Recommend a gun cleaning kit

[JustSomeGuy264]

I'm in the market for a new gun cleaning kit, the one I have now just doesn't get it and its time for a new one. I'm hoping you guys can recommend a good kit for me. I dont have a lot of guns, .243, 25-06, .264 couple .22's, .17 hmr and a couple 12 gauges. Most kits I see have a cable instead of rods, I've never used a cable so thoughts and tips on them would be appreciated. Also quality solvents and lubricants to stock up on.

Gonna use my govt money on it so if its a little pricey that's OK as long as its worth it.

Thanks

 

[hanno]

I have never bought a kit. I started out with a good cleaning rod and have added various patches and accessories over the years.

I also use BoreSnakes. You will find some folks use them and other folks hate them. They have worked for me.

As far as lubes and solvents go, check this thread out:
https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/what-is-everyones-favorite-gun-oil.880551/

 

[rust collector]

Hanno speaks wisely. Kits, like sets of kitchen knives, invariably include stuff you don't need and the basics are not as good as if you selected solid specimens after experienced user input.

I echo the recommendation to start with good quality rods. Dewey, Pro-Shot and many others make good rods. Some like solid stainless, others prefer coated and still others like carbon fiber. Talk to people who use them a lot, and use a larger rod than .22 when the bore is large enough. You can buy sets of brushes, mops and jags inexpensively and replace if they wear out. 17 cal rods are pretty whippy, so you may want to try a pull-through for them and see how you like that approach.

 

[hanno]

I echo the recommendation to start with good quality rods. Dewey, Pro-Shot and many others make good rods. Some like solid stainless, others prefer coated and still others like carbon fiber. Talk to people who use them a lot, and use a larger rod than .22 when the bore is large enough.

And, just like with the lube and solvents thread, there are also a lot of opinions regarding the best brand and type of rod. Still, any of the good ones (rust collector posted a couple) will do the job.

 

[troy fairweather]

In the end just build your own kit, things may cost more but you won't have to spend money on things you won't use.

 

[Mark1964]

I build my own.
But if you want to start with a kit, I'd look at Pro Shot or Shooter's Choice.

 

[Aim1]

All of those guns in a similar caliber size you only need 1 rod I'd say. If I was you I'd get a Tipton Carbon Fiber Rod in .22 caliber and then get a small clear tacklebox and put the correct sized caliber brushes in it. Use a label maker to put the caliber size on the lid of the tacklebox so they are easy to find.


https://www.opticsplanet.com/tipton...er-193146313=dot-22-caliber&_iv_rod-length=40







And then a Viper Boresnake for the shotguns since they don't have rifling.

 

[Jack B.]

I pretty much build my own. Buy things as needed.

 

[Jimbo80]

For the most part I'm a Ballistol and Boresnake guy.

 

[ericuda]

I agree I wouldn't get a kit I would goto midwayusa or your favorite site and just start adding what you need. I would get a couple different caliber rods which are the most expensive then just add jags, patches, brushes, lubricants, bore guides and a decent box too. The reviews and popularity kinda guide you to what folks use.

 

[Bartojc]

Buy a one piece rod or two in diameter for your guns, Dewey or Tipton are fine. Get good jags and good brushes for your specific calibers. Add in a $15 bore guide, and some patches ant you should be set. You will get as many recommendations for cleaners as there are days in a month. I used Hoppes #9 for years but once I got a bore scope I realized it wasn't as good as I thought. I've used Butch's Bore Shine, Shooters Choice MC#7, others. I just ordered some Bore Tech Eliminator so we'll see how that goes.

PS: maybe a set of pics/scrapers; dental pics on amazon <$10.

-Jeff

 

[Yo Mama]

No way I'd get a kit, I'm way to pickey.

Clp 3 in 1
Boresnake
Q tips
Plastic picks
Old shirt

 

[George P]

For rods, Tipton, Dewey or ProShot
Boresnakes if not cleaned, just act like a nice abrasive when you pull it down the bore, (best way to clean is with Dawn, hot water and a plastic milk jug). Also, if using in a small bore like a .22, make sure to tie a length of cord to the loop end so when the pull string breaks off (and it will), you can pull it back out.

Patches, I like ProShot flannel; for cleaners, ANY good solvent will work; lubricant, any good motor oil or similar, for grease, I like Shooter's Choice red in the syringe and RIG

 

[P5 Guy]

otis cleaning kit - MidwayUSA

I like these, small enough to fit in the range bag so I always have on hand.

 

[JustSomeGuy264]

Thanks for the input guys. I took your advice and just bought the pieces I need individually. Dont know why but I'd never considered doing it that way.

 

[CapnMac]

Millions of years ago in the Beforetimes, I bought a Hoppes kit, and was gifted a Shooter's Choice.
Having two flimsy boxes was a pain, so they were combined into a cheap tackle box. The plastic jag tips were replaced at various gun shows by brass. The bristle brushes had "torpedo" equivalents purchased as well. Mops were added as well. Chamber brushes, too.

The adaptable clear tackle boxes were added to the mix to keep track of all the bits. I used sharpie on the inside of the clear containers, and repeated that on the outside where the solvents would not lift them up.

Eventually, there was a sale on tool-box style 3-drawer tool boxes at one of the big-box stores. Found my roll of toolbox drawer liner, and set up the shelves, then added the tackle and storage boxes. The drawers are long enough for all three pistol rods, and all the extension rods. The top lid is tall enough for solvent bottles, patches ,and a can of gun scrubber. Only bits that don't fit are the full-length rifle rods.

You may start with a kit, but you will winds up with bits & pieces in the end.

 

[CapnMac]

Use a label maker to put the caliber size on the lid of the tacklebox so they are easy to find.
View attachment 969998
View attachment 969996

Label maker pretty smart idea.
I found I want to look in the tray directly and see. But, amazingly, gun solvents will lift Sharpie permanent ink readily.
So, I write in the bottom, then flip over and trace on the outside.

Now, I have a bro, electrician by trade, he has shrink tube color coding, which makes me jealous.