunpowder particles. It's especially useful for nooks and crannies, adjustable sights, scopes and other optics, trigger/frame area, and grips. You can attack what residue is left with a soft cotton rag (t-shirt), patches, and toothbrush.
Found in shaving/toiletries section of many large drug stores, some supermarkets, or even WalMart. About $3-$5 apiece.
2. Steel dental pick with a scraper end and curved pointy end (some come with a tool point on both ends...otherwise get two
). Invaluable for fine work cleaning out hard carbon buildup in tight corners, curves, or angles.
Available on-line from medical supply vendors or at flea markets, drug stores, military surplus stores, etc. A coupla bucks for 1 or two.
3. Small needle-nosed oiler. Allows you to put just a drop of oil/lube exactly where you need it without spraying or slopping excess all over other parts. Found in the hand tools section of places like Lowes or Home Depot.
4. Military surplus nylon rifle cleaning kit case. Available at any surplus store or on-line vendor like Brigade Quartermaster. You didn't say whether your son is an adult or juvenile. If he is old enough to drive himself to the range, he might appreciate having a handily portable soft kit...which the M16 cleaning kit case provides. Everything I need for a rifle or shotgun AND pistol can be fit into one of these.
Good Luck...
