Is it recommended to clean a new gun before breaking it in or you could just shoot it straight out of the box?

I think most manufacturers recommend you clean it out before you use it. Most firearms are shipped in a storage grease to keep the firearm from rusting while it's on the store shelf.

Aww man you could write a book on the different techniques that people swear by. Your best bet is to do a google search and find what technique you think is right for you.... personally, I clean, then fire, then clean for the first 20 rounds or so, as most people would recommend.

I always clean a gun before I fire it, whether it's new in box or one I bought from a friend after shooting it at the range last weekend (which happens more often that you would think). 

First, it forces me to actually inspect all the parts. 

Second, I'm sure that the gun is properly cleaned and lubricated, so any problems I may experience are actually problems.

Third, I'm just kinda funny that way.

What's a good cleaning kit and a lube that you recommend for a handgun?

What's a good cleaning kit and a lube that you recommend for a handgun?

I'm not much for kits, actually.  I will buy a kit if I'm in a "starting out" situation (such as moving to Hawaii but not shipping my cleaning supplies), but my kit does not stay stock for any length of time.

First, buy a sorting container.  I use a fishing tackle box, but am in danger of outgrowing it. 

Second, buy the "universal" parts.  I like segmented ramrods because they are variable length and easy to store.  Buy 2.  If the rods don't come with bore guides, buy 2 of those as well. 

Third, buy your choice of products.  I use Break Free CLP mostly these days (available at Security Equipment), because it acts as both cleaner and lubricant.  I also use Hoppes #9, partly for sentimental reasons, for any soaking jobs. 

Next, buy caliber-specific parts.  For every caliber, you need a bronze brush, a brass jag, and maybe a stainless steel brush.  And, for .22 caliber only (including .223), buy some Hoppes-brand cleaning patches.  Anything else will be too thick for easy use in the bore.

Now, assemble some recycled parts.  Old toothbrushes come in handy.  Q-tips.  Tongue depressors / Popsicle sticks.  And old white t-shirts.  Old white T-shirts can become gun rags or cut into 1 1/4" squares for large-bore cleaning patches. 

Voila!  Your all-purpose cleaning kit!

A note on shotguns... do buy a specific shotgun cleaning rod.  They are far thicker than other rods.  Also, don't buy a jag for shotguns... if your barrel has any choke, getting a jag and patch thru it can be quite difficult.  Just wrap a cotton ball over the end of the rod and wrap a 1 1/2" patch over that.

I also bought a 2' x 4' folding epoxy table from Costco or City Mill, I forget which.  It lives folded behind the bedroom door, and only comes out when guns get cleaned.  Not only do I always have a table space to clean on, it is resistant to the various solvents and such involved. 

I second Breakfree CLP. Good stuff!