Cleaning Supplies
All firearms get dirty. Cleaning them on a regular basis is part of the hobby. Taking dirty firearms to the range can ruin your day.
Here's the type of cleaning supplies that we like for Shooting and why we like them:
- Cleaning Mat
- Handgun Cleaning Kit
- Rifle Cleaning Kit
- Firearm Oil
- Cleaning, Lubricating and Preservation (CLP) Solution
- Firearm Oil Pop-up Wipes
- Cleaning Swabs
- Canned Air
- Toothbrush
- Flannel Cleaning Cloth
- Cotton Rag
- .22 Caliber, .223 Caliber, 5.56mm Bore Snake
- 9mm Bore Snake
- 7.62mm Bore Snake
- 12 Gauge Bore Snake
- Spray Lubricants
- Small Bag for Cleaning Supplies
- Note: click on any photo to enlarge it
- Note: click on any photo to enlarge it
Cleaning Mat
Real Avid Universal Smart Mat - 43 x 16-inch Gun Cleaning Mat with Magnetic Storage
The first item that you need to clean your firearms is a cleaning mat/pad since you need a space that will protect both your firearms and the table/countertop that you are using as your workspace - and laying out a bunch of dirty old rags never seems to really work out very well. The criteria that we use to evaluate cleaning mats are: 1) width, 2) height, 3) stability, 4) stain/fluid resistance and 5) price. Since we have pistols, carbines and long guns we needed a mat that would work for all sizes – to include a field-stripped rifle or shotgun. To meet this need we bought the Real Avid Universal Smart Mat. The mat measures 43" wide by 16" tall, weighs 1.9 pounds, is made of material like mouse pads - with an oil-resistant surface and a non-slip back to protect your work surface, has a built-in parts holder to keep all those small items from disappearing and rolls up into a 3" x 2" x 16" tube when not in use. The parts holder even has a small (1 ¾“ x ½”) magnetic compartment for those really elusive parts. For our purposes the Avid mat is a perfect size and it grips well to whatever surface we lay it on so there's no sliding around. Liquids don't absorb into the surface of the mat and the parts holder is great for holding small screwdrivers and other parts while I take apart and clean my firearms. You can buy this cleaning mat at Amazon.
The first item that you need to clean your firearms is a cleaning mat/pad since you need a space that will protect both your firearms and the table/countertop that you are using as your workspace - and laying out a bunch of dirty old rags never seems to really work out very well. The criteria that we use to evaluate cleaning mats are: 1) width, 2) height, 3) stability, 4) stain/fluid resistance and 5) price. Since we have pistols, carbines and long guns we needed a mat that would work for all sizes – to include a field-stripped rifle or shotgun. To meet this need we bought the Real Avid Universal Smart Mat. The mat measures 43" wide by 16" tall, weighs 1.9 pounds, is made of material like mouse pads - with an oil-resistant surface and a non-slip back to protect your work surface, has a built-in parts holder to keep all those small items from disappearing and rolls up into a 3" x 2" x 16" tube when not in use. The parts holder even has a small (1 ¾“ x ½”) magnetic compartment for those really elusive parts. For our purposes the Avid mat is a perfect size and it grips well to whatever surface we lay it on so there's no sliding around. Liquids don't absorb into the surface of the mat and the parts holder is great for holding small screwdrivers and other parts while I take apart and clean my firearms. You can buy this cleaning mat at Amazon.
