Back into muzzleloading

[ToddB]

I've been looking at building a gun lately. Years ago I had a Thompson Hawkens and my dad has it now. It has not been shot for probably 8 or so years. What do I need to do to it before shoting it again. Anything to check for? Its a pecusion.

 

[musketman]

I've been looking at building a gun lately. Years ago I had a Thompson Hawkens and my dad has it now. It has not been shot for probably 8 or so years. What do I need to do to it before shoting it again. Anything to check for? Its a pecusion.

First make sure it is cleaned inside and out, you do not need to remove the breech to clean your gun and it will void the warrantee on T/C guns if you do. Remove the nipple and look underneath in and in the breech, is it clear of fouling?
If not, that will need cleaned out so the flame from the percussion cap can get to the powder charge.

As for things you "might" need, #11 percussion caps, powder, balls and patches or lead bullets, patch/bullet lube, A short starter, a cleaning jag, nipple wrench, adjustable or fixed powder measure and some gun oil.

 

[ToddB]

Thanks. Somewhere at thier house should be the stuff to go with it. Hopefully I can find it. What would you recommend using to clean the barrel.

 

[musketman]

I use warm (tepid) water with a few shavings of Ivory soap to clean my black powder guns, but plain water will work just fine.

Remove the barrel from your T/C by pulling out the wedge pin and removing the ramrod, remove the nipple and place the breech end of the barrel into the bucket of water and with a wet cleaning patch (I use old T-shirts) on the jag, plunger the water up and down the barrel with the ramrod. You will see the water jet out through the nipple port as you work the ramrod.

Once the water comes out clean, remove the barrel and drain it, then with dry patches, use the same jag and dry the bore thoroughly. Then oil inside and out with an oiled patch.

 

[mykeal]

I'd also remove the lock and inspect and clean the inside. In this case I'd use a good bp solvent, but hot water and soap will work also. Just be sure it's dried out thoroughly with a hair dryer, and then use a good light machine oil or mineral oil lubrication (Ballistol, Butch's Bore Shine) on the moving parts.

You do not need to take the lock apart unless it's very, very dirty and fouled, and then you might need some specialist help.

Finally, although it's rare, inspect the wood under the barrel and the lock for dry rot or water damage.

 

[bucktales]

Before you do anything, make sure there's not a leftover charge in the barrel. :v