Best Universal Gun Cleaning Kit – Buying Guide & Reviews

Owning a gun is a common thing nowadays, but it is also a privilege that comes with a huge responsibility. If you keep your gun at home, proper firearm education is needed for both yourself and your family. The more you know about guns, the less likely you will become a victim of an accident. Proper and safe gun ownership covers everything from storage and marksmanship to proper gun cleaning knowledge. Handguns and good rifles are precision instruments that are designed to perform. Cleaning them regularly using the best gun cleaning kit makes it simpler for you to keep your firearm in tip-top condition.

Why You Need a Gun Cleaning Kit?

Every time a gun is fired, powder ignites, sending a bullet down the barrel. The gloves in the barrel, known as rifling, imparts a spin to the bullet thereby increasing its accuracy. However, the gunpowder residue left behind can build up over time which can impair the proper functioning of the firearm thereby reducing the accuracy of your target. The frequency of using your gun should dictate the frequency of cleaning it. If it is not periodically cleaned, it begins losing its proper functionality. The rifling may become plugged thereby causing an improper spin. If the build-up becomes immense, the bullet pathway might get blocked resulting in a breech explosion or backfire.

Powder residue is not the only problem; dirt, debris, and dust can take their toll. Even if you store your gun in an air-tight safe, it will collect dirt and dust during use. That’s why you need to clean it regularly to prolong its life and keep its accuracy and functionality intact. Moisture and humidity are also a big issue; to prevent your gun’s internal components from rusting, you need to clean it properly using a quality gun cleaning kit to dry all the gun’s internal parts thoroughly.

With that in mind, we can now narrow down to the top 10 best gun cleaning kits on the market.

Best Universal Gun Cleaning Kit Comparison Table

1. Otis Elite Cleaning System

** Editor’s Choice – Best Universal Gun Cleaning Kit**

If you like products made in the USA, then this is a kit for you. Entirely made in the USA, Otis Elite Cleaning System is a one-stop shop for your gun cleaning essentials. It has high-quality materials that will get the job done. Otis has dedicated time addressing every detail a gun owner needs, to maintain their firearms.

Instead of multi-piece rods, this gun cleaning kit comes with six Memory-Flex Cables, which have varying lengths and are coated to protect them from damages. The 750 lb. pull strength gives you peace of mind as it ensures you get a smooth pull without it snapping.

With 22 bore brushes, this kit may seem overwhelming for a person looking for a simple gun cleaning kit, but it is the best kit to buy. Otis mean business when they decide to make something, and with this cleaning kit, they did an exceptional job.

Each brush is caliber-specific and color-coded with the size indicated on their stem. These brushes not only have a thicker bristle pack but also have proprietary Tufcor core wire that has a tighter twist for better brush life and bristle retention.

It has forty different gun components and therefore can be used for rifles and pistols from .17-.50 calibers.

It comes with a user manual and also a maintenance guide as well as six memory flex cables of varying lengths with 100 percent cotton patches.

Pros of Otis Elite Cleaning System

• It has advanced gun cleaning components
• Comes with a user manual and gun maintenance guide
• It is made from high-quality nylon and has 40 different components
• It is an all-inclusive gun cleaning kit

Cons of Otis Elite Cleaning System

• From the Otis Elite Gun Cleaning Kit reviews, we learned that this set doesn’t have component to put pressure on the wall of a bore

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2. Ohuhu Universal Gun Cleaning Kit

** Best Budget Universal Gun Cleaning Kit **

If you are looking to upgrade your traditional gun cleaning equipment, this affordable yet durable universal kit from Ohuhu will fit the bill. It has high-quality components and boasts a high rating on Amazon. All its tools are packaged in a durable carrying case and are made of the best and safest materials. It guarantees a hassle-free cleaning experience for different types and models of guns.

Featuring six aluminum rods, three of which are for short guns while three for riffles, Ohuhu Universal Hand Gun offers users an ultimate gun cleaning kit. Users also get cleaning brushes of varying sizes to cleaning different types of guns, regardless of their calibers or sizes.

Another great thing about Ohuhu Universal Hand Gun is that it is highly portable, a feature that comes in handy when you are traveling.

Its stunning aluminum carrying casing weighs around two pounds and is strong enough to keep all tools safe. Users also get a user booklet that has detailed information about how to clean and maintain your gun.

