Top 5 Universal Gun Cleaning Kits
by Les Waller
What is it that makes up the best universal gun cleaning kit? Since we are talking about universal gun cleaning kits, it should be able to cover a wide range of caliber weapons. That means from as small as .17 caliber to as large as .50 caliber. The rods should be strong enough to last and not easily break or bend so you can’t use them. The jags should fit all calibers between the largest and smallest.
There should be a variety of brushes made from different materials to handle different surfaces. The gun cleaning kit should have a variety of cotton mops and slotted loops. It should have some patches to get you started, although later you will want to buy these in bulk to keep their prices down. Having empty oil bottle are not required, but nice to have for the convenience of carrying a small bottle in your pocket.
Finally, we have the tool box or case that holds everything together. For ease of comparison I selected all black cases, but for most of these you have a selection of colors for you to choose.
You want to be able to open up just one gun cleaning kit universal and sit down with your handguns, rifles, and shotguns and clean them. Everything that you need should be within arms reach as you go through each weapon. Before you know it, the job is done and they are all ready for the next target practice or hunt.
1. FIREGEAR Universal Gun Cleaning Kit
The FIREGEAR universal gun cleaning kit is one of Amazon’s bestsellers. It holds a 4.5 star rating with over 4,500 ratings. You can choose between a black case and a green case and you can choose plastic or brass jags. Although, I’m not sure why you would go with plastic. The jags are clearly marked with the caliber on them.
Some more common items that are purchased with this kit are bulk number of patches and solvents. You can take a look at our list of Best Gun Cleaning Solvents to help you choose. For a company based out of Zhejiang Province in China, the quality of the tools in the kit are very good. It’s interesting to note the seller’s address in China with a name like Freetime Outdoor US, hahaha.
The two different empty bottles have different colored caps, one white and one black. This and the size difference makes it easier for you to distinguish the one with the solvent (smaller, white cap) from the one with the oil (larger, black cap). They both have needle point applicators, as well.
Contents
- 3x solid brass rods for .17-.270 caliber rifles
- 3x solid brass rods for .30 caliber rifles, pistols, shotguns and muzzle loaders
- 3x utility brushes
- 3x muzzle guards
- 3x brass adapters
- 14x bronze wire brushes
- 9x cotton mops
- 12x brass spear pointed jags
- 1x brass powder jag
- 4x brass slotted loops
- 2x empty oil bottles
- 50x 3×3″ cleaning patches
- 4 polishing clothes
What I like
I like that the jags are all brass and not plastic. However, if you prefer plastic jags FIREGEAR does offer the sets with plastic jags at about $6.00 less. I like that it includes two small bottles for oil that are made to keep the lid on. That way, if you choose to put one in your pocket while at the range or out hunting you can without worrying about oil leaking in your pocket. I like that FIREGEAR’s service appears to be quick and responsive (according to reviews I’ve read on Amazon).
Delivers two days quicker to a Colorado address than does the GLORYFIRE, even though both are being shipped from Amazon.
2. GLORYFIRE Universal Gun Cleaning Kit
The GLORYFIRE universal gun cleaning kit is also one of Amazon’s bestsellers. It holds a 4.5 star rating with over 2,500 ratings. If you want the brass jags, then you can only go with the green case. You can choose between a black case and a green case if you decide on the plastic jags. Although, I’m not sure why you would go with plastic. The jags are clearly marked with the caliber on them.
Some more common items that are purchased with this kit are bulk number of patches and solvents. You can take a look at our list of Best Gun Cleaning Solvents to help you choose. For a company based out of Tianjin China, the quality of the tools in the kit are very good.
The two different empty bottles have different colored caps, one white and one black. This and the size difference makes it easier for you to distinguish the one with the solvent (smaller, white cap) from the one with the oil (larger, black cap). They both have needle point applicators, as well.
What is interesting to note about the GLORYFIRE universal kit is that the case and parts match the FIREGEAR kit. GLORYFIRE has also taken the time to set up a very small Amazon store that sells a few other hunting products.
