Skip to content

GloryFire Elite Kit Review: Why These 5 Versions Stand Out

By Updated 5 min read

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no cost to you.

On this page (7 sections)
  1. Who this kit is for (and who should skip it)
  2. How to assemble the rod and attachments
  3. The correct cleaning sequence using CLP
  4. The drawbacks and how to manage them
  5. Alternatives worth a look
  6. The bottom line
  7. Frequently asked questions

You have the GloryFire Elite kit in your hand, but with dozens of brushes, jags, and rods, figuring out the right sequence and where the CLP fits in is confusing. This page walks you through the assembly and the cleaning process so you don't scratch your bore.

In short: Start by screwing the appropriate caliber adapter to the rod. Attach a brush, apply CLP, and push through the bore from muzzle to breech. You use cotton patches to verify cleanliness and a solvent rag for the exterior.

Quick picks

Our shortlist for this job · tap one to see today's price
Best for mixed collectionsGLORYFIRE Elite Universal Gun Cleaning Kit

One case covers most rifle, pistol, and shotgun calibers with solid brass construction that resists bending.

Check price on Amazon
Quickest exterior cleaningErez Tactical Gun Cleaning Supplies: 120 Gun Cleaning Wipes

Pre-soaked wipes save you from scrubbing the action with a rag and solvent every time you shoot.

Check price on Amazon

Who this kit is for (and who should skip it)

How to Use the GloryFire Elite Cleaning Kit

The GloryFire Elite kit is built for shooters who own more than one type of firearm. It includes brushes and mops for everything from a .17 caliber rimfire to a 20-gauge shotgun. If you own a 12-gauge or a .45 ACP, it works, but the kit is not a compact range bag item. It helps to understand organizing your cleaning supplies before going further.

It is a bench-top system. The case is heavy and includes a plastic gun stand, which makes it overkill if you only carry a 9mm and a 223 rifle. The included stand helps stabilize the firearm during the cleaning process, reducing the need for clamps.

However, if you are a competitive shooter who cleans between every match, or someone who only owns one specific firearm, this kit might be excessive. The variety of calibers provided is great for the average collector, but it adds bulk that you will not use if your collection is small.

Recommended for this stepGLORYFIRE Elite Universal Gun Cleaning Kit

It replaces multiple single-caliber kits with one robust, case-organized system.

  • We researched a lot of gun cleaning kits from the most high-end brands in the US and
  • Brushes: .17 /.20 /.22 / .40 /.45 / .243 / .270 / .35 / 9mm / .30 / .38 / .410 / .50 /
Check price on Amazon

How to assemble the rod and attachments

Before you start, find the rod section that matches your barrel length. The kit uses screw-together adapters. Twist the adapter onto the rod until it is tight; you want zero wobble here. A loose connection causes the brush to hit the sides of the barrel, which can scratch the rifling.

  • Brass Tips: These are for dry cleaning or pushing cotton patches. They won’t scratch the bore.
  • Jags: These screw into the brush. The jag is what you apply the CLP or solvent to.
  • Brushes: Choose the one that matches your caliber. The metal core is wrapped with soft bristles.

If you are cleaning a shotgun, make sure you are using the smooth-bore mop, not a rifled brush. Rifled brushes have angled bristles that do not clean the straight interior of a shotgun barrel effectively.

For rifles, ensure the rod is long enough to handle the barrel without twisting under tension. The reinforced construction in the GloryFire kit is designed to handle this stress.

Safety first: Always clean the firearm from the muzzle to the breech. Never push solvent down the barrel and leave it overnight; let it dry fully. We go through hoppes kit list step by step in its own article.

The correct cleaning sequence using CLP

Do not mix steps. The sequence below prevents clogging and ensures you are actually cleaning the barrel. Order matters for effective cleaning.

  1. Clear the chamber. Ensure the gun is empty and the chamber is open.
  2. Apply CLP. Put a few drops of CLP onto the brush or jag. Do not dump a bottleful in.
  3. Push through. Pass the loaded brush through the bore 10 to 15 times.
  4. Wipe. Use a dry cotton patch on a jag to pull out the dirt and old CLP until it comes out clean.