One outstanding thing about Ohuhu Universal Hand Gun is that you get a lifetime support guarantee and a 1-year replacement warranty. Therefore, it is one of the most reliable cleaning kits on the market for its price tag. However, it does not include cleaning solutions and fluids; buyers need to purchase these accessories separately.

This set includes carbon, lead, and copper. The valuable 28 accessories you get with this kit are capable of cleaning different types of firearms regardless of their caliber, size, or type.

Pros of Ohuhu Universal Hand Gun

• It is perfect for all types of pistols and shotguns
• It is lightweight and portable
• It’s solidly built hence durable
• Excellent quality for a relatively low price
• Comes with six aluminum rods

Cons of Ohuhu Universal Hand Gun

• Has no extra space for additional accessories
• Doesn’t include cleaning lubricants and liquids

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3. Ultimate Gun Cleaning Kit from Allen

The term “ultimate” suits this cleaning kit because there is no other term that could better describe this 65-piece kit. This professional grade cleaning kit from Allen has high-end components that will help you get the cleaning job done easily. Allen has combined everything you need for cleaning your guns into a compact kit that fits in its toolbox. The kit is designed not only for a traditional shooter but also for shooters with different makes and models of guns in their safes.

This toolbox has sections for every tool with its size and name labeled. You will never lose or misplace a tool because you can easily spot what is missing from the box. Besides, this cleaning kit is quite different from the others as it leaves enough space for other things such as cotton patches, cleaning mats, or solvents. This gun cleaning kit from Allen has ample space for everything you need to clean your pistols, rifles, and shotguns.

The professional grade kit from Allen has all its components stored in a sturdy box that. It packs 65 tools which include cotton swabs, bronze brushes, brass jags, slotted tips, adapters, muzzle guards, cleaning rods, nylon pick, and cleaning brushes.

This kit is perfect for gun enthusiasts as it can clean every type of gun from machine guns to handguns.

It offers excellent value for the money thanks to its generous additions, although cleaning agents are not included in its packaging.

Pros of Ultimate Gun Cleaning Kit from Allen

• This gun cleaning kit is well organized
• It has enough space to keep additional cleaning accessories
• Has sufficient room to store lubricant and smiting accessories for guns
• Comes with exact sizes of mop, bore brushes, and brass jags

Cons of Ultimate Gun Cleaning Kit from Allen

• It is offered at a higher price compared to other brands
• Lubricant and cleaning solvents are not included

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4. GLORYFIRE Universal Cleaning Kit

This all-inclusive set eliminates the need for purchasing different cleaning tools for each type of gun. It is one of the best gun cleaning kits you will find on the market today. The set features 159 tools to take care of all kinds of handguns, shotguns, and rifles. All tools come protected in a durable and stunning plastic carrying case so that you do not have to worry about its storage; you will never lose a tool thanks to its durable casing.

GLORYFIRE has constructed the best gun cleaning kit using high-quality materials. It comes with six brass rods, nine mops, 14 brushes, a black power jag, three muzzle guards, four slotted patch loops, 12 jags, and many others including utility brushes.

In addition, you will also get four polishing cloths top, oil bottle, and several cleaning patches in two sizes to make cleaning job a breeze. This universal gun cleaning kit from GLORYFIRE blends versatility and durability with affordability. It performs exemplary well than most kits available for its price.

It has a tough protective casing that ensures you don’t lose any of the included tools. It also makes it easy to carry the kit when traveling. Although it doesn’t include solutions and solvents, users benefit from two slots left to put their cleaning oil and solvent.

 Pros of GLORYFIRE Universal Cleaning Kit

• It comes with a durable carrying case
• Includes three solid brass rods to cater for a wide assortment of barrel widths
• Ideal for cleaning all types of rifles, shotguns, and handguns
• A large variety of muzzle guards, cleaning patches, patch loops, etc.
• It is relatively affordable

Cons of GLORYFIRE Universal Cleaning Kit

• The kit doesn’t include solvents and cleaning oil

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5. Hiltex Universal Gun Cleaning Kit

This quality kit was designed to cater for all your gun cleaning needs. With this comprehensive gun cleaning kit, you will be able to retain the value and performance of your firearm.

It comes with 27 components for cleaning all types of rifles, shotguns, and handguns. A zippered storage case keeps all the 27 pieces compact and safe in one place. Its interior has Velcro backing for easy removing and adjustment.