Contents
- 3x solid brass rods for .17-.270 caliber rifles
- 3x solid brass rods for .30 caliber rifles, pistols, shotguns and muzzle loaders
- 3x utility brushes; brass, iron, nylon
- 3x muzzle guards
- 3x accessory adapters
- 14x bronze wire brushes
- 9x mops
- 13x brass spear pointed jags
- 1x black powder jag
- 4x brass slotted patch loops
- 2x empty oil bottles
- 50x 3×3″ cleaning patches
- 4x 7.1×7.1″ polishing clothes
What I like
I like that the jags are all brass and not plastic. However, if you prefer plastic jags FIREGEAR does offer the sets with plastic jags at about $6.00 less. I like that it includes two small bottles for oil that are made to keep the lid on. That way, if you choose to put one in your pocket while at the range or out hunting you can without worrying about oil leaking in your pocket. I like that GLORYFIRE’s service appears to be quick and responsive (according to reviews I’ve read on Amazon).
Sounds a lot like what I said about FIREGEAR, doesn’t it?
3. Allen Company Universal Gun Cleaning Kit
The Allen Company universal gun cleaning kit holds a 4.5 star rating with over 3,500 ratings. According to reviewers, this kit does not work well with .22 or 5.56 caliber guns.
Allen Company does offer products made in the USA; however, this universal gun cleaning kit was made in China.
Some more common items that are purchased with this kit are bulk number of patches and solvents. You can take a look at our list of Best Gun Cleaning Solvents to help you choose. This universal gun kit does not come with any plastic bottles.
It seems it is difficult to just buy a gun cleaning case. From what I see all of them come with a gun cleaning kit, at least on Amazon. The question for me becomes, is it worth paying $40 more just to have the case with extra storage? Especially, when the kit doesn’t seem to address cleaning small bore guns or rifles.
Contents
- 1x three-piece brass rod
- 2x utility brushes; brass, and nylon
- 2x muzzle guards
- 3x accessory adapters
- 14x bronze wire brushes
- 6x mops
- 13x spear pointed brass jags
- 4x brass slotted patch loops
- cleaning patches
- gun wipes and cotton swabs
- 2x removable trays
What I like
I like that the case has extra room for you to put in other things that you need. One person put in a folded Tipton Gun Butler and a 3-piece shotgun cleaning rod. The seller has a store based out of Colorado, USA.
4. Falko Tactical Universal Gun Cleaning Kit
The Falko Tactical universal gun cleaning kit holds a 4.5 star rating with over 1,500 ratings.
The company is based out of Wyoming, USA and is called DIY Crew. They also sell a gun cleaning mat, backpack, and an American Velcro flag patch. Based on my research, I would have to say that the kit is made in China as the company is importing Chinese products (if you’ve bought this product, does it have Made in China stamped on it?).
Some more common items that are purchased with this kit are solvents and oil. You can take a look at our list of Best Gun Cleaning Solvents to help you choose. The case does have space for 2x oil bottles. Overall the gun cleaning kit universal costs less, but are you then going to spend more for the items it doesn’t have?
Generally, speaking larger bundles of items are less expensive that purchasing the individual pieces.
Contents
- 2x three-piece brass rods
- 9x bronze wire brushes
- 5x mops
- 6x brass spear pointed jags
- 2x brass slotted patch loops
- cleaning patches
What I like
The case is small, so it would be easier to put in another bag for carrying.
It’s about $15 less than the majority of the universal gun cleaning kits that we review here. So, if you don’t have a need for small bore cleaning, this may be a good investment.
5. iunio Universal Gun Cleaning Kit
The iunio universal gun cleaning kit has a 4.5 star rating with over 1,500 ratings. iunio only sells kits with the brass jags. You can choose between a black, gold, green, and pink cases. The jags are clearly marked with the caliber on them.
Some more common items that are purchased with this kit are bulk number of patches and solvents. You can take a look at our list of Best Gun Cleaning Solvents to help you choose. For a company based out of Guangdong (Canton), China, the quality of the tools in the kit are very good.
The two different empty bottles have different colored caps, one white and one black. This and the size difference makes it easier for you to distinguish the one with the solvent (smaller, white cap) from the one with the oil (larger, black cap). They both have needle point applicators, as well.
What is interesting to note about the GLORYFIRE, FIREGEAR, and iunio kits is they all look the same. iunio has also taken the time to set up a very small Amazon store that sells a few other hunting products, like camo netting.
