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If you want your gun to operate reliably, it needs to be clean. There's no way around it. We've found the most viable, extensive AR-15 cleaning kits on the market.
We'll go over each detail and what makes each kit uniquely useful to keeping your AR-15 in perfect working order.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Best AR-15 Cleaning Kits
- OUR TOP PICK: Real Avid Gun Boss Pro AR15 Cleaning Kit
- RUNNER-UP: Otis Technology Tactical Cleaning System
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: GLORYFIRE Universal Gun Cleaning Kit
Comparison of the Best AR-15 Cleaning Kits
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What is in a Gun Cleaning Kit?
Gun cleaning kits include tools and solvents to remove carbon buildup from the inside of your guns. They typically have cleaning rods to clean your barrel, rod end accessories, and lubricating oil to help you reassemble your rifle with ease.
Gun cleaning kits are essential tools that every responsible gun owner should have. Maintaining your guns is critical and challenging to do without the unique tools that a gun cleaning kit includes.
Look for brass brushes, barrel cleaners, patches (a form of cleaning cloth), and polishing rags. While not all kits come with the latter, it's nice to have a glistening shine on your gun after cleaning it.
Real Avid Gun Boss Pro AR15 Cleaning Kit
What to Look for When Buying an AR-15 Cleaning Kit
Initially, you want what's referred to as a universal multiple set. This means it's sold for home use and not commercial equipment. That may sound like a downgrade, but most at-home AR-15 cleaning kits perform just as well; they're just more affordable than commercially-marketed gun cleaning kits that shops and trade show attendees use.
Next is the total number of pieces. The more parts, the better off you will be. Be sure to pay attention to the rating or caliber labeling on the individual kit. You'll notice that we've already targeted cleaning kits designed for AR-15s in this list, but if you choose to shop for another kit, you need to understand what gauge it is before purchasing.
While the number of pieces and their rating matter, they're going to be useless if you can't keep an eye on them. Get yourself a kit that includes some sort of tray or organizational system so that you aren't fishing around for adaptable parts and wasting time. The organization is important, so you don't lose anything, but also so that you know when something is out of place. It makes it much easier to locate.
Reviews of the Best AR-15 Cleaning Kits
Now that you know what to look for, it's time for us to show you exactly what you can expect in the top five AR-15 cleaning kits. These each offer unique tools and/or materials that you can use to clean your AR-15 like a professional gunsmith.
Best Overall:
Real Avid Gun Boss Pro AR15 Cleaning Kit
Pros
Cons
Designed with budgeting and power in mind, Real Avid put together an eighteen-piece kit that includes everything you need to accurately clean your rifle. From brass tools to the ergonomic handle on the case, this user-friendly kit is the best bang for your buck.
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers report loving the small, compact size of this kit, while also stating that you get what you pay for. While this kit doesn’t exceed expectations, it meets just about every one of them that has been set by buyers. Small, organized, and exactly what you expect.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Real Avid is a long-standing brand with a colorful history, and based on their rap sheet; we were excited to try this kit. It stood out because of quality over quantity. You only get 18 pieces, but with that being said, they're all durable, and we can see them lasting for years to come.
From the handles to the bristles, these tools just feel good in your hand. Real Avid is also known for shipping their products in a way that they don't get damaged. Not a single scratch on this case.
Bottom Line
While it doesn't include the most amount of pieces, it's solid and provides excellent value. The price is right, the tools are durable, but the star chamber cleaning pads don't exactly stand up to the test of time. Everything else works as intended, and while some cheaper kits are available, just about any gunsmith or hunter would be happy with this kit.
Runner-up:
Otis Technology Tactical Cleaning System FG-75
Pros
Cons
Otis provides a lot of value here, although they don’t shy away from their higher prices. This AR-15 cleaning kit may not be budget-friendly, but it is designed to get the job done efficiently. Otis brings you all the tools you need for a thorough and detailed deep clean of your AR-15.
What Recent Buyers Report
While buyers are reluctant to admit it, the longer shipping times from Otis products are worth it. Many users mention that this kit is excellent for cleaning multiple gun types, although the patches can be a bit tricky to master.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Otis is usually an excellent brand, so it initially stood out to us because of the strange circular case. We thought, "We have to see what that's all about," which piqued our interest. While the case didn't live up to what they're generally capable of, the tools did.
