Cleaning a gun is messy – the oil spills everywhere, the solvents ruin the towel underneath and the tissue lint spreads all over the table. Not to mention the firearm keeps sliding around.
Luckily, there is a solution that tackles all of these problems and that is a gun cleaning mat with a tray. In this guide, we elaborate on its importance, how to choose one, and review the best five available.
Why Do You Need a Gun Cleaning Mat?
At first glance, a gun cleaning mat may not seem like a priority. It seems like it would be easier to lay down a towel under the firearm – until it starts to soak up the oil and you realize it can’t be used more than once. Here are a few defining reasons why you need a gun cleaning mat.
Avoids Mess
The best part about spreading a gun cleaning mat down during a cleaning session is the fact that they are spill-proof. No oils grease the table, you don’t need buckets of water to rinse down the place after cleaning the firearm, and the gun solvent won’t stain the surface.
Compact Storage
No matter how large or small the gun cleaning mat is, most of them can be folded down to a compact shape or rolled for better adjustment. It does not crease or cut edges which ensures the durability of the mat. Not to mention, it makes it easily portable.
Easy to Clean
Cleaning a gun cleaning mat is almost as easy as just wiping it down with a cloth. Mix a small amount of mild detergent with water and leave the mat to soak while you tidy up the setup. Scrub out the oil spills and leave it out to air dry – and that’s it.
Lightweight
Gun cleaning mats are easy to store and lightweight enough to be carried around. This is best for hunters that plan to stay out in the wild for at least a week, it helps them spread out the cleaning supplies anywhere and scrub out the gunpowder buildup after every shooting.
Safe Gun Grip
Gun cleaning mats not only optimize the cleaning process but also help steady the firearm so you could wipe down the barrel, clean the gunk out of the bore, and even oil the components in just under 15 minutes. Not to mention, your arm and wrist won’t be strained trying to hold it still.
Instructions
Most gun cleaning mats have step-by-step cleaning methods illustrated on the surface for specific firearms. This helps beginners and novice hunters keep track of the cleaning supplies, prevent spills, and protect the firearm from accidental damage. That helps take the guesswork out of the cleaning process.
What to Look for When Purchasing a Gun Cleaning Mat
Gun cleaning mats are usually made with the same materials and perform the same function but there are a couple of features that help some stand out from the crowd and ensure maximum value for money. Here are some features to keep in mind when zeroing in on a gun cleaning mat.
Leak-proof
Before moving on to any other feature, make sure the gun cleaning mat is made up of materials that do not absorb oils, solvents, or water. This way the surface underneath the mat stays clean, dry, and stain-free. Also, if there is a spill, it could easily be wiped away.
Durable
Without a doubt, durability is key to a good gun cleaning mat. They are usually made of thick rubber, flexible silicon, or polyester as these enhance the lifespan of the mat and are non-absorbent and waterproof.
They are also cost-effective and lightweight. Dye-sublimation printed mats are most preferred for durability.
Easy to Store
Ideally, a gun cleaning mat must be able to store all the necessary tools needed for a cleaning session – from long cleaning rods and various bore brushes to multiple cleaning patches and lubricants.
It should also be convenient in terms of long-term storage so make sure it can be folded or rolled up to a compact size.
Sturdy Grip
A good gun cleaning mat must suction the surface it is set on so there is no unnecessary movement while you’re cleaning the firearm. Make sure the gun cleaning mat has thick padding and durable rubber back so it doesn’t slide around.
Stitched Edge
To maximize durability, make sure the gun cleaning mat is designed with stitched edges so it doesn’t fray or wear out easily. Along with a padded back, this also helps ensure the gun cleaning mat doesn’t slide around the table and holds all oil spills so they don’t leak everywhere.
Size
Gun cleaning mats come in a variety of sizes and depending upon the firearm you have, you’ll want to choose one that is a little bit larger. This is because the mat will not only hold the firearm, but it’ll also hold the cleaning tools in place and ensure the oil and solvent don’t leak through to the table.
How to Clean a Gun Cleaning Mat?
A gun cleaning mat not only holds the cleaning mess in place, but it also doesn’t get messy. Since gun mats are primarily water and oil-proof, all it needs is a simple wipe-down with a towel to remove any stains.
There are a couple of ways you could clean a gun cleaning mat:
- By scrubbing it down with a mixture of mild detergent and water to remove harsh oil spills
- By soaking it in a soapy bath to thoroughly remove any buildup and stubborn stains
- By running it through the light cycle of a dishwasher with a mild detergent
Even though the cleaning solution is mild and primarily made of water, make sure to go through the instruction manual provided by the company before using any on your new mat – this is in case the mat is made up of specialty materials like heat-bonded polyester or dye-sublimation printing.
The 5 Best Gun Cleaning Mats with Tray
1. Ultimate Rifle Build Gun Cleaning Mat with Tray
The Ultimate Rifle Build gun cleaning mat is equipped with all the basics needed in a simple mat and then some extras. It is well-padded for support and topped with a waterproofed black polyester that is illustrated and labeled with the cleaning instructions.