Contents
- 3x solid brass rods for .17-.270 caliber rifles and pistols
- 3x solid brass rods for .30 caliber larger rifles pistols shotguns and muzzleloaders
- 3x utility brushes; Brass, Nylon, Stainless
- 3x accessory adapters
- 3x muzzle guards
- 14x bronze wire brushes
- 9x cotton mops
- 13x spear pointed brass jags
- 4x brass slotted patch loops
- 2x empty oil bottles
- 100x cleaning patches
- 4x polishing clothes
- 1 gun cleaning mat
What I like
I like that this one distinguishes itself from the others by including a gun cleaning mat. What a great complementary accessory to go with one of the best universal gun cleaning kits. That alone, would probably make me choose this one over GLORYFIRE and FIREGEAR.
Bonus
1. BOOSTEADY Universal Handgun Cleaning Kit
The BOOSTEADY universal handgun cleaning kit has a 4.5 star rating with over 9,500 ratings.
Some more common items that are purchased with this kit are bulk number of patches and solvents. You can take a look at our list of Best Gun Cleaning Solvents to help you choose. For another company based out of Guangdong (Canton), China, the quality of the tools in the kit are very good.
What is interesting to note about BOOSTEADY is they have also taken the time to set up a very small Amazon store that sells a few other products. For example, tactical bag accessories and stylish gun slings. And, they put an American flag as part of the background, talk about good marketing to probably the largest market in guns – us in the good ole’ USA.
Contents
- 1x Handle
- 1x Zippered Tool Case
- 1x 10.5″ Brass Gun Cleaning Rod (2 Segments)
- 1x Large Brass Slotted Tip
- 1x Small Brass Slotted Tip
- 1x Nylon Brush
- 1x .22 Caliber Brush and Jag
- 100x Gun Cleaning Patches
- 1x .45 Cal. Brush and Jag
- 1x .40 Cal. Brush and Jag
- 1x .357 Cal./.38 Cal./9MM Brush and Jag
- 1x Stainless Steel Pick
What I like
It’s small and compact and easy to carry. If you are a gun sports shooter and only shoot pistols or if you are going to the range to only shoot pistols, then this is the perfect universal handgun cleaning kit for you.
Conclusion
The best universal gun cleaning kit for you will depend on your taste and any other specific requirements you might have. As you can see, most of them are probably made from the same manufacturer in China. That means the quality overall is going to be the same. So, then it comes down to maybe price or delivery time.
Remember, a clean gun is a happy gun!
You can see Gun Cleaning Tips on handguns and shotguns, as well as how often you should clean your gun on our Gun Cleaning Tips page.
FAQs
Does this kit work for both handguns and rifles?
Yes, the universal gun cleaning kits will all work with handguns or rifles. Although, the Allen Company gun cleaning kit universal seemed to now work well with the lowest caliber (.17 and .22) weapons.
What is the best parts cleaner for firearms?
The best parts cleaner for firearms is a non-chlorinated solvent or a specialized gun cleaning solvent. These solvents effectively dissolve carbon buildup, oil, and debris from gun parts, ensuring thorough cleaning without causing damage to the firearm.
What is the best method for cleaning guns?
The best method for cleaning guns involves disassembling the firearm, using appropriate cleaning tools like bore brushes and patches, applying gun cleaning solvent, and lubricating moving parts with gun oil. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and safety precautions for optimal results.
What is a universal gun cleaning kit?
A universal gun cleaning kit is a versatile set of tools and accessories designed to clean various firearms. It typically includes cleaning rods, bore brushes, jags, patches, and adapters to fit different calibers and types of guns.
Is CLP good for guns?
Yes, CLP (Cleaner, Lubricant, and Protectant) is suitable for guns. It cleans fouling, lubricates moving parts, and protects against rust. CLP is a popular all-in-one product, but some gun owners prefer using dedicated cleaning solvents and lubricants for specialized tasks.
How many times should you clean your gun?
The frequency of gun cleaning depends on factors such as usage, ammunition type, and environmental conditions. For most firearms, regular cleaning after each shooting session or every 200-500 rounds is recommended to maintain performance and prevent excessive fouling.
What is the best rifle barrel cleaning method?
The best rifle barrel cleaning method involves using a bore brush and cleaning patches soaked in a suitable solvent. Run the bore brush back and forth through the barrel, followed by cleaning patches until they come out clean. Finish by applying a light coat of gun oil for protection.
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