Handgun Cleaning Kit
Cabela's .357/.38/9mm Pistol Cleaning Kit
Since we have three 9mm handguns, having a handgun cleaning kit was a requirement for us. Of course you can purchase all of the components that you need separately, but to us buying a good kit that was put together correctly, and augmenting it if required, was a more practical solution. The criteria that we use to evaluate handgun cleaning kits are: 1) caliber, 2) components, 3) manufacturer and 4) price. Because it had the basic components that we wanted, and for simplicities sake, we use Cabela's .357/.38/9mm Pistol Cleaning Kit. The kit comes with:
Since we have three 9mm handguns, having a handgun cleaning kit was a requirement for us. Of course you can purchase all of the components that you need separately, but to us buying a good kit that was put together correctly, and augmenting it if required, was a more practical solution. The criteria that we use to evaluate handgun cleaning kits are: 1) caliber, 2) components, 3) manufacturer and 4) price. Because it had the basic components that we wanted, and for simplicities sake, we use Cabela's .357/.38/9mm Pistol Cleaning Kit. The kit comes with:
- (1) Two-piece swiveling brass rod - 5.6 in. with 8-32 female threads
- (1) Multi-function rod handle that converts to a bit driver
- Rod handle has 10-32 female threads on one end and a hex bit holder on other end
- Center of handle has a slot to use with a cable pull-through - but a cable is not included
- (1) Brass bristled bore brush
- (1) Bore mop
- (1) Nylon slotted rod tip
- (1) Brass tipped jag
- (25) Cleaning patches
- (1) 6-piece bit driver set with:
- (2) Flat blades (3/16 & 1/4)
- (2) Phillips head (#1& #2)
- (1) #20 TORX bit
- (1) 7/64 hex bit
- Latching plastic storage box
Rifle Cleaning Kit
Cabela's .22 Caliber Rifle Cleaning Kit
To go with our rifles we needed a rifle cleaning kit too. The criteria that we use to evaluate rifle cleaning kits are: 1) caliber, 2) components, 3) manufacturer and 4) price. For our rifles we use Cabela’s .22 Caliber Rifle Cleaning Kit.
The kit comes with:
To go with our rifles we needed a rifle cleaning kit too. The criteria that we use to evaluate rifle cleaning kits are: 1) caliber, 2) components, 3) manufacturer and 4) price. For our rifles we use Cabela’s .22 Caliber Rifle Cleaning Kit.
The kit comes with:
- (1) 33-in. pull through flexible cable rod
- (1) Multi-function rod handle that converts to a bit driver
- Rod handle has 10-32 female threads on one end and a hex bit holder on other end
- Center of handle has a slot to use with the cable pull-through
- (1) Brass bristled bore brush
- (1) Bore mop
- (1) Nylon slotted rod tip
- (25) Cleaning patches
- (1) 6-piece bit driver set.
- (2) Flat blades (3/16 & 1/4)
- (2) Phillips head (#1 & #2)
- (1) #20 TORX bit
- (1) 7/64 hex bit
- (1) Latching plastic storage box
Firearm Oil
Remington Rem Oil with Teflon - 4 oz
To keep your firearms properly lubricated you need to oil them in key places, as appropriate, depending on their amount of use. The criteria that we use to evaluate firearm oil are: 1) ability to get it where we need it, 2) amount of lubrication provided and 3) price. Over the years we have tried lots of gun oils and we have found that Remington Rem Oil with Teflon works the best for us. You can buy this firearm oil at Amazon or your local gun store.
To keep your firearms properly lubricated you need to oil them in key places, as appropriate, depending on their amount of use. The criteria that we use to evaluate firearm oil are: 1) ability to get it where we need it, 2) amount of lubrication provided and 3) price. Over the years we have tried lots of gun oils and we have found that Remington Rem Oil with Teflon works the best for us. You can buy this firearm oil at Amazon or your local gun store.
Cleaning, Lubricating and Preservation (CLP) Solution
Safariland Breakfree CLP - 12 oz
When we are cleaning our firearms we tend to use something stronger than just oil since we want something that helps with the cleaning too. The criteria that we use to evaluate CLP solution are: 1) ability to get it where we need it, 2) amount of cleaning assistance provided, 3) amount of lubrication provided and 4) price. For this application we use Safariland Breakfree CLP since it really helps breakdown the dirt and grime inside our firearms while simultaneously providing lubrication. It gets into every nook and cranny, helps reduce the adhesion of grit and other abrasives which cause wear, and has corrosion inhibitors prevent the formation of rust. You can buy this CLP at Amazon or your local gun store.
When we are cleaning our firearms we tend to use something stronger than just oil since we want something that helps with the cleaning too. The criteria that we use to evaluate CLP solution are: 1) ability to get it where we need it, 2) amount of cleaning assistance provided, 3) amount of lubrication provided and 4) price. For this application we use Safariland Breakfree CLP since it really helps breakdown the dirt and grime inside our firearms while simultaneously providing lubrication. It gets into every nook and cranny, helps reduce the adhesion of grit and other abrasives which cause wear, and has corrosion inhibitors prevent the formation of rust. You can buy this CLP at Amazon or your local gun store.
