Here at Clenzoil, we’ve tried to design a cleaning kit to fit every different style of shooter. However, with so many options available on the market today, it can be difficult to choose the right one for you. To help you out, we've put together this handy guide with tips on how to pick the best Clenzoil kit for your needs. But before we get into the tools you’ll need to take care of your gun, we first need to talk about why we’re cleaning a gun at all. We’ll also cover some pitfalls to avoid when we do clean our guns.
Why Clean a Gun?
Cleaning a firearm is important because it removes contaminants that are produced when the gun is used. Fouling from bullets and gasses leaves behind copper, lead, and carbon in the barrel rifling, which can impact performance. Additionally, corrosive powders can degrade the barrel if not cleaned away. Carbon build-up in the chamber can cause malfunctions if the gun is not cleaned regularly or after malfunctions occur in training. It is important to clean the barrel of your firearm after shooting if using corrosive ammunition and to properly clean, lubricate and protect the gun before storing it for a long period to prevent rust.
What Parts Make Up a Gun Cleaning Kit?
A gun cleaning kit is a must-have for firearms owners. To make sure you have all the essential tools, here is what you should look for in a kit:
- Cleaning Rod: A cleaning rod is the backbone of a cleaning kit. It comes in multiple pieces that screw together to reach the desired length. Cleaning rods are made of materials that are softer than steel to avoid damaging the barrel and are important for maintenance. You can use them to scrub the barrel by pushing or pulling with back-and-forth motions.
- Cable Pull Through: The alternative to a cleaning rod, cleaning cables are flexible, nylon-coated steel cables that allow for a more flexible, compact cleaning system. In some cases on certain firearms, the cable pull-through system can allow for a thorough bore cleaning without complete disassembly of the firearm.
- Brushes: There are different types of brushes, each with a specific use. Bronze bore brushes are used for tough carbon buildup, while nylon brushes are for more delicate areas. Additionally, there are other brushes for cleaning other parts of the gun with a variety of bristles. Make sure to use the appropriate size brush for each area to avoid damaging the gun's finish.
- Cleaning Jags/Patch Holder: After cleaning the barrel with a brush, use a patch to apply solvent or remove excess. The patch is pierced with a jag or passed through a loop in a patch holder. Replace the patch for each pass to avoid re-depositing dirt in the barrel.
- Cotton Swabs: Specialty cotton swabs with a long wooden handle can be a great supplement to your cleaning kit for detailed cleaning or quick passes.
- Bore Mops: Once the barrel has been cleaned, use a bore mop to apply gun oil to protect the barrel from environmental factors and prevent rust.
- Cleaner, Lubricant, & Protectant: It’s no secret that there are A LOT of chemicals designed for gun cleaning; so much so that it can get a little confusing to someone that’s new to gun ownership. Some products are specific to each of the aforementioned tasks (cleaning, lubricating, & protecting), and some provide an all-in-one solution. Clenzoil Field & Range is considered to be an all-in-one solution that completes each of those tasks with ease about 98% of the time. The other 2% of the time would be for professional shooters that are very particular about how they clean their barrels. All Clenzoil gun cleaning kits come with our tried and true Clenzoil Field & Range Solution in one size or another.
- Cobra Bore Cleaners: Clenzoil Cobras (also referred to as bore snakes) are a convenient cleaning tool for those who don't have time for a full cleaning of their gun. Bore snakes have a combination of patches and brushes in a coil design and can be used for various calibers. To use a bore snake, apply cleaner to the bore, thread the weighted end down the barrel, and pull it through to clean the bore. Bore snakes are not a replacement for all cleaning tools, but they can prevent debris and carbon from sitting in the barrel and solidifying after a day on the range and will at least hold you over until your next comprehensive cleaning.
- Extras: Additional items like gun mats and cleaning stands can make cleaning easier and more efficient. A gun mat can help keep parts organized and prevent solvents and oils from spreading, while a cleaning stand can support long guns and make cleaning easier.
Now that we’ve covered the basics of cleaning kits and their components, let's take a closer look at the different gun cleaning kits that Clenzoil has to offer.
Single Caliber Pistol Cleaning Kits
Single caliber pistol cleaning kits are for cleaning one size pistol but can be used for multiple pistols of the same caliber. These kits are small and compact, making them great for on-the-go. They include a cleaning rod & handle, a caliber-specific bore brush, a small nylon brush, cotton patches and a patch puller, and a 0.5 oz. bottle of Clenzoil Field & Range Solution.
