At first glance, a gun cleaning patch looks small and flimsy but it is actually one of the most important parts of a gun cleaning kit. In this guide, we talk about the importance of using one, what to look for when buying one, and break down the steps to match a patch with the caliber of your gun.
For the final wipe down, we review the five best gun cleaning patches with pros and cons.
What’s the purpose of Gun Cleaning Patches?
Basically, a gun cleaning patch is used to thoroughly clean the barrel of a firearm. It serves multiple purposes for a deep clean and some of them are:
- A gun cleaning patch helps remove the harsh buildup of carbon and dust from inside the barrel.
- It easily fits into the tight spaces of a firearm and helps spread solvent into the nooks and crannies so no component is seized by rust or dust.
- A gun cleaning patch optimizes the greasing procedure and oils the barrel in one swipe which effectively prevents corrosion.
- Unlike a small cleaning rag, a patch fits into small slotted holders and cleans the corners of a firearm.
- With the simple dunk and wipe method of the patch, the cleaning procedure takes hardly 15 minutes.
- It keeps the hands free of solvent so the skin doesn’t break out in rashes or get covered by oil.
What Are Gun Cleaning Patches Made of?
There are many gun cleaning patches available and all of them vary in the material used. The better the construction, the more effective it will be. Gun cleaning patches are usually made up of a variety of cotton as it is soft, easily available, and cost-effective.
Cotton
The softest material available, gun cleaning patches made of cotton are available in bulk. They are versatile and work well for all firearms. They also absorb solvent and oil well, which is how they remove and prevent dust and rust build-up. Not to mention, they don’t disintegrate.
Flannel
If you’re looking for great value for money, gun cleaning patches made of flannel should be your pick. They remove harsh residues off the gun’s barrel, do not scratch the interior surface of the gun, and absorb solvent and grease well without tearing up into shreds.
Knit Cotton
Made of 100% cotton, knit gun cleaning patches are durable, highly absorbent, and lint-free. They perform exceptionally well and are the preferred choice of cleaning patches for rifles and muzzleloaders. The premium features of knit gun cleaning patches add a few bucks to the price tag but the expense is well worth it.
Synthetic Materials
Perfect for bore cleaning, gun cleaning patches made of synthetic materials perform as well as cotton patches. They absorb solvents and grease well, do not spread threads of lint everywhere while cleaning, and hold their shape when saturated with solvent. They’re also budget-friendly and commonly available.
Wool
Usually hard to find in bulk, gun cleaning patches made of wool work well for military-grade weapons. They’re perfect for holding cleaning solvent and lubricants but also fit into narrow spaces. However, it does leave lint on the surface and is quite stiff which risks damage to the barrel of the gun. This is why wool gun cleaning patches aren’t generally recommended.
How to Choose a Gun Cleaning Patch
Besides material, there are some other areas gun cleaning patches vary in and it is important to consider all of them so the patch is a good match for your firearm. Here are a couple of things to keep in mind:
Caliber Specification
A gun cleaning patch must match the caliber or gauge of the firearm and the specifications are usually labeled on the box. If you already have a box of patches that you’d like to use, first check if the firearm’s caliber is smaller than the patch’s recommended size then simply cut it down to the desired shape.
Durability
A good cleaning patch is sturdy, holds solvents well, and does not disintegrate into pieces when saturated. Make sure the gun cleaning patch you choose is made up of 100% cotton and is thick in size. This ensures high absorbency which improves the gun’s performance.
Lint-Free
If a gun cleaning patch is making a mess instead of wiping it away, there’s something wrong. A good patch does not spread threads of lint on the barrel of the firearm or get torn into pieces when it is submerged into the gun solvent. Make sure it is made up of 100% cotton or a similar blend.
Easy Storage
Gun cleaning patches are small in size and since they are used most often, you’ll need a pack that has at least 500 patches. To make sure they are contained in one place and easy to take out and carry around, pick a pack that comes with a storage box.
Absorbency
When choosing a gun cleaning patch, it is important to prioritize the absorbency level of the material. The better it holds onto the cleaning solvent and gun oil, the more effective it will be when cleaning the firearm. Highly absorbent gun cleaning patches are usually made of synthetic materials.
Shape
Gun cleaning patches are made in two shapes: round and square. Round gun cleaning patches fit slotted patch holders easily and clean narrow spaces fast while square cleaning patches wipe down a large surface area in less time. It ultimately depends on your preference, just make sure it matches the bore of your firearm.
How to Match a Gun’s Caliber to the Best Gun Cleaning Patches
To make sure a gun cleaning patch performs well, double-check if the patch’s labeled caliber compatibility matches with your firearm’s gaue or caliber.
If it’s too small, the gun cleaning patch may not be able to clean the bore thoroughly and if it’s too large, it may get jammed at the mouth of the barrel.
We’ve divided a few calibers and matched them with the best gun cleaning patch size below:
- For small calibers like .17 to .22 barrels, look for ¾” x ¾” gun cleaning patches.
- For common calibers like .22 and .270 barrels, look for ½” to 1″ gun cleaning patches.
- For larger calibers like .30, .308 as well as 6mm barrels, look for 1 ½” x 1 ½” gun cleaning patches.
The compatible size of a gun cleaning patch also differs depending on the size of the firearm.