You have precisely sized tools that allow you to work on more than just AR-15s and rifles, so opening up that versatility is great (and it helps to justify the cost).
Bottom Line
Otis is a good brand, but they did miss the mark on the case and tool management. You can easily compare it to the other kits on this list and see significant differences. While the brass brushes didn't live up to snuff, the T-handle bar is excellent, and the price is something we can all get behind for what you get in the kit. They're another quality over quantity type of brand.
Best for the Money:
GLORYFIRE Universal Gun Cleaning Kit
No products found.
Pros
Cons
Featuring an organizational case and an extensive list of tools, GLORYFIRE gives you a lot of power for your dollar. Multiple case options are available, each of which comes with the same great spread of tools from a time-trusted gun cleaning brand.
What Recent Buyers Report
While the case is nice, it can be tricky to spot certain parts. Users wish that this had a labeling system of some sort, but agree that the kit pieces are sturdy and the organization is still top-notch.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It stood out because most universal gun kits aren't that good at being universal. GLORYFIRE is the exception to the rule. Apart from being useful for many different guns, the well-organized case that the premier stood out, and the total cost was nice as well. Many universal kits don't include polishing cloths (they just fill you up with cleaning patches more than anything else), so that added touch for the savvy gun owner was excellent.
Bottom Line
This may be the best value on our list. It doesn't exceed the prices of the other two kits we've looked at, yet it includes such great organization. The plastic loops are the only major downside here apart from the case being somewhat easy to scratch and damage, but we're not buying it for aesthetics at the end of the day. The kit works well and is worth the money.
4. BOOSTEADY Pro .223/5.56 Cleaning Kit
No products found.
Pros
Cons
This basic kit includes just about everything you could need for basic AR-15 cleaning. You get essential tools in a compact case, making it perfect for new AR-15 owners. This kit from BOOSTEADY can also be used to clean other guns.
What Recent Buyers Report
It’s as basic as it gets, but durability is surely the star. Users report that you aren’t getting anything special with this kit, but you are getting exactly what you paid for: a quality, long-lasting rifle cleaning kit. Convenience is king here, but BOOSTEADY should have included more patches.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It's simple. That's the main reason that it caught our eye. This kit doesn't reinvent the wheel; it just capitalizes on what's already there. BOOSTEADY isn't the most well-known brand, so perhaps part of the reason it stood out was that the tools seemed to emulate a higher price point.
Bottom Line
This is a great starter kit but may not be what the experienced, seasoned gun owner goes after for their ARs. While the value is decent, the metal cleaning pick tool is a focal point that just doesn't hold up. The ends are very brittle and prone to bending, so you're not going to get the most utility out of this kit from there. Is it worth the money? Yes, but it may not attract seasoned gun owners.
5. Gun Master 17-Piece Rifle Cleaning Kit
No products found.
Pros
Cons
Gun Master made a simple beginners kit, with a few trade-offs to consider that we’ll get into. You get the basic list of tools that you need for a quality cleaning from .223 up to 5.56 rifle gauges, making it perfect for your AR-15.
What Recent Buyers Report
Just what we expected—a mix between loving this kit (beginners), and discussing the poor quality of the case and overall construction. While the individual tools are mostly durable, it seems that buyers aren’t impressed with the packaging.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Cost-effectiveness. We wanted to try something inexpensive and see how it compared to the big dogs, and we were honestly a bit surprised by how good some of these tools were. The only reason it stood out to us among other cheap models was the tool quality, because even on the sales page for this case, you can see that pieces aren't properly aligned in the organizational tray.
Bottom Line
The case is laughable, but the tools themselves have a high quality about them. We received a brand new kit, so we're not quite sure who's getting used or older tools in their kits, but from what we've read, those tools are still in near-new condition and hold their own. Overall, it's organized and cost-effective and perfect for new gun owners (as long as you get a nylon case to swap out for at some point).
Advantages of Investing in a Quality AR-15 Cleaning Kit
Your AR-15 is an investment on its own, so why wouldn't you want to protect that investment? Consider this to be insurance on your AR-15. A good cleaning kit helps you keep it in perfect order for instances like:
Hunting: You're trying to put food on the table, so why should you make that job harder? While it's unlikely for your AR-15 to jam up just from light firing and carbon use, humidity and moisture will severely damage it.
