Is cleaning a small-bore, .22LR gun any different than cleaning a large bore 30-06 or .308 hunting rifle? at first glance, I could see why we get this question because a .22LR is much smaller, lighter, and doesn’t pack the punch that a 7.62mm bullet has.
However, whether you’re shooting a .22LR pistol or rifle, all cleaning principles are the same and in fact, I’ve found that cleaning my .22LR pistol and rifle are easier than my 30-06 Winchester Model 70.
I’ve used so many different cleaning tools throughout the years and I’m normally disappointed by the quality and longevity of my tools. I believe I’ve found the best .22LR cleaning kit I’ve ever had with Tipton. I’ve included all the tools that I use in both my Ruger Mark IV 22/45 and my Ruger 10/22 Takedown Rifle. Fortunately, Tipton does a great job of providing a kit for both weapons.
What Do I Look For in a Cleaning Kit?
Anytime I buy a cleaning kit for my gun collection, I look for 4 characteristics above all others, such as durability, affordability, safety, and versatility. Each tool I use has lasted me the past 3 years with constant cleaning and exposure to solvents, lubes, and gun oils. I still have not had any problems with my Tipton gun cleaning tools and highly encourage anyone looking for a new cleaning kit to consider Tipton.
22LR Pistol Cleaning Kit
I bring the Tipton .22LR pistol cleaning kit with me every time I shoot my .22LR Ruger because it fits inside my range bag with ease and comes with everything I need to clean (excluding solvent). The collapsable cleaning rod with the rotating T-Handle makes it incredibly easy to quickly attach a patch or bore brush and clean my barrel. My favorite 2 features of the cleaning rod are durability and versatility.
I can’t tell you how many cleaning rods I’ve broken from having a jag or bore brush break off inside the grooves of the rod. With handguns, this happens because the cleaning rod is too long and the connections are not tight enough. The T-handle is perfect for handguns because you can use a little more force without worrying about bending the cleaning rod since it’s so much smaller than a rifle cleaning rod.
What’s Included in the Pistol Cleaning Kit?
- Stainless Steel Cleaning Rod
- 10 cleaning patches
- Nylon cleaning brush
- Bronze bore brushes for each caliber (.22 CAL, 9MM/.357/.38 CAL, .40/10MM CAL, .45CAL)
- Nylon Jags for each caliber (.22 CAL, 9MM/.357/.38 CAL, .40/10MM CAL, .45CAL)
- 2 nylon slotted tips
Where Can I Buy the Tipton .22LR Compact pistol Cleaning Kit?
There are only 3 places that currently have the 22LR Compact pistol cleaning kits, including Amazon, Natchez Shooting Supplies ($25.99), and Tipton. The cheapest place to get the pistol cleaning kit is at Natchez. However, for only a dollar less than Amazon and Tipton, the only thing you need to consider is the shipping costs. Regardless of your choice, I frequently buy and trust all 3 companies with my business.
Tipton Power Swabs
I use the Power Swabs with my .22LR Ruger because it allows me to reach into my action and mag well with better precision and apply solvent for a better clean. The Power swabs are great because they come in a bag of 250 swabs and don’t take up much space. I normally use the swabs once I’m back at home and have time to go through my pistol and give it a detailed cleaning. For $11.99, this is a great deal that normally lasts me the year for 1 bag.
22LR Rifle Cleaning Kit
It really depends on if you’d like to buy everything you’d need in one convenient carrying kit or individual pieces that you put together to customize your own kit. I do a little of both because I like specific tools like the carbon-Fiber cleaning rod for my .22 rifle and prefer to have multiple cleaning rods to ensure all of my calibers are covered. This kit is an absolute steal at $109.56. The amount of products that you get from buying this cleaning kit on Amazon far exceeds the overall amount if you bought each tool separately.
What Does the Tipton Ultra Gun Cleaning Kit Include?
Where Can I Buy the Tipton Ultra Gun Cleaning Kit?
Amazon presents the best deal that I’ve been able to find at $109.59 for the Ultra Gun Cleaning Kit. You get everything the kit comes with for an unbeatable price with the capability to clean and maintain every rifle you have in your arsenal.
22LR Bore Brush
I really like the nylon bore brush for my .22LR rifles because I don’t think they ever get that dirty and the softer nylon has no problem cleaning a .22 Cal barrel. The 13-Piece set is great because it gives me nylon brushes not only for my .22 Cal rifle, but also 12 other calibers. This set of bore brushes will work for all of my rifles including my 30-06 and my 7mm Rem Mag.
Which Calibers Are Included in the 13-Piece Bore Brush Set?
- 17
- .20
- .22
- .243/6mm
- .25/6.5mm
- .270/7mm
- .30
- .338/8mm
- .5/9mm
- .375
- .40
- .44
- .45
22LR Cleaning Rod
I use the Tipton Carbon-Fiber cleaning rod meant for my .22 Cal Ruger rifle with a 40" extended length. Most barrels are no longer than 26" on a hunting rifle, therefore the Tipton cleaning rod should be good for any .22 Cal rifle you have. The handle is built around 2 bearings that prevent binding to allow the rod to rotate with the rifling of the gun. One of the many benefits is the cleaning rod should never get stuck in your barrel and force the rod to bend or break.
The carbon-fiber shaft is flexible enough to push through the dirtiest barrels with a bore brush or cotton patch. I know there are many different types of cleaners and lubricants that people use, but I always suggest a solvent. Solvents do all the work for you so you just have to clean it up with a push through with a bore brush to dislodge the carbon and residue and run a patch through.
22LR Bore Snake
A Tipton bore snake is great because it’s as easy as sliding one end through the barrel and attaching the metal connectors at the ends. Once the connection of the Nope Rope is established, you can run the Nope Rope in a continuous loop to clean the barrel of your gun very quickly. My favorite thing to do with the Nope Rope is to clean it with a cleaning rod and run my Nope Rope through with lubricant to store my gun back in its case.
Conclusion
Whether you’re cleaning a .22LR pistol or rifle, you’re going to need the proper gear to clean them with because the specs and dimensions are always smaller than a larger caliber rifle such as your 30-06 or .308 Winchester. Buying the gun cleaning is the easiest and most effective way of cleaning your .22LR guns, but I also recommend deciding which tools work best for you and buying only what you need. Regardless of your choice, I know that I’ve trusted my Tipton products for the past few years and have no regrets about my purchases. Good luck and happy hunting!
Stay Tuned to the RE Factor Tactical Blog and be part of this all VETERAN-run website. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for exclusive content and deals.
Check out our DAILY DEALS page for industry deals and discounts.
Visit our Amazon Influencer Page for more products we recommend: https://www.amazon.com/shop/refactortactical
Leave a Reply
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *