I’ve been introduced to using windshield washer fluid. Followed by dry patches to dry the barrel out. Then a coat of oil, Ballistol etc for storageFor quite a while I've been avoiding straight water cleaning of my ML's including shotguns, rifles and handguns. I've used an electronic spray cleaner through the nipple hole and some concoction, usually windex w/o ammonia, alcohol, murphy's oil soap and some slight variations. I know there's some water in each of these ingredients which is what I mean by avoiding "straight water". Cleaning with this mix takes between 8 and 12 patches to get some semblance of clean - or still mostly white patches. That's not including an oiled patch afterwards. This worked fine for years. I think I got the idea from Dutch's method and just stuck to it.
Due to circumstances on some travel adventures, I did not have or could not get all ingredients for cleaning mixture. So, I went back to boiled water pumped up and down through the barrel with the nipples in the water and a patch on a jag in the muzzle. First, I just started doing the shotguns. Then I cleaned some of the rifles this way too. Today I did some shooting and cleaned some rifles and shotguns. One patch pumping the boiling water. One dry patch up and down. One with 91% alcohol as a drying agent and to evaporate remaining moisture. One patch with oil. Just 4 patches total, the 3rd in sequence coming out clean (mostly white).
I haven't seen any rust or issues since I switched back to boiling water. For my guns that have a fixed barrel, one that cannot be easily removed, I am inclined to continue cleaning with the "concoction" because I don't want water all in the stock, and I can control the cleaning mix on the patches better. But other than those few, I think I'm sticking to the water for ease and efficiency. If its clean, lubed and rust free I don't care how it got there.
Well that seems like alcohol abuseJust wondering if moonshine was used for gun cleaning in the 19th century,,,,
Waste of good whiskeyJust wondering if moonshine was used for gun cleaning in the 19th century,,,,
after it was filtered by the kidneys.Just wondering if moonshine was used for gun cleaning in the 19th century,,,,
Just wondering if moonshine was used for gun cleaning in the 19th century,,,,
Sure, they would drink the moonshine while cleaning the rifle or fowling gun with creek water.Just wondering if moonshine was used for gun cleaning in the 19th century,,,,
After a little while they wouldn’t care if the gun was clean or notSure, they would drink the moonshine while cleaning the rifle or fowling gun with creek water.
Maybe while cleaning guns?Just wondering if moonshine was used for gun cleaning in the 19th century,,,,
Exactly what I use. Water. Works like a champ and faster. 3-4 patches and im done.Good old water (sometimes with soap) has been used to clean muzzleloaders for 300 years.
Works for me.
And we can still be mesmerized at just looking at those 200-300 year old rifles that still shoot.As I've said before, how did our ancestors get by with just plain water and bear grease or tallow?
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