Home Defense: If you want to rely on your AR-15 for home defense purposes, you need to ensure it's in top-tier condition. Cleaning kits prime your guns for home defense, so you're never caught with a jam.
Maintain Value: When a gun hasn't been cleaned for a long time, it leaves some damage that you just can't get rid of. If you ever plan on selling your AR-15 to exchange for other guns or upgrade in the future, it needs to look as fresh as the day it was manufactured.
Real Avid Gun Boss Pro AR15 Cleaning Kit
How to Clean an AR-15
1. Remove the rear takedown pin, then remove the bolt carrier and charging handle (leave the upper on).
2. Use WD-40 of your lubricant of choice to run down the bore. Do not get it on the gas tube.
3. Take down the bolt, which includes removing the pin. Remove the bolt cam pin and firing pin.
4. While the barrel soaks, lubricate the pieces you just pulled out of the bolt.
5. Wipe off any excess carbon. This will be prevalent after firing even a single round in a clean, wet gun.
6. After components have soaked, begin to reassemble the bolt.
7. Once reassembled, quickly add oil to the outside of the bolt carrier to lubricate bearings.
8. Run a patch and barrel cleaning tool through the barrel (back to front) without pulling the patch back through the barrel. Do this until the barrel is clean.
9. Wipe down excess oil and/or carbon buildup around the lugs.
10. Replace the lubed charging handle and bolt.
11. Finish reassembling your AR-15. You’re finished.
Be sure to check out the video below for a full overview of the steps we just described.
Conclusion
We've shown you the most adaptable, utility-driven AR-15 cleaning kits on the market. Now it's time to decide whether they align with your expectations or if you need something else entirely. After taking everything into account, we're confident that you'll find a kit on this list that you'll love.
People Also Ask
There's plenty of questions surrounding maintaining and cleaning your AR-15. Want to know how often you should clean it, or if you're overdoing it? You're not the only one who wants to know. We'll cover all of your burning questions right now.
How Often Should an AR-15 Be Cleaned?
It depends on the manufacturer's suggestions. Most AR-15s will only need to be cleaned once every six months from moderate use or once every four months from extended or consistent use. If you use your AR-15 for target practice frequently, clean as you see fit when performance drops. Otherwise, stick to a structured schedule.
Do You Need to Clean the Gas Tube on an AR-15?
You do, but it’s not nearly as difficult as you would think. All you have to do is run some 30-50K PSI gas through the tube or some WD-40, and you’re good to go. This doesn’t require intensive cleaning.
Can You Over Oil an AR-15?
Yes, it is possible, though highly unlikely. Over oiling an AR-15, or any gun for that matter will cause carbon to be trapped inside of any excess oil or lubricant trapped inside of the gun. This will lead to faster buildup, requiring you to clean your AR-15 well before it is expected. Avoid over oiling when possible.
Should You Clean a New AR-15 Before Shooting?
No, your brand new AR-15 (or any gun for that matter) doesn't need to be cleaned. When manufacturers assemble guns, they have standards in place to ensure they're shipping you a clean, perfectly functioning end product. Buying second-hand guns will always require you to clean them before shooting.
Do I Have to Clean My Gun Every Time I Fire it?
No, not after every single use. While it's a good idea to keep your gun clean, you also don't want to waste your time. Your rifle would only need to be immediately cleaned if you are using corrosive ammunition that could cause problems if left on the interior barrel casing. If your weapon is exposed to excessive humidity during use, it should be cleaned afterward.
Can I Clean My Gun With Brake Cleaner?
You can, but it comes with a slightly increased risk of damage. Brake cleaner will work on metal, but if it touches wooden handle finishes or any plastic components of your gun, it can begin to corrode finishes and cause damage that impacts performance.
Does a Dirty Gun Affect Accuracy?
Yes. If your gun is dirty, the barrel fouling causes a stronger bond between your barrel and the bullet. However, thanks to modern gun manufacturing, this is an extreme case. Most AR-15s will still be able to shoot with excellent accuracy after fouling from five-hundred rounds or more. Extended periods of not cleaning your AR-15 is when you'll see problems with accuracy.