Firearm Oil Pop-up Wipes
Remington Rem Oil Pop-up Wipes
To go with the spray Rem Oil and spray CLP we also like to use wipes that are already coated with oil to help with our cleaning chores. The criteria that we use to evaluate pop-up firearm oil wipes are: 1) ability to get it where we need it, 2) amount of cleaning assistance provided, 3) amount of lubrication provided and 4) price. Since we never know how many wipes we may need we find that the Remington Rem Oil Pop-up Wipes do what we need. They are sturdy and easy to use. You can buy these wipes at Amazon or your local gun store.
To go with the spray Rem Oil and spray CLP we also like to use wipes that are already coated with oil to help with our cleaning chores. The criteria that we use to evaluate pop-up firearm oil wipes are: 1) ability to get it where we need it, 2) amount of cleaning assistance provided, 3) amount of lubrication provided and 4) price. Since we never know how many wipes we may need we find that the Remington Rem Oil Pop-up Wipes do what we need. They are sturdy and easy to use. You can buy these wipes at Amazon or your local gun store.
Cleaning Swabs
Q-tips
When we are cleaning our firearms we there always seem to be really small places that need to be scrubbed. For this we use cleaning swabs. The criteria that we use to evaluate cleaning swabs are: 1) strength of the swab’s stick and 2) size of the swab’s head. What we find works best are Q-tips. They are made to be strong and the cotton on the head can soak up oil and dirt. You can buy Q-tips at Amazon or your local drug store.
When we are cleaning our firearms we there always seem to be really small places that need to be scrubbed. For this we use cleaning swabs. The criteria that we use to evaluate cleaning swabs are: 1) strength of the swab’s stick and 2) size of the swab’s head. What we find works best are Q-tips. They are made to be strong and the cotton on the head can soak up oil and dirt. You can buy Q-tips at Amazon or your local drug store.
Canned Air
Hornady One Shot Canned Air - 10 oz
When we are cleaning our firearms we always seem to run into small pieces of dirt and fluff that are stick is such a way that they are hard to remove. For that we use canned air. The criteria that we use to evaluate canned air are: 1) ability to get it where we need it, 2) strength of the air pressure, 3) number of bursts of air per can and 4) price. When we need a burst of air we use Hornady One Shot Canned Air since it has good pressure and is easy to direct. You can buy this canned air at Amazon.
When we are cleaning our firearms we always seem to run into small pieces of dirt and fluff that are stick is such a way that they are hard to remove. For that we use canned air. The criteria that we use to evaluate canned air are: 1) ability to get it where we need it, 2) strength of the air pressure, 3) number of bursts of air per can and 4) price. When we need a burst of air we use Hornady One Shot Canned Air since it has good pressure and is easy to direct. You can buy this canned air at Amazon.
Toothbrush
Hard Bristle Toothbrush
When we run into places that need a little rougher scrubbing than a Q-tip can give we use a toothbrush. The criteria that we use to evaluate toothbrushes for cleaning are: 1) bristle hardness, 2) head size and 3) handle length. The only challenge with using a brush is to rind the right amount of pressure to use – hard enough to clean – not so hard that you mess anything up. You can buy a hard bristle tooth brush at Amazon or your local drug store.
When we run into places that need a little rougher scrubbing than a Q-tip can give we use a toothbrush. The criteria that we use to evaluate toothbrushes for cleaning are: 1) bristle hardness, 2) head size and 3) handle length. The only challenge with using a brush is to rind the right amount of pressure to use – hard enough to clean – not so hard that you mess anything up. You can buy a hard bristle tooth brush at Amazon or your local drug store.
Flannel Cleaning Cloth
Hoppe's Gun and Reel Silicon Cloth
To buff up our firearms we use a flannel cleaning cloth. The criteria that we use to evaluate flannel cleaning clothes are: 1) quality of fabric, 2) additives on the cloth for cleaning, 3) feel of the cloth and additives on your hands, and 4) price. We use a Hoppe's Gun and Reel Silicon cloth to remove fingerprints and other corrosive oils, and to polish and coat our firearms with a protective finish. You can buy this cleaning cloth at Amazon.
