What Should a Gun Cleaning Kit Contain? (And How to Use It)

Keeping your gun clean is just one aspect of responsible gun ownership, and a clean gun will not only shoot more accurately, but will be less at risk of malfunctions and corrosion.

Most quality gun cleaning kits will come with most if not all of what you need to keep your gun in good working order, almost without regard to what you shoot (muzzleloaders and air guns excluded).

Here’s what you need to know from a high level.

What’s in a Gun Cleaning Kit?

Most gun cleaning kits are either platform or caliber-specific; that is, you can get a 9mm cleaning kit or a shotgun cleaning kit that will have components for multiple gauges.

However, most gun cleaning kits (including universal gun cleaning kits) will contain:

• An appropriate cleaning rod that is of the right diameter and length for the platform you’ll be cleaning. Pistol cleaning kits usually have a smaller, one piece rod whereas shotgun and rifle cleaning rods are usually multiple pieces. The end of the cleaning rod is usually threaded to accept different cleaning jags and gun cleaning accessories.

• Cleaning brushes; brushes must be of an appropriate diameter for the width of the bore. They are used to loosen and scrub away fouling and tar and are usually made of bronze so as not to scratch the interior of the bore.

• Cleaning jags; most gun cleaning kits also come with jags that are appropriately sized for the caliber in question. Most also come with slotted jags that are designed to hold a patch for the purpose of applying solvent to the bore.

• Patches; gun cleaning kits come with cotton cleaning patches that hold bore solvent and lubricant and can be used to remove fouling, grease and oil once it has been loosened by a bore brush.

• Some cleaning kits also come with bore mops of an appropriate size for the bore diameter that can be used to apply solvent, distribute lubrication or remove fouling from the bore.

• A bore solvent that’s intended to break up fouling, grease, oil and tar. Most cleaning kits come with bore solvent but some also come with lead and copper fouling solvent that can be used to help dissolve and remove lead and copper fouling.

• Lubricant, usually some type of gun oil that can be applied after cleaning is complete, in order to lubricate moving parts or protect the gun from corrosion.

These are the majority of components that most gun cleaning kits will contain, though each cleaning kit is different.

Using a Gun Cleaning Kit

Knowing how to use a gun cleaning kit is the first step to a clean bore. From a high level view, here’s what to know.

First, ensure that the gun is unloaded and clear and that no live ammunition is present. Handle the firearm in a safe and responsible manner and ensure it is pointed in a safe direction while cleaning.

Cleaning the Bore

First, assemble your gun cleaning rod and then attach a slotted jag with a clean patch. Soak the patch in the bore solvent and run that through the bore to apply solvent to the interior of the bore. Alternatively, you can use a brush or bore mop soaked in solvent for this step. Make sure you always clean from chamber to muzzle to avoid damaging the muzzle crowning.

Once you’ve applied some solvent to the bore, remove the patch and slotted jag and thread on an appropriately sized bore brush. Run that through the bore from chamber to muzzle a few times to loosen any fouling in the bore.

Then, switch back to the jag and patch, and run clean patches through the bore from chamber to muzzle till they come out white.

Cleaning the Action

For a cursory cleaning, most rifle and shotgun bolts (and handgun slides) can be given a quick cleaning without completely disassembling the firearm.  

With a nylon brush and some solvent, scrub off any fouling on the bolt body and face, as well as the bolt carrier or rails. Clean the slide channel of a handgun with the brush as well.

Then, use a clean, dry rag to wipe off anything that remains. Once you’re done, apply a drop or two of gun oil where the bolt/slide contacts the receiver, carrier rails, or frame.

While you can further disassemble a gun to clean the trigger assembly, gas system, or other components, for a quick cleaning after the range, cleaning the barrel and action is all you’ll need to do.

Get Yourself a New Gun Cleaning Kit

Here for a new gun cleaning kit for your favorite platform? Take a look at what we carry; we have complete cleaning kits for handguns, rifles, and shotguns, along with all of the accessories you’ll need to fully clean the gun. Check out our collection and if you’re looking for something specific, get in touch with us at 610-250-3960.