Gun Cleaning Tools for Long Guns & Handguns

What Gun Cleaning Tools Do I Need?

Maintaining your firearms means more than just wiping them down. To ensure a gun functions smoothly and shoots reliably, having the right gun cleaning tools is crucial. Each tool has a specific role to keep your gun in top shape.

Basic gun cleaning tools include a cleaning rod (to push brushes and patches through the barrel), bore brushes (to scrub and remove residue inside the barrel), jags (to hold cleaning patches securely), patches (to wipe away dirt and solvent), swabs (to clean tight or intricate areas), cleaning solvents (to break down carbon and fouling), lubricants (to reduce friction and protect moving parts), and utility brushes (to clean small, hard-to-reach areas).

Gun Cleaning Tools for Rifles, Pistols, and Shotguns

Cleaning tools vary depending on the firearm type and caliber. Rifles often require longer cleaning rods, pistols use compact rods, jags, and brushes designed for shorter barrels, while shotguns need larger bore-specific brushes, mops, and swabs to clean the smooth bore.

Additionally, versatile tools like bore snakes work seamlessly across all firearm types for quick field cleaning.

Top Gun Cleaning Brands You Can Trust

At GRITR Sports, you will find gun cleaning tools and cleaning kits from top brands that deliver consistent quality. Explore trusted names like Pro-Shot, Birchwood Casey, TekMat, Real Avid, Hoppe’s, Otis, Boresnake, Tipton, Kleen Bore, and Gunslick. Whether you need cleaning rods, brushes, or comprehensive tool kits, these brands offer products tested and recommended by firearm enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Regular maintenance ensures your firearms stay reliable—choose the right tools and care products to keep them performing at their best.

FAQs

What is the proper tool to clean your firearm?

A proper tool includes a cleaning rod, bore brush, cotton patches, and cleaner/solvent. A bore snake can also be used for quick cleaning.

What should a gun cleaning kit have?

A good gun cleaning kit should have cleaning rods, bore brushes, jags, patches, solvent, lubricant, and some cloths for wiping. Extras like a toothbrush and Q-tips can help with tough spots.

What does the US military use to clean guns?

The US military uses cleaning kits with bore brushes, chamber brushes, rods, cleaning patches, CLP (Cleaner, Lubricant, and Protectant), and multipurpose tools.

What is a boresnake?

A boresnake is a flexible cord with an integrated bore brush used for cleaning the inside of a gun barrel.

How effective is a bore snake?

A bore snake is very effective for quick, routine cleaning but doesn’t replace the need for a thorough cleaning with traditional tools.

Do you put cleaner on a bore snake?

Yes, apply some gun cleaner on the front section of the bore snake before using it.

What is a gun cleaning stick called?

The gun cleaning stick is called a cleaning rod.

What caliber cleaning rod for 9mm?

To clean a 9mm gun, you need to use a cleaning rod sized for .357, .38, or 9mm calibers to prevent damage to the barrel and ensure a thorough clean. Look for a cleaning rod specific for your type of gun, e.g. PCC, pistol, etc.

What kind of brush do you use to clean a gun?

Use nylon brushes for delicate or lightly fouled parts, phosphor bronze brushes for general cleaning and removing moderate fouling, and brass brushes for tougher fouling on metal surfaces.

Will brass brush damage gun barrel?

No, brass brushes are soft and safe for gun barrels.

Is a toothbrush good for gun cleaning?

Yes, a toothbrush works well for scrubbing small parts and hard-to-reach spots, but it won't remove tougher fouling.