Need help choosing a gun cleaning kit.

[Skyblazer]

At this point I have no training in cleaning guns, but am in the process of acquiring the following: SW 627 .357 revolver, SW 617 .22LR revolver, SW 41 .22LR pistol, Springfield FBI .45 revolver and a Remington 870 .12 gauge shotgun. The 627 and 617 will have Crimson Trace laser grips

Can anyone recommend a cleaning kit and the fluids/solvents etc I need?

Looked on Amazon but am not sure what would be a good kit. Don't mind paying up for the best kit.

 

[Rawhyde]

I think the best kit is the one you make yourself. Get a tackle box, then buy a good one piece cleaning rod, brushes, jags, cotton swabs, a good screwdriver set, and patches for each caliber you shoot. If applicable to your situation, you can add a lead removal cloth, bronze and/or nylon scrub brushes, Lewis Lead Removers, Q-Tips, etc.

All this along with the solvent and oil of your choice fits nicely in the tackle box. I keep Shooters Choice solvent and Rem Oil in mine.

 

[bountyhunter]

Midway has a good selection of cleaning kits. Hoppes is pretty good. Buy the kit and then buy BRASS cleaning jags for each caliber. Buy lots of cloth patches in sizes for the calibers. Get some nylon bore brushes in packs of three and get some nylon bristle scrub brushes. I am not a believer in metal brushes (threw them all away).

I like Hoppes #9 cleaning solvent for bore cleaning and FP-10 for lube. MPro 7 is a good cleaner which has no chemical odor.

 

[dant]

skyblazer, this is a very 'subjective' question, much like Ford versus Chevy or 9mm vs,45 acp....lots of GOOD stuff out there, and they all work...just make sure you follow the directions!!!
I agree as to making our own "cleaning kit" and buy most of the stuff at the local gun shows, and always falll back on plain old 'kerosene', Shooters Choice and we like and use breakfree CLP, all of this works for us, hell we still have old military style "steel" cleaning rods from most of the world wars ever fought, never a problem or any issues.....so as we like to say, "shop the deal", ( money is just as good in your pockets than someone elses), and try and stay away from the "gimmicks" LOTS of them out there,and they all cost,save your money...........
by the way, its a prooven fact that MORE harm, damage and wear is done by OVERCLEANING than anything else ...having owned 3 service gun shops in all of these past 40+ years, we've seen MORE than our share.

 

[SMSgt]

As long as you're not using steel cleaning rods, it doesn't much matter what you use. Neither brass nor alum rods will harm the bore. Brass brushes will help remove any leading and won't harm the steel rifling. Save your old toothbrushes for cleaning guns, or spend money on "gun" cleaning brushes - your choice.

There's nothing magical or special about gun lube requirements. They're mechanical items that need rust protection and lube just like anything else.
There're a billion cleaning solvent, oils, & greases out there, and most will do a suitable job cleaning and protection your firearms. Mobil One synthetic oil, hi-temp wheel bearing grease, ATF transmission fluid, all will perform well on firearms. If you think about the heat, stress and strain auto parts have and the lubricants they use, it only makes sense that they will work on something as simple as a firearm. $8 for a 3-oz bottle of "gun oil" or $6 for a Qt of Mobil One that will last years. You can buy a little bottle of so-called "gun lube" for $10 or a one-lb tub of bearing grease and have a life-time supply that works on your trailer bearing also. An uncle used 3-in-1 oil religiously on his guns and never had a problem with rust or failure. It all depends on how much you listen to marketing.

I used Hoppes #9 for years, stinking up the house all the while. I finally bought some "Gunzilla" and while I can't testify yet as if it's any better/worse than anything else, it has virtually no smell. The wife appreciates that. The one thing I'll tell you not to use is WD-40. It has failed me miserably. Where rust didn't form, the stuff gunked up.

There

 

[bountyhunter]

by the way, its a prooven fact that MORE harm, damage and wear is done by OVERCLEANING than anything else ...having owned 3 service gun shops in all of these past 40+ years, we've seen MORE than our share.

That is certainly true of the bore of a barrel. Most of the wear to the bore is done by cleaning. Most people (including me) thought you should get the bore squeaky clean when you clean it, but that just isn't so. Pro shooters I believed say they clean their guns frequently but clean the bores about once per season. If you shoot FMJ ammo, each round fired will clear out whatever is in it's way. I don't shoot lead, so lead buildup is another issue.

I run patches down the bore after each session and only scrub it clean at the end of each league cycle. I also NEVER use metal brushes anymore.

 

[bountyhunter]

The one thing I'll tell you not to use is WD-40. It has failed me miserably. Where rust didn't form, the stuff gunked up.

+1000, WD-40 is worthless.

BTW, if you are into saving money, non-chlorinated brake cleaner spray is one of the best cleaners around and only costs about $2 for a big can. Or you can pay $9 for Gunscrubber and get about the same thing.

 

[Smith357]

I don't think there is a kit that would satisfy me, they might get me started but never get the gun clean enough to pass inspection.


First and foremost;

Get a good rod, heck get three one for handguns, rifles and shotguns.
Dewey 1-Piece Cleaning Brass 8 x 32 Thread - MidwayUSA

and large supply of jags and brushes for all your calibers, and a boat load of patches. Get a fist full of bronze and plastic brushes for scrubbing, and a bunch of clean rags plus a few big boxes of Q-tips. Dental picks also come in handy for getting carbon buildup out of those hard to reach areas. A lead removing cloth is also a must have.

Then get a boat load of gun cleaner.
My personal choice is
Ed's Red' Bore Cleaner
I go through a gallon a year.
Buy a bottle of copper solvent, some quality silicone lube, a small tube of anti seize grease, and JB bore paste.

Then you might also consider a gunsmithing screwdriver set and a set of brass punches.

 

[jkc]

Think about a Bore Snake for the 617 --- a real time saver.

 

[chief38]

The Dewey Rods are about the best I have ever used and they come in a few different finishes, sizes and diameters. His tips are very good as well, and his line of products are available through Brownells. GOOD STUFF!!

chief38

 

[Ziptar]

Put Ballistol on your list

 

[Steven A.]

Otis cleaning kit
The Otis CLP
Shooters' Choice for your other solvents and lubes.