To buff up our firearms we use a flannel cleaning cloth. The criteria that we use to evaluate flannel cleaning clothes are: 1) quality of fabric, 2) additives on the cloth for cleaning, 3) feel of the cloth and additives on your hands, and 4) price. We use a Hoppe's Gun and Reel Silicon cloth to remove fingerprints and other corrosive oils, and to polish and coat our firearms with a protective finish. You can buy this cleaning cloth at Amazon.
Cotton Rag
Gerber Prefold Birdseye 3-Ply Cloth Diaper
After using all of the various oils, lubricants and other cleaning items on our firearms we find that you need a good cloth rag to clean up after the cleanup. The criteria that we use to evaluate cotton rags are: 1) softness, 2) strength, 3) lack of fuzz, 4) durability, and 5) price. Since there is no need for overkill here we just use a Gerber Prefold Birdseye 3-Ply Cloth Diaper. They make great, strong rags that can be used for all sorts of things. You can buy these rags at Amazon or your local Babies”R”Us store.
After using all of the various oils, lubricants and other cleaning items on our firearms we find that you need a good cloth rag to clean up after the cleanup. The criteria that we use to evaluate cotton rags are: 1) softness, 2) strength, 3) lack of fuzz, 4) durability, and 5) price. Since there is no need for overkill here we just use a Gerber Prefold Birdseye 3-Ply Cloth Diaper. They make great, strong rags that can be used for all sorts of things. You can buy these rags at Amazon or your local Babies”R”Us store.
.22 Caliber, .223 Caliber, 5.56 mm Bore Snake
Hoppe's .22, 223, 556 Bore Snake
To clean the barrels of our .22/.223/5.56 rifles we use a bore snake. The criteria that we use to evaluate rifle bore snakes are: 1) caliber, 2) cleaning capability, 3) strength and 4) price. For this application we use Hoppe's .22, 223, 556 Bore Snake. The bore snake has a brass weighted drop-through cord that slips down the barrel an initial floss area that removes loose grit and debris prior being scrubbed, and a multiple short scrub brushes embedded in the floss. You can buy this bore snake at Amazon.
To clean the barrels of our .22/.223/5.56 rifles we use a bore snake. The criteria that we use to evaluate rifle bore snakes are: 1) caliber, 2) cleaning capability, 3) strength and 4) price. For this application we use Hoppe's .22, 223, 556 Bore Snake. The bore snake has a brass weighted drop-through cord that slips down the barrel an initial floss area that removes loose grit and debris prior being scrubbed, and a multiple short scrub brushes embedded in the floss. You can buy this bore snake at Amazon.
9mm Bore Snake
Hoppe's 9mm Bore Snake
To clean the barrels of our 9mm carbines and rifles we use a bore snake. The criteria that we use to evaluate rifle bore snakes are: 1) caliber, 2) cleaning capability, 3) strength and 4) price. For this application we use Hoppe's 9mm Bore Snake. The bore snake has a brass weighted drop-through cord that slips down the barrel an initial floss area that removes loose grit and debris prior being scrubbed, and a multiple short scrub brushes embedded in the floss. You can buy this bore snake at Amazon.
To clean the barrels of our 9mm carbines and rifles we use a bore snake. The criteria that we use to evaluate rifle bore snakes are: 1) caliber, 2) cleaning capability, 3) strength and 4) price. For this application we use Hoppe's 9mm Bore Snake. The bore snake has a brass weighted drop-through cord that slips down the barrel an initial floss area that removes loose grit and debris prior being scrubbed, and a multiple short scrub brushes embedded in the floss. You can buy this bore snake at Amazon.