For the exterior, use a rag or a wipe. The Erez Tactical wipes are great for this, but any soft cloth works. Apply a thin layer of CLP to the metal surfaces to protect against rust.

If you are using the kit on a semi-automatic pistol, clean the recoil spring and spring guide. This area accumulates carbon and can fail to cycle the action properly if not maintained.

Pro tip: CLP (Cleaning, Lubricating, Protecting) is not just for the barrel. Apply it lightly to the slide, barrel, and frame rails to prevent wear.

Recommended for this stepErez Tactical Gun Cleaning Supplies: 120 Gun Cleaning Wipes

These pre-soaked wipes handle the exterior and provide a quick corrosion barrier after cleaning.

  • Comprehensive Gun Cleaning: Our gun cleaning wipes provide a thorough cleaning
  • Convenient and Efficient: Featuring a 5" x 7" gun cleaning cloth, these wipes function
Check price on Amazon

The drawbacks and how to manage them

The main issue with the Elite kit is size. It is a comprehensive system, not a portable one. If you need to shoot and clean at a range, you will be hauling the whole case. The weight of the brass components adds up quickly.

Second, the sheer number of parts means you have to reference the manual to find the right brush. The labeled compartments help, but a .357 brush looks very similar to a .38 brush in a dark bag. Mixing them up can lead to a poor clean or a damaged bore. Loaders in this spot often ask about adjustable cleaning height as well.

Finally, because it is a heavy-duty kit, the storage case is rigid. It does not fit in a standard duffel bag easily. You might need to dedicate a shelf in your gun safe or workbench for it.

To manage this, keep a separate, small field kit for the range. Use the GloryFire Elite only when you are at home and have time for a thorough maintenance session.

Recommended for this stepKeze Gun Cleaning Kit 9mm
  • Gun Cleaning Supplies Includes: 4 brass brushes needed to clean( .22Cal
  • High Quality Material: Solid brass CNC precision machined jags and tips. The brass
Check price on Amazon

Alternatives worth a look

If the GloryFire is too big, look at the Quantum Lux Universal Kit. It uses similar brass components and is also designed for all guns, but it is often more compact and easier to store in a cabinet.

For quick maintenance, Erez Tactical wipes are a better alternative than carrying the whole cleaning kit to the range. They allow you to clean the exterior and apply lubricant without setting up the rod.

If you only own one firearm, a single-caliber kit is sufficient. There is no need to pay for the versatility of the Elite system.

The bottom line

The GloryFire Elite is the right tool if you want to keep everything from a .17 to a 20GA in one box. If you are a competitive shooter who needs speed, you will still use it for the deep clean. Get the Erez Tactical wipes for your range bag to handle the daily maintenance without the heavy case.

Our top pickGLORYFIRE Elite Universal Gun Cleaning Kit
  • We researched a lot of gun cleaning kits from the most high-end brands in the US and
  • Brushes: .17 /.20 /.22 / .40 /.45 / .243 / .270 / .35 / 9mm / .30 / .38 / .410 / .50 /
Check price on Amazon

Frequently asked questions

What does CLP stand for in gun cleaning?

CLP stands for Cleaning, Lubricating, and Protecting. It is an all-in-one solvent that breaks down fouling, leaves a light lubricating film, and protects against rust. You use it instead of mixing separate chemicals.

Can I use the GloryFire kit on a shotgun?

Yes. The kit includes a .410, 12, 16, and 20 gauge brush and a smooth-bore mop. Make sure you use the mop for the shotgun to avoid damaging the internal surface.

How often should I use the Elite kit?

For most shooters, a full kit cleaning after 100-200 rounds is enough. A quick wipe-down with CLP and a patch after every shooting session is better for the gun’s longevity.

Is the GloryFire rod made of brass?

The rod uses a reinforced construction, often referred to as ‘brass’ or high-strength polymer, to prevent bending. The adapters and tips are solid brass. This is much stronger than the thin plastic rods in cheaper kits.