This kit includes three aluminum cleaning rods with flexing sections for pistols and rifles, three rods for shotguns, seven cleaning patches and swabs, two T-bar handles, and two solid brass adapters. The ten brass wire brushes can clean all types of calibers.

If you have different types of guns with different barrel types and sizes, Hiltex 61087 Gun Cleaning Kit will offer a great way to cater for all your cleaning needs.

Pros of Hiltex 61087 Gun Cleaning Kit

• It is a comprehensive gun cleaning and maintenance kit ideal for all brands and types of handguns, rifles, and shotguns
• It includes three solid aluminum rods for pistol and rifle and three larger rods for your shotgun.
• It also comes with five soft cotton mops for different calibers and two slotted ends with 75 cleaning patches and swabs.
• The compact zippered carrying case offers convenient storage space and protects all the tools
• Comes with ten brass wire brushes that are strong enough to eliminate dust and dirt but soft enough not to scratch or damage the surfaces

Cons of Hiltex 61087 Gun Cleaning Kit

• The tools are quite delicate

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6. Real Avid Cleaning and Maintenance Kit

This premium gun cleaning and maintenance kit from Real Avid is a professional quality set that is available at an affordable price. It combines three Real Avid products into one comprehensive and convenient kit that can be easily used at home or on the go.

The tools are durable and made of high-quality materials such as brass rods. This kit includes a phosphor bronze brush, a compact tactical carrying case, angled pick, slotted tips, nylon cleaning brush, and stuck round extractor.

Additionally, this cleaning and maintenance kit from Real Avid comes with Bold Carrier Group Scraper, which is meant to clean the main surfaces of a gun including firing pin, bolt, bolt Cam pin, and bolt carrier.

With this kit, you will also receive a comprehensive field guide that covers how to disassemble, clean, maintain, and oil your firearm. This is a great guide to have with you in the woods.

Pros of Real Avid Cleaning and Maintenance Kit

• It comes with three great products
• Comes with a 33-inch cleaning rod
• Portable and quality cleaning kit
• Has Ballistic nylon case that protects the internal components
• The provided scrapper can clean critical parts of your gun

Cons of Real Avid Cleaning and Maintenance Kit

• From the Real Avid Gun Cleaning Kit reviews posted by customers, it’s clear that the cleaning tools are quite delicate; their quality should be improved

 

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7. Outers 1210503 Universal Gun Clean Box

This is an affordable and professional-quality cleaning kit made by a trusted brand, Outers. The kit has an attractive design as it comes in an aged-oak box that has a smooth finishing making it stunning. The brushes and tools included are durable and designed to last for a long time. They can handle any cleaning tasks and are suitable for all firearms, whether antique or modern.

All the brushes are made of brass, which is the recommended material for gun cleaning brushes as it offers a perfect combination of flexibility and strength. The cleaning rods are well-designed and are made of solid brass. The kit includes different brushes, tips, and mops, giving you all the tools that you need to carry out a thorough cleaning job for your firearm.

Outers 1210503 Gun Clean Box also includes professional solvents that make cleaning job a breeze. The kit is divided into sections with organizers, making it a convenient gun cleaning kit that enables you to access what you need in an easy and efficient way.

The Outers 1210503 Gun Clean Box comes with 24 gun cleaning accessories for .22+ calibers. If you own more than one gun and are on a budget, this gun cleaning kit will help you keep all your firearms in peak conditions without breaking the bank. While some of the shortcomings such as lack of solvent and oil betray its price, it nonetheless performs its intended function.

Pros of Outers 1210503 Gun Clean Box

• This cleaning kit has all the components you need to keep your firearm in tiptop condition
• Everything is organized in a neat and nice manner, so you don’t have to scrounge around searching for what you need
• Comes in a solid wood box that has an attractive finish
• Solid brass rod partner with high-quality, durable tips and brushes

Cons of Outers 1210503 Gun Clean Box

• Has a soft plastic pick instead of brass pick

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8. DAC Winchester Gun Care Case

This gun cleaning kit is made with the consideration your top quality and affordability. It is tested in the USA and comes with a wide range of accessories.

All the tools are organized in the soft-sided carrying case. It comes with quality phosphor brushes that are suitable for different calibers including both narrow and wide ranges.

If you have a large collection of weapons, then DAC Winchester Gun Care Case will suit all your cleaning needs; it allows you clean all your handguns caliber ranges.

