The Real Avid Gun Boss Handgun Cleaning Kit is a great option for those looking for an all-in-one cleaning solution for their handguns. The kit includes the main components you’ll need to get started on calibers from .22 to .45. I rewrote this article from the original for product-update purposes. Since the original review was published, Real Avid has expanded its handgun cleaning and maintenance lineup considerably. I have updated this review to reflect the current product line and added new accessories, supplies, and maintenance options that complement the original Gun Boss kit.
Real Avid Gun Boss Handgun Kit Specs
- Case Zippered Ballistic Nylon
- Included Brushes 4 Phosphor Bronze Brushes
- Bore Snakes No
- Oil and Lube? No
- Patches? Yes
Real Avid Cleaning Kit Review
You don’t necessarily need a massive collection of tools to keep a handgun clean. Sometimes you just need the basics in a package that’s small enough to actually take with you. That’s where the Real Avid Gun Boss Handgun Cleaning Kit makes sense. The compact kit includes many of the basic tools needed to clean handguns ranging from .22 to .45 caliber. Everything packs into a zippered case that’s easy to store at home or throw into a range bag.
The Gun Boss isn’t intended to replace a complete cleaning station, and that’s important to understand going into this review. You’ll still need to add your preferred cleaners and lubricants. Shooters who perform more involved maintenance will probably want additional tools as well.
For routine cleaning, however, I like the simplicity. If you own one or two handguns, you may not need an elaborate setup. For frequent shooters with a larger cleaning station at home, the Gun Boss makes even more sense as a portable kit. Think of it as the cleaning kit that stays with your range gear.
Since this review was originally published, Real Avid has expanded well beyond basic portable cleaning kits. The company now offers dedicated cleaning stations, mats, specialized maintenance tools, cleaners, lubricants, and larger gunsmithing systems. The Gun Boss still fills the same portable role, but there are now considerably more options for building around it.
For additional cleaning kit options, check out our Best Gun Cleaning Kits guide.
More Options From Real Avid
Real Avid has expanded its handgun maintenance lineup considerably, giving shooters several ways to build beyond a basic cleaning kit.
The Real Avid Master Cleaning Station – Handgun combines the cleaning tools with a 19-by-16-inch padded, oil-resistant mat. The integrated case includes a pop-up organizer and magnetic parts tray, while the cleaning tools cover .22, 9mm, .357, .38, .40 and .45 caliber handguns. The entire station rolls up for storage and transportation.
Shooters maintaining more than handguns can step up to the Master Cleaning Station – Universal Gun. Its larger 43-by-16-inch mat and cleaning system support .22 through .45 caliber handguns and rifles, as well as 12- and 20-gauge shotguns.
These don’t make the original handgun cleaning kit obsolete. Instead, they give shooters more complete workstation options as their maintenance needs grow.
Real Avid Gun Boss Handgun Cleaning Kit Pros and Cons
- Best for Handguns
- Inexpensive
- Lightweight and Compact
- Handguns Only
- Need to Empty out Unneeded Gear to Make Room for Solvent and Oil
Our Grade
A
Reviewed by Karen Hunter
Reader’s Grade
B+
Based on 3 Reviews
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Want Everything in One Package?
Real Avid now offers a Master Cleaning Station Handgun Pack that essentially combines several of these recommendations.
The package includes the Master Cleaning Station – Handgun, Tri-Max CLP aerosol, Foul-Out Gunk Blaster and a 60-count canister of Tri-Max CLP Gun Wipes. The station itself includes the 19-by-16-inch padded mat, brass cleaning rod, bore brushes, jags, detailing tools and magnetic parts tray.
For someone starting from scratch, it’s a much more complete handgun maintenance setup. For someone who already owns the handgun cleaning kit reviewed here, buying the individual accessories may make more sense.
Additional Accessories
Supporting Starter Pack
Frequently Asked Questions
What calibers does the Real Avid handgun cleaning system support?
Real Avid’s current handgun cleaning systems support .22, 9mm, .357, .38, .40 and .45 caliber handguns. Always check the individual kit before purchasing to confirm the included caliber-specific components.
Do I need a gun cleaning mat?
A cleaning mat isn’t required, but it gives you a padded, oil-resistant work surface for disassembly and cleaning. It can also help keep small components and cleaning products contained in one workspace.
What else do I need with a handgun cleaning kit?
Cleaning tools are only part of the equation. You’ll also need appropriate cleaning and lubrication products. A mat, CLP, degreaser, gun wipes and bore light can make a basic handgun cleaning setup considerably more useful.
Does Real Avid make a complete handgun cleaning station?
Yes. The Master Cleaning Station – Handgun combines a 19-by-16-inch oil-resistant padded mat with an integrated cleaning kit. It includes caliber-specific brushes and jags, a 10-inch brass cleaning rod, detailing tools and a magnetic parts tray.
Does Real Avid make a cleaning kit for rifles and shotguns?
Yes. The Master Cleaning Station – Universal Gun covers .22 through .45 caliber handguns and rifles, plus 12- and 20-gauge shotguns. Real Avid also makes a dedicated AR-15 cleaning station for .223/5.56 rifles.
Final Thoughts
The Real Avid Gun Boss Handgun Cleaning Kit still makes sense for the same reason it did when this review was originally written: it’s compact, organized, and easy to take with you. Real Avid now offers much larger cleaning stations and a growing lineup of maintenance tools, but not everyone needs all of that every time they shoot.
Add your preferred cleaner and lubricant, keep the Gun Boss in your range bag, and you have the basics ready when you need them. For shooters who want something more substantial at home, it’s also an easy portable companion to a larger cleaning setup. Sometimes simple really is better.
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