Is there such thing as a universal gun cleaning kit? What about a low price kit? Cleaning kits are a very important piece of every gun owner’s tool box. What you’re most likely to find though is a weird selection of cleaning accessories for different gun calibers that don’t work together. Rods that don’t fit, threads for larger or smaller rods. Or even worse, you’ll find a good set at a godawful price. You on the other hand – are looking for a list of the best universal gun cleaning kit with a price under $40. We’ve compiled a lost of the best gun cleaning kits available right now. The best universal gun cleaning kit is the Real Avid Gun Boss Pro Universal Cleaning Kit.
What is the best gun cleaning kit under $40?
- Real Avid Gun Boss Pro Universal Cleaning Kit – Best Value
- Hoppes Universal Accessory Kit – Classic Kit
- NCStar Universal Cleaning Kit – Fancy Choice
#1. Real Avid Gun Boss Pro Universal Kit
Check Current Price | Editors Choice
Pro’s and Cons
Pro’s
- Spaces labeled by caliber
- Spaces in kit to hang on wall or workbench
Con’s
- No gun cleaner and oil included
- No cotton patches or q-tips included
Our Experience with the Real Avid Gun Boss Pro Universal Cleaning Kit
This is a nice addition if you’re going for a case color other than black. The holes in the top right and left of this kit are great for hanging it on a workbench or wall.
This product will account for every popular caliber you’ll use with rifles, pistols or shotguns. The kit serves as a toolbox with an easily read sign for each caliber’s home in the cleaning kit. You won’t need to search around for the correct rod or size brush with this kit as each piece has its own home.
#2. Hoppes Universal Accessory Kit
Check Current Price | The Classic Choice
Pro’s
- Gun cleaner and oil included
- Trusted brand in gun solvents and cleaners
Con’s
- No gun cleaner or oil included
- Tray spots aren’t labeled by caliber
- No cotton patches or q-tips included
Our Experience with the Hoppes Universal Accessory Cleaning Kit
In 1903, Frank August Hoppe mixed nine chemicals and created the world’s most effective gun cleaner. As a well-trained young soldier, Frank knew that gun care went far beyond just a clean rifle, but actually helped to ensure his safety while on the front lines of battle.
Since that time, Hoppe’s has emerged as the leading gun care company, having grown along-side hunters, shooters, and soldiers who depend on their firearms every day. It has remained the most trusted name in gun care by advancing and evolving technologies to meet those needs. From the ever-popular and versatile No. 9 and the quick and easy BoreSnake, to the marvel of efficiency we call Gun Medic, Hoppe’s is the only name you need to know for firearm cleaning and protection.
It includes brushes for 22, .270/7mm, .30, .357/9mm, .40/10mm, .44/.45, 12GA, 20GA, and .410GA with aluminum rods with a t-handle. It includes a nice case to keep all your tools in while traveling to or from your local gun range. Hoppes has been around for a very long time and their quality cannot be beaten. They’re also the inventors of the popular BoreSnake – how could you go wrong with this kit at this price?
#3. NCStar NCSTAR UNIVERSAL KIT
Check Current Price | Fancy Choice
Pro’s
- Heavy duty carrying case
Con’s
- Case is bulky and takes a lot of space
- No gun cleaner or oil included
- Spaces not labeled by caliber
- No cotton patches or q-tips included
Our Experience with the Hoppes Universal Accessory Cleaning Kit
To be honest, we love this kit because it includes a briefcase that looks like you’re holding a million dollars of cash in it. And who doesn’t want to look cool?
The NCStar Universal Kit Includes: 2 Sets of Cleaning Rods, 2 Rod Adapters, T-Handle for a sure grip, 2 Slotted Tips for Patches, 10 Bronze Bore Brushes, 5 Bore Mops and Aluminum Carrying case. These brushes also cover the gamut of your popular firearm calibers.
What else is missing?
While these are great tools for getting your gun clean – you’re going to need gun solvent. We would stick with Hoppes at this point. It’s the industry standard for gun solvents (cleaning). Don’t stick with “standard issue” CLP – treat your guns like you love them and spend the money to clean and protect them for the future.
If you’re going to shop for gun cleaning kits, tools, or solvent – checkout Worth Firearms – we stock many different brands of cleaning kits and accessories to keep your weapons running like new. We ship at one low flat rate. Send us an email if you liked this list and would like to see more like it!
Why clean your guns?
It’s a best practice. Each industry has them. Even if you shoot a couple hundred rounds a year, it’s a great way to get to know your firearm.
But why do it with a universal cleaning kit? Buying one of these kits will serve you for the rest of your life. You’ll need to replace a rod, a mop, a sponge, refill your swabs once in a while – but it’s always there. You won’t have any real excuse not to.
Weapons maintenance is paramount in the Marines. It’s something I take great pride in even as a civilian – keeping a clean weapon means it always fires the right way, every time its picked up. It’s also a great way to judge the wear on your weapon’s parts and if they need replacement.
I will admit though – I hate cleaning shotguns. I don’t have a lot of experience taking them apart, so I head over to YouTube or Brownells to once again be reminded how to do it.
How often should I clean my gun?
Everytime you shoot – you should clean your gun. Watching an episode of Cops, I saw the police pull over a vehicle that fit the description of a shooting suspect. The driver had a firearm in his car. The police inspected it and put some dye on his hands to see if he’s fired a weapon recently.
The dye tested negative and his firearm was clean – unfired. I saw this episode many years ago but it hangs around in my head. If any fat bald men go on a shooting spree and they police pull me over, I want them to know it wasn’t me.
Keep your gun clean.
Should you wear gloves when cleaning a weapon?
Yes.
I had a customer tell me how silly he thought it was that gun owners wanted military-grade weapons. I agree to a point. However, the military tests the guns for their reliability.
The military didn’t make us wear gloves when we cleaned our weapons. I wouldn’t use that as an excuse not to though … Wear gloves if you can. If not – you’ll probably survive.
What’s our rating criteria?
- Gun cleaning kits need to hold .45, .40 S&W, 9mm, .308 and .223/5.56 caliber cleaning instruments
- Price needs to be under $40.00
- Must be compatible with rifles and pistols
- Higher priority was given to kits that had shotgun calibers
- Perceived easy of use by a new gun owner