Every section is fastened with separate Velcro straps to keep all the tools intake. This also saves you from taking out all tools when you need a specific accessory for a particular cleaning task.

With a combination of brushes for 14 calibers, this 68-piece gun cleaning set from DAC can clean most guns. It also comes with 150 cotton patches, slot tips, and utility brushes.

Whether you own a shotgun, pistol, or both, this professional-quality kit works great. It suits long guns and will definitely meet your needs. Its case is excellently designed for durability thereby offering you good value for your money. One minor shortcoming of this kit is the design of the bore rods, and this can be enhanced.

Pros of DAC Winchester Gun Care Case

• It is a great kit for starter and immediate level gun holders
• Has a great organizational design to cater to all its accessories
• Includes 150 cotton patches and four sizes of slot tips

Cons of DAC Winchester Gun Care Case

• You need to buy lubricating oil and solvents separately
• Gun liquid is not included

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9. Hoppe’s Universal Gun Cleaning Kit

This ultra-strong gun cleaning kit comes with nine aluminum brushes to help you clean multiple guns. It is the best gun cleaning kit in its price range for pistols and shotguns. With a brush made of phosphor bronze that is appropriate for shotguns barrel, universal cleaning accessories and riffles adapter brush, this is truly a quality gun cleaning accessory kit.

It also comes with three universal cleaning rods thus perfect for every caliber of pistols, rifles, and shotguns.

It features a lubricating oil, brand’s cleaner, four slotted ends, silicone cloth, phosphor bronze brushes, and three-piece brass rod; all kept in an organized manner inside a classy wooden box.

Designed for universal cleaning, Hoppe’s Gun Cleaning Kit is perfect for reels and guns. It neither expires nor hardens. This kit is easy to use, safe, and very effective. It can get rid of rust, lead, metal fouling, and powder in your firearm’s internal components/

It also includes an instructional manual for proper gun care.

Pros of Hoppe’s Gun Cleaning Kit

• Comes in a sturdy metal case
• Simple to use
• Its accessories are made of durable and long-lasting materials
• Comes with phosphor bronze brush for rifles and shotguns

Cons of Hoppe’s Gun Cleaning Kit

• Its brushes becomes dirty very quickly
• Its rods are not of best quality

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10. Outers Universal Gun Cleaning Kit

Outers Universal kit is one of the best and most comprehensive kits on the market. It may not boast a flash and flare casing like most cleaning kits, but this 62-piece universal gun cleaning kit from Outers has everything you need to clean virtually any type of gun sold today.

This cleaning kit comes in a hard plastic case with slots for all the included tools, although its slots are not labeled (but you can do this using simple label marker). This kit has in-built compartments that allow you to fit everything inside. Whether you are looking to clean your shotgun or AR, this is a great option.

It has sturdy brass rods including quality mops, tips, and different sizes of brushes as well as a variety of cotton patches.

You can maintain your firearm and keep it in top condition using the accessories provided in this cleaning kit.

Pros of Outers Universal Gun Cleaning Kit

• It has excellent quality making it a great value for money
• Has a fixed compact accessories organizer
• Durable rock-hard plastic casing which ensures good organization of the components
• It is a decent cleaning kit with ultra-strong tips made of metal

Cons of Outers Universal Gun Cleaning Kit

• It has no cleaning option for .40 caliber
• Its rods are not strong enough

There you have it; our review of the top 10 best gun cleaning kits in 2018. If you are yet to decide on the best cleaning kit for your needs, we have prepared a detailed buyer’s guide to help you choose the best gun cleaning kit.

 

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How to Choose a Suitable Gun Cleaning Kit

A regular cleaning and maintenance routine of your gun is important to keep your firearm in top condition. To carry out this task, you need to have all the accessories with you. The challenge that arises is how you will pick the best gun cleaning kit with all the accessories from the hundreds, if not thousands, of brands selling their products on the market.

If you have not identified a suitable cleaning kit for your gun, here are several factors you need to consider to help you narrow down your choice;

• Quality

Quality is a key factor to consider when buying a gun cleaning kit. A low-quality kit will only raise your burden. You should put in mind that you have an expensive gun and hence using a high-quality cleaning kit will provide excellent functionality and guarantee durability.