- For revolver-style pistols with a .38 special caliber, look for 1 ¾” x 1 ¾” gun cleaning patches.
- For shotguns with a 12 gauge, look for 3″ x 3″ gun cleaning patches.
- For pistols with a .45 caliber, look for 2.5″ x 2.5″ gun cleaning patches.
- For muzzleloaders with a .50 caliber, look for 3″ gun cleaning patches.
The 5 Best Gun Cleaning Patches
1. Hoppe’s No. 9 Gun Cleaning Patch
Most famous among gun experts, the Hoppe’s no. 9 cleaning patch is made of 100% cotton, absorbs gun solvent and oil well, does not leak through to the table, and holds its shape well. It also does not leave lint all over the gun’s surface.
Features:
- High-quality
- Ultra-absorbent
- Pre-cut into 2″ x 2″
- Uniformly woven
- 100% cotton
- Compatible with a .38-.45 caliber
- Works well with a .410-20 gauge
Pros
- Soft to touch but does not disintegrate into threads when saturated
- Perfect for small and mid-size firearms
Cons
- Thinner than an average gun cleaning patch
2. BOOSTEADY Professional Square Gun Cleaning Patches
The BOOSTEADY gun cleaning patches are made of a pliable synthetic material that fits perfectly on a slotted patch holder, saturates well with gun solvent and does not tear apart despite its small size.
Although they aren’t as thick, the BOOSTEADY patches come in a pack of 1000 so even if you layer two for every pass, they’ll still last for ages.
Features:
- Premium quality
- Highly absorbent
- Pre-cut into 1″ squares
- Uniformly woven
- Synthetic material
- Lint-free
- Compatible with .22 LR / .17 Cal
Pros
- Comes with a storage box for maximum convenience
- Small size works great for cleaning nooks and crannies
Cons
- Thin structure
3. S2Delta Premium Quality Gun Cleaning Patches
The S2Delta gun cleaning patches are some of the best flannel cotton patches available. They clean the gun so well, that it’s almost sterile. Solvents and lubricants are easily absorbed into the patch and held together well, creating no mess of lint or liquid spills.
They are also quite budget-friendly and compatible with all midsize firearms like pistols.
Features:
- Premium quality
- Highly absorbent
- Pre-cut into 1.25″
- Tightly woven
- 100% flannel cotton
- Compatible with .22 caliber
Pros
- Thick material, holds its shape well and does not lint everywhere
- Comes in a pack of 1000, lasts for multiple seasons
Cons
- Does not work with jags
4. PINGMIC 1200-pc Square Gun Cleaning Patches
The PINGMIC square gun cleaning patches are made of cotton for maximum absorbency and pre-cut into 2″ x 2″ for optimal compatibility. They offer the best value for money, last for ages and despite running a little thin in size, do not shred into pieces when saturated with gun oil or solvent.
Features:
- Good quality
- Highly absorbent
- Pre-cut into 2″ x 2″ squares
- Non-woven
- Made of cotton
- Compatible with .30/.308/.270 caliber and 7.62 mm rifle
Pros
- Come in a pack of 1200 pcs packed in a storage box
- Perfect for all caliber of pistols and rifles
Cons
- Run a bit thin in size
5. PINGMIC 900-pc Gun Cleaning Patches with Storage Case
Packed in a kit of 900 pcs, the PINGMIC gun cleaning patches not only ensure that they last long but they make sure there’s no turning back after using them once.
The thumb pad-sized patches absorb solvents well, clean harsh grime residues smoothly, and make the overall cleaning procedure hassle-free and quick.
Features:
- Premium quality
- Highly absorbent
- Pre-cut into 2″ x 2″ squares
- Non-woven
- Made of natural cotton
- Compatible with 38-.45 caliber
- Compatible with .410-20 gauge
Pros
- Superior structural integrity, holds its shape well after saturation
- Can be used for polishing and buffing too
Cons
- Very small in size
Frequently Asked Questions
What are gun cleaning patches made of?
Gun cleaning patches are usually made of a variety of cotton and synthetic blends primarily because they are soft and do not pose a risk of scratching the bore of a firearm. Natural cotton is most preferred for its durability, pliability, and high absorbency. Synthetic materials are best for bore cleaning.
Do you need a gun cleaning patch?
Yes, a gun-specific cleaning patch is one of the most essential tools in the cleaning kit as it is used most often. A cleaning patch is used to wipe down the barrel and oil the bearings. Aside from that, it is flexible enough to fit into the nooks and crannies of the firearm.
Can you DIY a gun cleaning patch?
Yes, a gun cleaning patch can be made at home using a simple cleaning rag but it will be nowhere near as effective as a patch. It may get you by until the next shoot but if you’re planning to store your firearm until the next hunting season, it is better to invest in a box of gun cleaning patches.
Are there factory alternatives to gun cleaning patches?
Yes, gun cleaning patches are made in stark white and clear. The transparent gun cleaning patches do not work as well as the white ones, they tear easily when submerged in solvent and do not stay on the slotted patch holder.
Final Thoughts
A firearm is a complex piece of equipment that can be maintained with a simple wipe down with water – but the better your tool kit is, the longer the finish will last. After going through this guide, you’ll now be able to easily zero in on the best gun cleaning patch for your rifle.
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