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My spouse asked for a firearm cleaning kit (not for xmas so no hurry) and I'm looking for recommendations.

Considerations:

1) A hard-sided case is preferable over fabric.

2) Needs to be able to clean AR-pattern rifles, 12 gauge shotguns, and handguns. While no kit is truly "universal" we're never going to bother buying antiques or obscure firearms that put an asterisk on universal.

3) Needs to include lubricants, solvents, etc. I've never figured out why a lot of kits leave these separate.

4) Quality > frugality. I'd rather spend an extra $50 on quality than have my spouse peeved by low quality tools or thinking about buying a better kit someday.

5) Any mat recommendations? Keeping the table clean would be nice.

My spouse asked for a firearm cleaning kit (not for xmas so no hurry) and I'm looking for recommendations. Considerations: 1) A hard-sided case is preferable over fabric. 2) Needs to be able to clean AR-pattern rifles, 12 gauge shotguns, and handguns. While no kit is truly "universal" we're never going to bother buying antiques or obscure firearms that put an asterisk on universal. 3) Needs to include lubricants, solvents, etc. I've never figured out why a lot of kits leave these separate. 4) Quality > frugality. I'd rather spend an extra $50 on quality than have my spouse peeved by low quality tools or thinking about buying a better kit someday. 5) Any mat recommendations? Keeping the table clean would be nice.

(post is archived)

[–] 0 pt

I would probably recommend something like this:

https://www.amazon.com/Allen-Tactical-Rifle-Cleaning-Piece/dp/B00I81LC9G

You would have to purchase the solvents/lubricants separately, but the great thing about this kit is that it has enough storage room that you can keep everything in one place. I would also recommend buying an extra brush or two for the calibers that you use, more cotton patches of different sizes (again for your specific calibers), and a whole package of cotton swabs.

As far as a mat goes, this looks pretty cool:

https://www.amazon.com/Raiseek-Cleaning-Anti-Slip-Maintenance-Rubberized/dp/B08KGKVRY1

I don’t personally own one - I use a crappy Allen folding mat which works but leaves much to be desired - but this mat looks pretty good. I like the fact that it has little compartments so your smaller parts aren’t rolling off of the table.

I apologize for the Amazon links. I firmly believe that we need to buy local, unfortunately it is getting more difficult to find these sorts of things anywhere except at places like Amazon. Perhaps you can talk to your local gun store and see if they will order it for you direct from the manufacturer. It is important to keep our local businesses up and running, especially in these challenging times when TPTB have declared war on small businesses and the middle-class.

One more thing...I know people are in love with Hoppes #9 cleaning solvent, but it’s a solvent and breathing that stuff and constant exposure to your skin/hands can’t be good. In fact try cleaning 3 or 4 guns at once and then dealing with the “Hoppes #9 headache” afterward. I have found a much better solution: coconut oil. Microwave it or use a blow dryer or heat gun to melt the oil, and then scrub away on your gun parts. Sure it’s not the best solvent, but it works, it’s cheap, and it doesn’t smell the house up, which is nice for us guys (or gals) who aren’t allowed to clean guns in the house because of the solvent smell. When you are finished, wipe off the excess coconut oil and apply a thin layer of lubricant to your parts with your lubricant of choice. I personally use motor oil because it is cheap and does a fine job. Just my two cents worth, hope that helps!

[–] 0 pt

Sounds like that big case is what OP is looking for. I would only add:

-Ballistol - Favorite solvent and lube in one. Not rough on the braincells like Hoppes #9 either

-Boresnakes for the ARs and shotgun (easier/quicker/better than pushing patches and wire brushes through the barrel).