At $24.99, this is an entry-level price point kit that is perfect for the first-time gun owner or someone who doesn’t know if they will purchase more firearms in the future and just wants to make sure their new firearm stays clean!
Available in the Following Sizes:
- .22 Caliber
- .357/.38 Caliber & 9mm
- .40 Caliber & 10mm
- .44/.45 Caliber
AR-15 and AR-10/AK-47 Cleaning Kits
The AR-15 & AR-10/AK-47 cleaning kits are designed to provide all the necessary tools to maintain and preserve the reliability and accuracy of the AR-15/AR-10 and AK-47 platforms. Both kits include both a rod-driven, cable pull-through system that provides additional versatility in the rifle cleaning process, as well as caliber-specific brass bore brushes and chamber brushes.
These kits are perfect for an on-the-go field cleaning or a thorough home breakdown on your workbench. With an price tag of $27.99, these kits are great for first-time AR and AK owners or veterans looking for a small compact kit that they can easily through in a range bag or backpack and keep with them at all times in case of any issues in the field.
Multi-Caliber & Multi-Gauge Cleaning Kits
Available in Multi-Caliber Pistol, Multi-Caliber Rifle, Multi-Gauge Shotgun, and Multi-Caliber Tactical configurations, these kits are perfect for the experienced shooter that has multiple firearms in multiple calibers. Designed in both black and tan color options, each configuration comes with a MOLLE-compatible, water-resistant nylon carrying case that has an internal tray that keeps all brushes, mops, and patch pullers organized while on the go or at home.
The compact cable pull-through cleaning system ensures that you will always have everything needed to clean your firearm when needed without taking up much space or weight when traveling or storing it at home!
Rifle & Pistol Essentials Cleaning Kits
The Clenzoil Rifle & Pistol Essentials Cleaning Kits are the perfect caliber-specific choice for anyone who wants to clean their firearms with ease. Each kit includes all of the necessary components for a complete cleaning of all parts of either a pistol or a rifle, depending on the size & configuration selected. The Essentials Cleaning Kits were designed directly by our team at Clenzoil based on the tools that we personally use most frequently for firearms maintenance.
Unlike some of our other cleaning kit offerings, this kit is Made in the U.S.A. with both domestic and imported parts. Each kit comes with a 1 oz. Pump Sprayer and 1 oz. Needle Oiler bottles filled with the original Clenzoil Field & Range Solution, either a cleaning rod or cable pull through depending on the configuration, a caliber-specific bore brush, a microfiber towel, and a Cobra Bore Cleaner specific to the caliber of the kit. Additionally, these kits feature a resealable clamshell packaging that not only serves as the product packaging but also as a compact storage solution for all of the included components.
Universal Field Cleaning Kits
The Clenzoil Field & Range Universal Gun Cleaning Kit is designed for versatility. It fits in with the rest of your high-end gear and comes with everything you need to clean all types of firearms including rifles, shotguns, and handguns in some of the most popular sizes including .22 caliber, .270 caliber, .308 caliber 9mm, .38 caliber, .44/.45 caliber, and 12 Gauge.
This kit comes with a full-length rod set and cable pull-through system to cover all types of firearm platforms and user preferences. So whether you are an avid hunter, competitive shooter, or recreational hobbyist, the Clenzoil Field & Range Universal Gun Cleaning Kit is the perfect choice for your go-to gun cleaning kit.
Universal Gun Care Range Bag
The Universal Gun Care Range Bag is the perfect choice for both entry-level and avid shooters that like to keep all of their cleaning gear organized in one place. This kit comes complete with a cleaning mat, shoulder strap, double-sided nylon brush, and both a full-length rod set and cable pull-through system. With 10 different sizes of bore brushes and mops, this cleaning kit covers every popular firearm caliber from .22 up to 12 gauge. It also comes complete with a Field & Range 2 oz. Pump Sprayer and Synthetic Grease Syringe (a $21.98 value in and of itself).
The middle pocket and empty side pocket offer additional storage for eye and ear protection, ammunition, magazines, and more, making it ideal for the entry-level shooter looking for both a range bag and a premium cleaning kit at a great price point! All sides of the Universal Gun Care Range Bag feature hook & loop fastener straps so you can attach additional MOLLE-compatible products if desired!
Conclusion
We hope this article helped you understand the different types of Clenzoil cleaning kits. There are many factors to consider when choosing which kit is right for your needs, including what kind of gun you have and how often it gets used. The most important thing is that you choose something that works well for your specific needs.
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