Rain down the barrel?

wishihadgunrights · Oct 28, 2024

Hey guys 17 years old from Nova Scotia here. I know getting debris in the barrel of your rifle can be catastrophic so you need to make the sure the muzzle out of the mud and everything. I’m wondering if the same danger applies to rain? I’d like to take a walk in the woods with my muzzleloader outside of my blind but if it’s raining, does getting any water down the barrel pose the same risk? Or is the only risk getting the load wet? Thanks in advance.

Whitworth · Oct 28, 2024

Just wet powder. A tight fitting ball with a greased patch should be water tight for a while...........

wishihadgunrights · Oct 28, 2024

Whitworth said:
Just wet powder. A tight fitting ball with a greased patch should be water tight for a while.........

Ok thankyou

russellshaffer · Oct 28, 2024

Tape over the muzzle keeps out weather and mud. The air pushed out ahead of the ball or bullet blows the tape away. Some people use balloons or other devices for a cover.

saculmot · Oct 28, 2024

https://www.strikeindustries.com/si-muzzle-condom.html

Keep two or three of these handy.

sheriff john · Oct 28, 2024

There are small black rubber muzzle-covering "balloons" (sorta) that fit over your muzzle to keep water out but pose no risk of a bulged barrel supposedly. Never used them, but they would be fine for rifles. Now, shotguns might be another matter, don't know. A shotgun barrel is much more prone to bulging/bursting than a rifle. Again, I don't know.

Given enough water standing in a barrel upright, eventually enough moisture might cause problems. Certainly loading a charge in a wet barrel will contaminate your powder. Best keep the muzzle pointed down in a rain. Covers for hammer/frizzen/drum/etc. are available or easily made. Water's not a friend of black powder (except when cleaning).

LME · Oct 28, 2024

wishihadgunrights said:
Hey guys 17 years old from Nova Scotia here. I know getting debris in the barrel of your rifle can be catastrophic so you need to make the sure the muzzle out of the mud and everything. I’m wondering if the same danger applies to rain? I’d like to take a walk in the woods with my muzzleloader outside of my blind but if it’s raining, does getting any water down the barrel pose the same risk? Or is the only risk getting the load wet? Thanks in advance.

The rain down the barrel isn't going to be enough to worry about . If you drop it in a river just dump the water out!

Greenjoytj · Oct 29, 2024

Keep the muzzle angled slightly downward, pull the muzzle into your blind still muzzle slightly pointing down.

The Crisco Kid · Oct 29, 2024

Use the tape and quit worrying about it. It will also keep you from jamming snow or mud in the bore if you stumble. I always used two layers of electrical tape, one going in each direction with a wrap around the barrel to keep it all on.

Terrier · Oct 29, 2024

There are gizmos called, “finger cots” that basically look like a small rubber condom, but are for protecting fingers (injured or not) during certain tasks. They’d work well for keeping water out.

I found some at Walmart, but they’re usually found in the first aid section where you’d find elastic bandages in any store that sells that sort of thing.

Nav · Oct 29, 2024

Rain down the barrel isn't an issue. A wet pan is.
Cow Knee for the win.

LME · Oct 29, 2024

Nav said:
Rain down the barrel isn't an issue. A wet pan is.
Cow Knee for the win.
View attachment 358737

I have had rain down my barrel with no ill effect? I did get my percusion cap wet and I had to use a couple of caps to shoot the rifle!

ZUG · Oct 29, 2024

As Terrier has said look at Walmart or Amazon for "finger cots". Less than $5.00 for 200+. They are also used in industry for electrical component soldering work also and other work where finger oils are not wanted. They are also used on modern rifles for the same reason - to keep stuff out of the muzzle during a hunt. They will not restrict the projectile or change its flight.

LME · Oct 29, 2024

ZUG said:
As Terrier has said look at Walmart or Amazon for "finger cots". Less than $5.00 for 200+. They are also used in industry for electrical component soldering work also and other work where finger oils are not wanted. They are also used on modern rifles for the same reason - to keep stuff out of the muzzle during a hunt. They will not restrict the projectile or change its flight.

Why waste your money a little rain down the barrel doesn't hurt a thing. I have had rain down my barrel and nothing happened to me nor the rifle? Save your money and quit worrying about it!

ZUG · Oct 29, 2024

Your choice LME - the OP asked an honest question and like others I gave him an honest answer. If he chooses to use it or not so be it - it's his decision not mine. I just gave him the info - :ThankYou:

. Now back to my emails and coffee.

LME · Oct 29, 2024

ZUG said:
Your choice LME - the OP asked an honest question and like others I gave him an honest answer. If he chooses to use it or not so be it - it's his decision not mine. I just gave him the info - . Now back to my emails and coffee.

I am not critical of your statement I just don't think a person should waste their money? I also think what you said is right as it would keep rain out of the barrel.

LT Joe · Oct 29, 2024

wishihadgunrights said:
Hey guys 17 years old from Nova Scotia here. I know getting debris in the barrel of your rifle can be catastrophic so you need to make the sure the muzzle out of the mud and everything. I’m wondering if the same danger applies to rain? I’d like to take a walk in the woods with my muzzleloader outside of my blind but if it’s raining, does getting any water down the barrel pose the same risk? Or is the only risk getting the load wet? Thanks in advance.

The period correct solution is to make a wooden tampon to stick down the barrel. I've made them for all of my rifles/muskets. That and a cow's knee will keep everything dry.

SOLANCO · Oct 29, 2024

Close the pan and drip a seal of candle wax. Does not have to be heavy as long as it is thorough. Pulling the trigger should break the seal and ignite the dry powder. Experimant to get the hang before taking it to the field in the wet.

Codger Craig Wilcox · Oct 29, 2024

In a certain south-eastern nation, a certain time of year provided some very heavy rains. We didn't have muzzleloaders, but kept a condom over the muzzle any way.

stikshooter · Oct 29, 2024

wishihadgunrights said:
Hey guys 17 years old from Nova Scotia here. I know getting debris in the barrel of your rifle can be catastrophic so you need to make the sure the muzzle out of the mud and everything. I’m wondering if the same danger applies to rain? I’d like to take a walk in the woods with my muzzleloader outside of my blind but if it’s raining, does getting any water down the barrel pose the same risk? Or is the only risk getting the load wet? Thanks in advance.

Nope do what I do , Electrical tape over the muzzle (DONE WATERPROOF) !!!/Ed

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