HoosierHunter

So as those of you who read my introduction thread know, I am going to be buying my first pistol in the near future and I'm about 98% certain I'm going with and SR9 in stainless and black.

Since my bonus money most likely won't be here until the end of the month, I'm wanting to take this time between now and then to pick up some of the other stuff I'm going to need. As I've never owned a pistol and only ever had a Marlin .22 (which hasn't been in my possession since 2006), I don't know what kind of cleaning and maintenance products I'm going to need.

What kinds of kits are out there for gun cleaning and care? I've only ever used the butt stock rifle cleaning kit that was always issued with our M16A2's in the Marine Corps.

I know you guys love to keep your weapons clean (as you should) so I know I'm going to get a ton of suggestions and I thank you in advance for all of it.

BudmanOH

Get yourself a good universal cleaning kit. If you get more guns down the road you will have the proper sizes then. Hoppes #9 is the solvent I use. I also use Remington gun oil, but there are several options out there. I also have some bore snakes in different calibers. Good luck!

Tater

A small cleaning kit. I usually buy a brass jag to go along with my caliber because I think they work very well.

Patches.
Brass brush and/or toothbrush.
Hoppe's #9 solvent.
Remoil gun oil.

Mr Sasquatch

This would be a good start:
Pistol Cleaning Kit 38 9mm Cal

plus:
Gun Cleaning Brush Double Ended Bronze

These are just examples to give you an idea of what you'll need. Of course you can get similar products, either as a kit or bought individuall,y in your local Walmart and without paying for shipping & handling.

Buy more patches and a few brass bore brashes as they get used a lot.

JRS

I use a universal rifle/pistol 22/45 cleaning rod, along with the correct caliber bronze brushes, and patches. I also use Break-Free CLP, as the cleaner and protectant.

SafetyFirst

There is no magic combination for all people/guns but here is what I use for my 9mm.

1. Good Pistol Cleaning Rod
2. 9mm Jag (jags seem to work much better than the slotted patch holders)
3. 9mm brass or nylon brush
4. Cleaning Patches
5. Cleaning Solvent (my favorite is Ballistol - also acts as a lube and rust protectant)
6. Gun Oil (if using Ballistol, oil will not be needed – your choice)
7. Cotton Swabs, Toothpicks, Pipe Cleaners, or something to assist with cleaning the little hard-to-reach spots when needed.
8. 9mm BoreSnake for quick cleanings

strick9

I would recommend one of the Otis Cleaning Kits, has everything you will need to get started. Made in USA if that kind of thing is important to you.