Minimalist Cleaning Kit?

[BerettaNut92]

Could I get by well-stocked with lots of brake cleaner, a bottle of breakfree, and boresnakes for each caliber?

 

[Kevlarman]

I'd still get some real rods in addition of the boresnakes. As good as they are, there's no substitute for real scrubbing with a rod.
And besides, you can't hammer out a barrel obstruction with a snake.

 

[Kahr carrier]

Brake Cleaner??????

 

[TarpleyG]

Brake Cleaner??????

Cleans EVERYTHING off metal parts. Do not use on plastic though. They sell Gun Scrubber for $7 a can and you can get Brakleen (the same crap) for $2-$3 a can.

GT

 

[10-Ring]

I have replaced Break Free w/ Militec, for what it's worth I'd add a rag to your kit too.

 

[No4Mk1]

When I read the topic, that was almost exactly the kit I was thinking of. However, I would suggest this for "field expedient" cleaning, not for long term maintenance. My habit is to use the "field expedient" method after each range session then give a good cleaning once a month. My CCW is exempt from this, and gets a thorough cleaning after each use.

 

[Dave Markowitz]

Make up some Ed's Red . It's a good general purpose gun cleaner, and I've found it handy around the house, too.

 

[sm]

Otis Pull through system. Skunk you'll like the Tactical Kit

At the range with students I can go from 22lr to 12 bore. Yes I have even removed squib loads. I prefer to use a steel un-coated rod for serious removal of stuck rds, and serious cleaning. I use the Otis in the field ( I may take whole kit or only the cable for gun in use). I have used a varient of this system before Otis came out with it. Leather thong is what we called it, used on 22lr -12 bore. Boresnakes are cal./bore specific--since mine is paid for and multi caliber-plus not having to clean a snake --My preference.
Personally stay away from aluminum and coated rods, prefer one pc, but still have the 3 pc military style I bought in the mid 60's.

For a long time I had a Kleen-bore kit and used only their Formula 3, Leather thong, Hoppe's #9 . Q-tips, pipe cleaners, lighter fluid completed the method for a very very long time. Oh a muzzle guard was added--wooden thimbles whittled is what I had to use until the fancey ones came out.

Reminds me, I have nothing to clean and lube with around the house, gave all the junk I won and collected to a Scout troop. Last time I just used Zippo lighter fluid to clean found a few drops of something to lube in my old shell pouch stuff 'bout 10 yrs old--wouldn't have cleaned but rain and mud and 500 rds or so- figured why not.

 

[STEVE M]

Don't forget a toothbrush!

 

[VictorLouis]

Plastic box, about 3"X9"X5"

Ballistol(aerosol), Break-Free and Eezox(smallest sizes), MPro-7(small bottle).

Two CCI 100-ct .22LR plastic boxes with sliding lids contain patches, short rods, brushes, jeweler's drivers, jags, tube of grease, etc. Rest of vacant space has room for 3pc. rod, toothbruses, Brownell's driver w/handle storage, plastic rods etc.

Eclectic mix that works for me.

 

[Ledbetter]

Mineral spirits/Stoddard Solvent does the same thing as lighter fluid and is cheaper and less flammable. I use it for lots of things around the bench. It's like non-aerosol Brake cleaner/gun scrubber.

 

[garrettwc]

My kit is a rod, jag, bore brush, some patches, a toothbrush, and a bottle of FP-10.

You could pare it down even more with one of the Otis Kits suggested if you are looking for something for range or bugout bag.