The 10 Best Field Cleaning Kits
This wiki has been updated 24 times since it was first published in January of 2018. A dirty gun can be dangerous. If you don't keep your firearm clean and maintained, it could rust or jam, leading to an embarrassing performance at the range or a potentially life-threatening accident at home. These field cleaning kits will help you keep your weapon in the ideal shape, so that it's always ready when you need it most. Always clear the chamber before working on any gun. When users buy our independently chosen editorial selections, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Hoppe's BoreSnake 34015
2. Real Avid MSF
3. Otis FG-308
Editor's Notes
June 17, 2020:
Removed the Otis Modern Sporting & AR, the Tactical Triad Professional, the Ultimate Arms Gear, the CCOP AK-47 Pouch, and the Real Avid Pro Pack because of availability issues. Added the Hoppe's BoreSnake 34015, the Real Avid MSF, the Otis FG-308, the Ultimate Arms Cleaning System, and the Hoppe's Range FC4.
The Hoppe's BoreSnake 34015 is one of the best and easiest ways to keep your chamber and barrel clean. The snake itself is a long piece of cloth that has a wire brush embedded into a section after the string. But right after the string, there is a section of cloth where you can add some Hoppe's solvent. So when you drop the string from the breech down through the end of the muzzle (it has a brass weight at the end to help get the snake through) you'll first start by coating the barrel with solvent, then the brush kicks in to help get deposits off, and then the long end of the cloth absorbs any remaining solvent. Since the snake is breech-to-muzzle (it cleans starting at the chamber and exits out the muzzle) there is no danger that you'll damage the crown. Even small nicks on the crown compromise your firearm's accuracy and you'll have to get it re-crowned. Once you have your barrel clean, you can add some of the Hoppe's grease to any contact surfaces, specially those that slide like the bolt or sections of the receiver. If you need larger kits for your shop or garage, check out our full sized gun cleaning kits.
Always double check that you've removed the magazine, cleared the chamber, and opened the action before working on a firearm. If you use solvents, make sure that your work area is well ventilated.
4. Tac Shield Sport Ridge
5. Ultimate Arms Cleaning System
6. Hoppe's Range FC4
7. Real Avid Universal Cable
8. TandemKross Eezox
9. Hoppe's No. 9 PKI
10. Real Avid Gun Boss Pro
Rafael Perez is a doctoral candidate in philosophy at the University of Rochester. His primary focus is the metaphysics of time and the philosophy of mind, with a particular interest in artificial intelligence and antirepresentational models of the mind. He has extensive experience as a mechanic, a construction worker, and a general repairman. This has allowed him to gather a wealth of knowledge on automobile repair, auto parts, carpentry, masonry, welding, and the tools used in those trades. In his spare time, he enjoys playing guitar, woodworking, and fishing.