Abstract: A gun cleaning accessory for use with a gun cleaning rod and jag to safely and effectively retain the cleaning patch on the cleaning rod jag during cleaning and the method of using such device. The invention is installed on the muzzle end of a gun barrel and the cleaning rod inserted at the breech end. The invention has two body portions that hingedly surround the gun barrel muzzle and are held in position with a temporary fastener. The invention further has a front closure wall that is positioned in front of the gun muzzle to restrict the lengthwise motion of the cleaning rod. Using the muzzle jag stop during cleaning protects the gun cleaner from injury due to jamming or slipping of the cleaning and stopping devices and also from the accidental firing of the gun. The method of using the muzzle jag stop during cleaning also protects the gun from damage and wear due to slipping, marring, and repeated impact against the barrel of the stopping device.