• It’s purpose

How often do you use your gun? Regular usage calls for regular cleaning. If you are buying for home users, then you should choose the universal multipurpose kit. The cleaning kit is accompanied by a box which is either metal or wood with a small diameter, important tools for your rifles, pistols and shotguns and a cleaning rod.

Ensure your gun cleaning kit is efficient or it won’t be of much use to you. The cleaning process should be flawless, and that includes the micro-polishing features which you should be able to use for a range of cleaning applications.

Components of a Gun Cleaning Kit

• Bronze brush

A universal kit comes with more than one bronze brush and is normally used on the first pass or two when cleaning a gun barrel.  A bronze brush removes the heavy carbon buildup. It is important to pay attention to the materials the brush is made of; the best ones are made of high-quality bronze.

• Cleaning Swab

The swab is made of cotton, and its purpose is to clean leftover residue in the barrel from your solvent or CLP. After removing all the buildup with the brushes, the swab makes a pass to finish the job.

• Double-end brushes

The gun cleaning brushes will have the same materials as the brushes attach to the cleaning rod. However, these brushes look like toothbrushes and are usually used to clean the exterior of the gun. They come in materials such as brass, stainless steel, and nylon.

• Nylon brush

Only the large cleaning kits come with the nylon brush, and its purpose is to clean the sensitive areas of the gun.  This brush is designed such that it’s able to reach carved out areas and locations that are hard to reach.

• Cotton swabs

They are sold in packs of 100 and come in lengths of six inches.  The cotton swabs are very popular among shooting enthusiasts as they come with wood handles making them easy to reach difficult areas.

• Cleaning Jag

For you to use a cleaning jag, you should first place a cleaning patch in the center and push it down the gun barrel. With the jag, you will achieve an all-around clean on bore surfaces. Most jags are made of brass or nickel plated to avoid scratching the inside of your barrel.

• Slotted patch holder

A universal cleaning kit in 2018 comes with patch holder as an alternative of a jag since they perform the same function. The only difference is that you put the cleaning patch in the slot. After you insert the patch, you pull it through the barrel to remove the solvent.

• Gun cleaning patches

They are dipped in a cleaning solvent and then attached to the slotted patch holder/jag. The patches come in different fabrics, and hence you should be keen on quality.

• Lint-free paper towels

These towels leave your gun perfectly clean and do not leave lint in your gun. They can be used in place of cleaning patches.

• Solvent

Solvents aren’t usually found in a universal cleaning kit, but you will need some.  They come in different types, and hence you should familiarize yourself with them before purchasing.

• Cleaning rod

It is found in a universal kit since it’s very important. The rod attaches to all the cleaning supplies found in a cleaning kit. The rod comes in different materials, size, and shape.

• Bore snake

It usually confused with a gun cleaning kit but they aren’t made for the same purpose.  The bore snake is only used for a quick gun clean while the universal kit is for deep cleaning.

• Gun cleaning mat

The gun cleaning mat is used to protect your work area from spilled solvent and debris.

How Guns Are Cleaned

Make sure to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the guns cleaning kit you have purchased or consult with a firearm expert. Improper cleaning or too little cleaning can impair the proper functioning of your firearm.

With that said, the process of cleaning starts with checkup to ensure your gun is not loaded. Remove the magazine or the clip, cycle the action. Check your gun from the chamber; not the barrel.

Always clean your firearm from the breech to the muzzle. Cleaning it in the other direction might push residue and dirt down into its chamber. Do not scratch the interior parts of the barrel with a metal rod; use special cleaning cloths. Use proper cleaning cloth lest its mechanical components or rifles may get damaged.

After this, the gun is ready to be assembled. The cleaning process may seem complicated and time-consuming, but with the best gun cleaning kit, it shouldn’t be complicated because there is an accessory for every part.

Cleaning a gun is a task that you should carry out with utmost care and seriousness.  After all, a clean gun will help you hit your target perfectly and also give you excellent firing experience.

Conclusion

A high-quality gun cleaning kit is a must-have for any gun holder. In the woods or field, the last thing you would want is to have a faulty gun that ruins your perfect shot. Therefore, purchase any of the above best gun cleaning kits to keep your gun functional at all times.

Resources

[1] tactical-life.com : Gun Cleaning: Reasons Why You Need to Clean Your Damn Firearms
[2] wikipedia.org : Firearm maintenance
[3] policelink.monster.com : Clean Your Weapon!
[4] atioutdoors.com : How to Clean Your Firearm