The bottom is cornered by magnets and coated with rubber so it doesn’t scratch the surface. It also comes with a tray that is not only good for magnetic parts but it’s also weighted so the parts don’t tip over.
Features:
- High quality
- Vulcanised rubber back
- Cloth surface
- Soft thermoplastic fiber
- Anti-scratch
- Leak-proof
- Easy to clean
- Illustrated instructions
- Reinforced edge stitching
- Solvent-resistant
- Parts keeper tray equipped
Pros
- Large size, can easily accommodate all parts of a cleaning kit
- Easy to store, rolls up to a compact shape and fits into an average hiking bag
Cons
- Could be a tad bit thicker
2. YFEEX Large Magnetic Gun Cleaning Mat with Tray
The YFEEX magnetic gun cleaning mat with tray is one of the best picks for a novice gun owner or an experienced hunter on-the-go. It rolls up to a compact shape so it can be carried and stored easily.
The waterproof surface beads solvents so it’s easy to wipe them down and further mess is prevented. Speaking of mess, the YFEEX cleaning mat comes with a magnetic tray that holds things like small screws and springs in three compartments. They are also capped so no part gets lost.
Features:
- Magnetic cleaning mat
- Non-sliding rubber base
- Magnetic parts tray attached
- Cleaning diagram printed
- Easy to store
- Easy to clean
- Compartmentalised surface
Pros
- The rubber base does not mar the surface underneath
- The cleaning mat is thick, lasts long and does not wear out soon
Cons
- May not fit large firearms like rifles, shotguns, and muzzleloaders
3. Real Avid Handgun Cleaning Kit and Mat Combo with Tray
The Real Avid handgun cleaning bundle offers incredible value for money in this 3-in-1 kit that gets you 500 cleaning patches, a basic all-in-one cleaning kit and a cleaning mat that keeps score of all the tiny screws and bearings when you’re disassembling the gun for a deep clean.
The mat is well-padded at the top and it helps keep the firearm steady. The solvent and chemical resistant surface also bead up even water, so with a simple wipe down, the mat is brand new.
Features:
- Oversized cleaning mat
- Chemical-resistant surface
- Non-slip backing
- Soft padded top
- Magnetic parts tray attached
- Compartmentalised tray
- Easy to clean mat
- Oil and solvent resistant
Pros
- It comes with a bundle of 500 cleaning patches and Gun Boss Handgun cleaning kit
- Portable, can be easily rolled into a compact shape and stored in a range gear
Cons
- The mat could be made thicker
4. YCWEI YCWEI Gun Cleaning Mat Pad and Tray
The YCWEI YCWEI gun cleaning mat is equipped with the best features needed for a good cleaning session. The mat is oversized, water-beading, and does not slide around or scratch the surface below.
It also features a built-in magnetic tray that holds all the little parts of a firearms assembly in a neat compartment and does not tip over under a slight breeze. It is durable, easy to clean, and easy to store when hunting season is over.
Features:
- Waterproof surface
- Padded back
- Non-sliding rubber base
- Stitched edges
- Easy to clean
- Easy to store
- Integrated magnetic parts tray
- Cleaning diagram printed on top
- 360 days warranty
Pros
- The stitched edges maximize the durability of the mat, it doesn’t fray sooner
- The magnetic mat is oversized and easily holds the entire assembly of the firearm
Cons
- May stain if lubricant is spilled
5. Aucuda Large Padded Gun Cleaning Mat with Tray
The Aucuda gun cleaning mat is magnetized for convenience, padded for support, and outfitted with non-slip rubber backing for comfort. Despite its lightweight, the mat can easily handle heavy firearms.
Its large size makes sure the disassembled parts of a firearm do not get lost, pair that with the magnetized tray and they are securely held together and stay put.
Not to mention, it comes with a 6-month warranty.
Features:
- Magnetized mat
- Equipped with magnetized tray
- Leak-proof
- Non-slip backing
- Well-padded
- 40 x 16 large size mat
- 6 months warranty
- Easy to clean
Pros
- Leak proof, all oil, water, and solvent spills bead up and stay in one place instead of leaking through the table
- Lightweight, can be easily stored in a range gear and carried uphill
Cons
- The edges of the mat aren’t seamed, may fray early
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a gun mat?
Yes, a gun cleaning mat is a necessary piece of equipment in your kit as it helps keep the tools in place, prevent oil spills, and even helps steady the firearm – this way your arm doesn’t tire out by holding the heavy gun and the cleaning session is over in less than 15 minutes.
Can you wash a gun mat?
Yes, it’s actually easier to wash a gun cleaning mat than the actual gun itself. Simply wipe the mat down with a mixture of water and detergent. If there are oil spills or dried solvent glued to it, scrub it down with a soft brush then rinse it. If you have a dishwasher, clean the gun mat on a light cycle then let it air dry.
What are gun cleaning mats made of?
Gun cleaning mats are usually made of thick rubber for maximum absorbency and blended polyester for optimum durability. You can also find mats that are oil-proof so less mess is made overall.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know the importance of getting a gun cleaning mat with a tray, how to choose the perfect one, and the steps to clean it after the session, you can easily zero in on one of the gun cleaning mats mentioned above and wipe down your firearm with little to no mess.
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