AP Brush Set (Nylon/Brass Double-Ended)

Double-ended AP brushes are the most underappreciated tool in a gun cleaning kit. Bore brushes and patches handle the barrel, solvents handle chemical fouling removal, but the actual mechanical scrubbing of receivers, trigger groups, bolt carrier groups, and small parts falls to these utility brushes. The double-ended design puts nylon bristles on one end and brass bristles on the other, giving you two levels of aggressiveness in a single tool.

Nylon bristles handle the majority of cleaning tasks: wiping solvent and loosened carbon from the lower receiver, scrubbing the trigger group, cleaning magazine wells, and reaching into the corners of upper receivers where patches cannot go. The nylon is soft enough that it will not scratch anodized aluminum, polymer, or coated metal surfaces. When nylon is not enough, flip to the brass end. Brass bristles are harder than carbon but softer than steel, making them effective at scrubbing stubborn deposits off bolt carriers, gas keys, and other steel components without scratching or gouging the underlying surface.

These are consumable items. After a few cleaning sessions, the bristles flatten and lose their scrubbing effectiveness. Buy them in packs of 6-10 and replace them without hesitation. The per-brush cost is negligible, and trying to extend the life of a worn-out brush just means you spend more time scrubbing with less result. Keep a few in your range bag, a few at your cleaning bench, and a few spares in a drawer. Every gun owner needs these, and the ones who clean regularly go through them steadily.