In my kit for each caliber I have a coated cleaning rod, brush, cleaning jag, many patches, Q-Tips, various sizes of tooth brushes, a set of small screw drivers, a good copper solvent, Break-Free CLP as a lubricant, and aerosol automotive brake cleaner (same as Gun Scrubber but cheaper) that does not contain ammonia as that can damage aluminum. I also have a largish rag to initially wipe the gun free of large grime and another to use just before oiling. I bought all my pieces individually as the kits that were readily available had flimsy cleaning rods. I don't remember the brand name of my rod but it is solid aluminum with a hard coating that does not seem to collect debris. I keep all my handgun cleaning accessories in a fishing tackle box big enough to hold everything.
As a procedure, I strip the gun down as far as I think necessary and initially wipe with a rag. I then spray out the hard to reach places and give the rest of the gun a general spraying with the brake cleaner. I'll then use the screwdrivers like dental picks to get scrape out tough crud. Placing a patch over the tip can help collect the loose stuff. I may then quickly respray with the aerosol. I'll scrub the bore with the brush and then patches finishing with a patch of CLP down the bore. I then lube all places metal touches metal including the outside of the barrel and guide rod (this last lightly) with CLP or anyplace there is a moving mechanism. For this I'll use patches and Q-Tips as appropriate. Just before reassembly I'll drip a drop or two of oil in the trigger grouping from the top. This sounds much more complicated and involved than it really is.
As a procedure, I strip the gun down as far as I think necessary and initially wipe with a rag. I then spray out the hard to reach places and give the rest of the gun a general spraying with the brake cleaner. I'll then use the screwdrivers like dental picks to get scrape out tough crud. Placing a patch over the tip can help collect the loose stuff. I may then quickly respray with the aerosol. I'll scrub the bore with the brush and then patches finishing with a patch of CLP down the bore. I then lube all places metal touches metal including the outside of the barrel and guide rod (this last lightly) with CLP or anyplace there is a moving mechanism. For this I'll use patches and Q-Tips as appropriate. Just before reassembly I'll drip a drop or two of oil in the trigger grouping from the top. This sounds much more complicated and involved than it really is.