Putting Together an AR15 Cleaning Kit

A standard GI issue M16 cleaning kit is cheap ($10-15 range) and will get the job done.  The drawback to this is the steel sectioned cleaning rod, that can damage your barrel.

You can get a one-piece coated rod, but this is not practical in the field.  You could use a boresnake, but this is not the ideal way to clean a rifle.

The Otis MSR/AR Cleaning system is fantastic.  It has a coated steel cable that you pull from chamber to muzzle.  It includes the BONE tool for scraping carbon from the bolt, carrier and firing pin.  It has a bunch of picks, brushes, etc.  It is a very well thought out kit that has everything you need in a nifty little case.  The only problem is that is costs $70.  Amazon currently has this kit for $46.07, but who knows how long that will last.  You can get the same kit without the BONE tool from Brownells for $45.99.

There is a middle path.  You can order the basic individual items from the Otis kit, direct from Otis, and put together a more economical kit that will serve the same function.

Here's what you need:

30" memory-flex cable, IP-C-30, $9.49
.22-.27 slotted tip, IP110007P, $2.99
small obstruction remover, IP110022P, $1.29
T-handle, IP110001P, $2.99
cleaning brush, FG-316-T-BL, $3.99
chamber brush, FG-367, $4.29
.22 bore brush, FG-322, $2.99
Total:  $28.03

Or if you already have a GI cleaning kit, or if you buy one for about $10, then you will not need any of the brushes, plus you will have a case to put it in.  You will need a NATO brush adapter to use the GI brushes.  

30" memory-flex cable, IP-C-30, $9.49
.22-.27 slotted tip, IP110007P, $2.99
small obstruction remover, IP110022P, $1.29
T-handle, IP110001P, $2.99
NATO brush adapter, IP-316-2, $1.49
Total:  $18.25

So that's $18.25 if you already have a GI kit, or about $28.25 if you have to buy one.  If you already have a GI kit, I would just order the $18.25 worth of parts (and I did).  If you don't have a GI kit already, and Amazon is still selling them for $46.07, I would think about getting the Otis kit.  I think it is worth a few more bucks to get the BONE tool, all the nifty gadgets, and the nice case.

The BONE tool looks pretty cool, but I have seen mixed reviews on it.  Some say it doesn't work very well.  Some prefer the Real Avid AR-15 scraper tool, that costs about $15.  I use what I have used since basic training, an improvised tool made from a coat hanger.  Cut a piece of coat hanger about 7" long.  Don't use one of the flimsy white coat hangers.  Flatten the ends with a hammer.  Use pliers to put a 90 degree bend in one end.  Sharpen the ends with a file or grinding wheel.  Coat hanger steel is softer than your bolt or carrier, so it won't damage anything.  Works well, gets done inside the carrier, and it's free.