OK, from the "don't start that again..." files. I need to rework my kit I put together over the years -- both the "hardware" (tools and supplies; wipes, swabs, etc.) and "software" (lubricants, cleaners, etc.) -- and want recommendations. I used to have a cleaning product that, for the life of me, I can't remember the name of it. I used it on my H&K USP that I sold years ago, as well as a couple of others, that got everything as clean as I've ever seen. Unfortunately, I don't think it is made anymore. I now have a couple of spray cans of CLP (I'll update with brands) as well as all sorts of hardware in my kit, inside of a tackle box. I'm moving everything to a couple of Milwaukee packouts I am no longer using for other purposes as the tackle box is getting full.

So, what is your favorite cleaner, lube, etc.? What tools do you find useful? Organization?

All my stuff, pistols and rifles, are semi-auto if that makes a difference. Just picked up a couple of used handguns in the last few months (G17 and P365) to go along with a G42 I hadn't yet cleaned. I need to do as deep a clean as possible on my Ruger Mark II -- I don't think it has been cleaned since (I don't even want to say). Same is true for a .22 rifle.

I use both the Black and Blue on all my firearms.

https://www.qmaxxproducts.com/products

No need to make it complicated - a cleaning rod, jag, bronze brush and the right shotgun swabs are really about all you need. Either cut patches from old t-shirts or buy the precut ones.

I'm a fudd when it comes to solvent - Hoppes #9 powder solvent and either Hoppes lubricating oil, Remoil or old school 3-in-1 oil on most parts and pieces works just fine. Has on guns I have that are older than anybody here.

I do use slide grease on my 1911 slides and on my Garand, and CLP is a good product to have in the field when you need to spray the hell out of your gun since it cleans and lubes at the same time. I've also used SAE 30 weight oil on my AR, it works wonderfully. Back when I duck hunted my 870 would get hosed down with Remoil after every hunt with a good wipe down to clean and protect it since we hunted in salt water. Barely a lick of rust on that gun and it spent 20+ years in Matagorda Bay.

Don't overthink it - most of the solvents and lubes are pretty much the same. Pick one and go with it.

Invest in these. They are a game changer for cleaning barrels and you can pack them fairly easily.



https://breakthroughclean.com/

I have a full toolbox of "gun cleaning stuff I need." SAVE YOUR MONEY.

The only thing I have used to clean my guns in the past 20 years is CLP Break Free, a Bore Snake of suitable size, and some Hoppe's gun oil in spray form.


Also on hand:

Aeroshell
TW25B Grease


Tools I use
FixitSticks and some Remington branded bit kit. <---this is what gets used for most things.

Lesser used tools: Pin gauges, punches of various types and formats, various jigs for grinding recoil pads, or adjustable base plates (Jones/Graco/etc), tools for refinishing stocks, etc.

It really just depends on what you do most with your firearms. I try to only buy that which I need now as I need it.

Hoppes no 9 solvent, Mobile 1 (or other synthetic motor oil). Bore snakes, brass brush, and jag. I have tried so many new-fangled products and they don't clean as well as what I have listed for rimfire, coated lead and suppressed shooting.

Other suggestions are not wrong, just these work well for me and the dirty ammo and conditions I usually shoot

This thread reminds me that I need to clean every gun and suppressor I own, and have for way, way too long. Spraying everything in oil before range trips has been getting me by. Going to be a long, messy weekend.

Separate question- how long do you guys go between cleanings? I used to religiously clean everything before it went back in the safe, but have gotten lazy.

Break Free CLP, or Corrosion-X, for gun oils.

Grease has its place, if you're shooting LOTS of rounds, but the average 50-100 shots or less, one of those oils will be fine.

I like WOOD boxes for gun cleaning "kits". Not as easy to find as they used to be, but the wood will absorb small amounts of oil, so you don't end up with the oily mess that plastic/metal boxes have, when a little drips out of the bottle or off of your brushes.

I can smell Hoppes 9 just by reading the words! So many great memories come back with that scent!

A long time ago an old Winchester collector gave me a can of the product below called Renaissance. He used it exclusively on all his firearms in his Winchester collection.
Of all the myriad of gun oils and preservatives it is my "go to" product that I use on my collection.
The Cody Firearms Museum uses it exclusively on their guns, as well as the NRA Museum of Firearms and the curators at the Texas Rangers Museum in Waco.
It is a great product for heirloom firearms or everyday carry or hunting/shooting firearms.
Of all the products I have on my bench it is the one I reach for the most.

My local shop had these, so I picked one up. I really like it, so I will drop a link.

https://proshotproducts.com/cleaning-rod-8-pistol-22-cal-up/