7.62mm Bore Snake
Real Avid .30, .308, 7.62mm Bore Boss
To clean the barrel of our 7.62mm rifle we use a bore snake. The criteria that we use to evaluate rifle bore snakes are: 1) caliber, 2) cleaning capability, 3) strength and 4) price. For this application we use the Real Avid .30/.308/7.62mm Bore Boss. The Bore Boss has a round case with an attached rubber cover that stores the cable/brush/mop and acts as an ergonomic grip that helps you pull the tight-fitting cable through your rifle. The snake stays in its container until needed with the cable wrapped neatly around the case to ensure that it doesn’t get tied into knots while it is stored. The case also keeps the cleaning brush from grabbing fabric or poking you, and keeps the dirty mop away from other items in your range bag. We really like how compact the Bore Boss is and how the case attaches to the cable to give you a handle to pull on when you are cleaning your rifle’s barrel. This makes it much easier to use than stowing the snake in the thin plastic box it was sold in and wrapping the snake around your hand to get the leverage required to pull it through the gun’s barrel. We really like our Real Avid cleaning mat because of the thought that they put into it – and the same goes for the Bore Boss; Real Avid is definitely thinking about how to make traditional products better. You can buy this Bore Boss bore snake at Amazon.
To clean the barrel of our 7.62mm rifle we use a bore snake. The criteria that we use to evaluate rifle bore snakes are: 1) caliber, 2) cleaning capability, 3) strength and 4) price. For this application we use the Real Avid .30/.308/7.62mm Bore Boss. The Bore Boss has a round case with an attached rubber cover that stores the cable/brush/mop and acts as an ergonomic grip that helps you pull the tight-fitting cable through your rifle. The snake stays in its container until needed with the cable wrapped neatly around the case to ensure that it doesn’t get tied into knots while it is stored. The case also keeps the cleaning brush from grabbing fabric or poking you, and keeps the dirty mop away from other items in your range bag. We really like how compact the Bore Boss is and how the case attaches to the cable to give you a handle to pull on when you are cleaning your rifle’s barrel. This makes it much easier to use than stowing the snake in the thin plastic box it was sold in and wrapping the snake around your hand to get the leverage required to pull it through the gun’s barrel. We really like our Real Avid cleaning mat because of the thought that they put into it – and the same goes for the Bore Boss; Real Avid is definitely thinking about how to make traditional products better. You can buy this Bore Boss bore snake at Amazon.
12 Gauge Bore Snake
Hoppe's 12 Gauge Bore Snake
To clean the barrel of our shotguns we use a bore snake. The criteria that we use to evaluate shotgun bore snakes are: 1) gauge, 2) cleaning capability, 3) strength and 4) price. For this application we use Hoppe's 12 Gauge Bore Snake. The bore snake has a brass weighted drop-through cord that slips down the barrel a very fluffy initial floss area that removes loose grit and debris prior being scrubbed, and a multiple short scrub brushes embedded in the floss. You can buy this bore snake at Amazon.
To clean the barrel of our shotguns we use a bore snake. The criteria that we use to evaluate shotgun bore snakes are: 1) gauge, 2) cleaning capability, 3) strength and 4) price. For this application we use Hoppe's 12 Gauge Bore Snake. The bore snake has a brass weighted drop-through cord that slips down the barrel a very fluffy initial floss area that removes loose grit and debris prior being scrubbed, and a multiple short scrub brushes embedded in the floss. You can buy this bore snake at Amazon.
Spray Lubricants
B'laster Silicone Lubricant and B'laster Graphite Dry Lubricant Spray
In addition to keeping oil and CLP solution on hand to clean your firearms, sometimes you need other kinds of lubrication for your other gear. Lubrication for your Kydex holsters, swinging/spinning targets, bolts and a whole host of other items with moving parts. Over the years we’ve found that we two main types of other lubricants – silicon and graphite – fill almost all of our needs. The criteria that we use to evaluate silicon and graphite lubricants are: 1) ability to get it where we need it, 2) amount of lubrication provided, 3) staying power, 4) messiness and 5) price. After trying out several of the products on the market, for these specific cases we use B'laster Silicone Lubricant and B'laster Graphite Dry Lubricant Spray.
B'laster Silicone Lubricant is formulated with Teflon™ Fluoropolymer to enhance performance and contains a high concentration of silicone, which provides longer-lasting lubrication. It’s clear, non-evaporating formula eliminates wear from constant friction, is safe and non-staining, protects from moisture, will not oxidize and leaves a no-track film that won’t accumulate dust and dirt. We’ve found it great for lubricating and protecting metal, plastic, wood, rubber, vinyl, leather and elastomers (e.g. synthetic polymers the have elastic properties). It comes in an 11 ounce spray can (Part No. 16-SL). You can buy B'laster Silicone Lubricant at Amazon, or perhaps your local hardware store.
