Firearm Cleaning and Maintenance Tools
Firearm cleaning and maintenance is a very important part of being a responsible gun owner. We use guns for recreational purposes and for self-defense. If a firearm is not properly maintained, failures can and will occur. If it happens while you are on the range, it is usually not a big deal, but when it happens in the middle of the night, with your life on the line, you don’t want to be thinking: Why didn’t I clean and oil my gun.
Most people who own firearms fall into two categories: Those who love cleaning their guns and those who hate them. Personally, I find it to be a very relaxing experience. Having the right tools will definitely go a long way toward making it more pleasant. Below you will find the list of tools I use to clean my firearms.
My pistol cleaning toolset
For the cleaning solution, I have been using Hoppe’s #9 for many years. It helps with the removal of carbon and many other deposits. After the cleaning, I use Wilson Combat Ultima-Lube II. It’s fantastic oil that keeps firearms lubricated and running well. You will need a set of patches in various sizes. I go through a whole bunch of patches during the cleaning process, as I do not recommend reusing the patch after it has been soiled. A good set of tweezers will allow you to get your patches into tight places.
You will also need a cleaning rod to push the brass brush and patches through the barrel. A good rod would have a coated surface that will not damage the barrel as well as a rotating handle. When the brush goes through the barrel, it will catch on the rifling and will rotate. I highly recommend Dewey Coated Rods.
You will also need a set of brushes to clean the inside of the firearm. An old toothbrush will do this job as well, but a set of dedicated brushes, such as these from Otis, would be better.
Set of Otis brushes. Available on Amazon.com
The next two tools I will show will greatly ease your cleaning process. These are a Pro-Shot Brass Gun Pick Cleaning Tool and a Channel Cleaning Tool, both available on Amazon. The brass tool will help with cleaning carbon in hard to reach places as well as to push your patches. The channel cleaning guide will help clean the channels inside of the slide.
I hope these tools will make your firearm cleaning experience more enjoyable.