Gun Tools

Cleaning kits, punch sets, torque wrenches, and bore guides don't get the attention scopes and triggers do, but they're what keeps a firearm running reliably and what makes routine maintenance and small repairs something you can do yourself instead of paying a gunsmith for every basic task. Extreme Reloading stocks cleaning supplies, armorer's tools, and maintenance gear across handgun, rifle, and shotgun platforms, in stock and shipping in 24 hours from a veteran-owned shop.

Cleaning kits: universal vs. caliber-specific

Universal cleaning kits include multiple caliber-sized rods, brushes, and jags in one case, convenient if you own several different firearms. Caliber-specific kits are more compact and often include better-fitted components for one specific bore diameter, worth it if you're maintaining a single primary firearm and want the best possible fit for the job.

Bore guides and rod material

A bore guide keeps the cleaning rod centered in the bore, protecting the crown and chamber from wear caused by a rod rubbing against the rifling at an angle — cheap insurance against the kind of accuracy-robbing damage that happens slowly, one cleaning at a time, without a guide. Carbon fiber and coated stainless rods resist picking up grit that can scratch a bore; avoid uncoated steel rods for anything beyond truly occasional use.

Torque wrenches for optics and rail hardware

Scope rings, mount hardware, and accessory attachment points all have manufacturer-specified torque values — overtightening can crush a scope tube or strip threads, undertightening lets things shift under recoil. A dedicated inch-pound torque wrench (not a bit driver "by feel") is the right tool for this job and pays for itself the first time it prevents a stripped screw or a crushed optic.

Punch sets and armorer's tools

Roll pins, takedown pins, and small fasteners on most firearms need the right-diameter punch to drive out without marring the finish or deforming the pin — a mismatched or improvised punch is a common cause of scratched frames and damaged pins during basic disassembly. A quality punch set sized for your specific platform (AR-15 armorer's tools are their own dedicated category, for example) makes routine maintenance and small repairs meaningfully easier and safer for the gun.

Solvents, lubricants, and storage

Use a cleaner rated to actually dissolve the fouling you're targeting (copper fouling needs a different solvent than standard powder/carbon fouling), lubricate according to your specific firearm's manual rather than "more is better," and store cleaning chemicals away from ammunition — some solvents can affect primers or powder if they migrate into contact with live ammunition over time.

Brands we carry

Real Avid and Wheeler for cleaning kits, armorer's tools, and torque wrenches, NcSTAR for accessible cleaning gear, plus Energetic Armament, LBE Unlimited, Lyman Products, Midwest Industries, TRUGLO, Birchwood Casey, and Odin Works. Filter by manufacturer on this page to find the right tool for your platform.

Frequently asked questions

Do I really need a torque wrench, or is "snug" good enough? For scope mounts and optic hardware specifically, yes — both overtightening and undertightening cause real problems (crushed tubes, shifted zero), and "snug by feel" varies too much person to person to reliably hit the manufacturer's spec.

How often should I deep-clean vs. just wipe down? A quick wipe-down and light lube after most range sessions is enough for routine use; a full solvent-based cleaning is generally warranted every few hundred rounds or whenever accuracy or reliability starts to degrade, whichever comes first.

Can I use the same cleaning rod for different calibers? A universal kit with interchangeable caliber-sized components can work across multiple guns, but always match the brush/jag size to the actual bore diameter — using an undersized brush won't clean effectively, and an oversized one can be difficult to insert or remove safely.

Not sure which tools or cleaning supplies fit your setup? Reach out — we're happy to help you build the right kit.