B'laster Graphite Dry Lubricant reduces wear and tear by creating a quick drying dark gray film that dries tack free and provides long-lasting lubrication. It's recommended as a general maintenance lubricant on gaskets, transfer belts and conveyor belts. You can also use it for high temperature, low load, locks, rollers, wheels, gears, chains and hoists. It comes in a 5.5 ounce spray can (Part No. 8-GS). You can buy B'laster Graphite Dry Lubricant Spray at Amazon, or perhaps your local hardware store.
In addition to keeping oil and CLP solution on hand to clean your firearms, sometimes you need other kinds of lubrication for your other gear. Lubrication for your Kydex holsters, swinging/spinning targets, bolts and a whole host of other items with moving parts. Over the years we’ve found that we two main types of other lubricants – silicon and graphite – fill almost all of our needs. The criteria that we use to evaluate silicon and graphite lubricants are: 1) ability to get it where we need it, 2) amount of lubrication provided, 3) staying power, 4) messiness and 5) price. After trying out several of the products on the market, for these specific cases we use B'laster Silicone Lubricant and B'laster Graphite Dry Lubricant Spray.
B'laster Silicone Lubricant is formulated with Teflon™ Fluoropolymer to enhance performance and contains a high concentration of silicone, which provides longer-lasting lubrication. It’s clear, non-evaporating formula eliminates wear from constant friction, is safe and non-staining, protects from moisture, will not oxidize and leaves a no-track film that won’t accumulate dust and dirt. We’ve found it great for lubricating and protecting metal, plastic, wood, rubber, vinyl, leather and elastomers (e.g. synthetic polymers the have elastic properties). It comes in an 11 ounce spray can (Part No. 16-SL). You can buy B'laster Silicone Lubricant at Amazon, or perhaps your local hardware store.
B'laster Graphite Dry Lubricant reduces wear and tear by creating a quick drying dark gray film that dries tack free and provides long-lasting lubrication. It's recommended as a general maintenance lubricant on gaskets, transfer belts and conveyor belts. You can also use it for high temperature, low load, locks, rollers, wheels, gears, chains and hoists. It comes in a 5.5 ounce spray can (Part No. 8-GS). You can buy B'laster Graphite Dry Lubricant Spray at Amazon, or perhaps your local hardware store.
Small Bag for Cleaning Supplies
Outdoor Products Small Duffle
To keep all of the firearm cleaning odds and ends together you need a small bag. The criteria that we use to evaluate bags for cleaning supplies are: 1) size, 2) number of pockets/pouches to store and keep items separate, 3) durability and 4) price. Although we used to use a small duffle bag for this purpose, when we purchased the large Outdoor Products Utility Duffle that we use for our camping tools it conveniently came with a small duffle that we now use for our cleaning supplies. This Outdoor Products Small Duffle’s measurements are 12" x 9" x 5". Internally the case has two 6” x 6” mesh pouches for storage. There are also two 5" x 6" external pocket. Lucky for us this bag is perfect for our two cleaning kits, firearm oil and CLP, the wipes, flannel clothes, and toothbrush. You can buy this small bag at Amazon with the Outdoor Products Utility Duffle.
To keep all of the firearm cleaning odds and ends together you need a small bag. The criteria that we use to evaluate bags for cleaning supplies are: 1) size, 2) number of pockets/pouches to store and keep items separate, 3) durability and 4) price. Although we used to use a small duffle bag for this purpose, when we purchased the large Outdoor Products Utility Duffle that we use for our camping tools it conveniently came with a small duffle that we now use for our cleaning supplies. This Outdoor Products Small Duffle’s measurements are 12" x 9" x 5". Internally the case has two 6” x 6” mesh pouches for storage. There are also two 5" x 6" external pocket. Lucky for us this bag is perfect for our two cleaning kits, firearm oil and CLP, the wipes, flannel clothes, and toothbrush. You can buy this small bag at Amazon with the Outdoor Products Utility Duffle.