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Cleaning question

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bluejack

32 Cal
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Nov 8, 2020
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First time cleaning my new Kibler SMR. Poured warm water down barrel and set it aside for awhile(plugged touch hole first) When I got back to gun, a black streak had run out of the end of the lollipop tang-stained my beautiful new stock.The darn stuff won`t come off.Where did it come from?? Can`t have this! Probably call Jim Kibler tomorrow and ask him also. Thanks
 
Happened to me a couple times. Now when I do the "soak" I make certain the touch hole facing forward and the rifle is laying at a steep angle. When I drain I drain out the muzzle.
I was able to buff the streak out.
 
For the touch hole, I use a piece Saran Wrap or a thin plastic bag placed over the blunted tip of a tooth pick to serve as a gasket. Seals very well. Might also be a breach plug leak. Also, it can be difficult to pour water or solvent down the barrel of a small bore(even with a funnel) due to cavitation, causing solvent to run the length of the barrel/tang. Although the black coloration on the stock would more likely originate from the flash hole or breach plug.
 
Same happened to me a a new build. I had not sealed the finish of BLO. I was able to wipe the stain out with alcohol on a rag, but of course that removed the BLO and most of the original color stain. That area refinished nicely and blends in so you would never know it. Then I waxed the stock. First coat I melted the paste wax and rubbed it in vigorously, buffed when dry. Then I did a second coat in the normal manner. Have had some fouled water run on it since with no stain resulting.
 
For the touch hole, I use a piece Saran Wrap or a thin plastic bag placed over the blunted tip of a tooth pick to serve as a gasket. Seals very well. Might also be a breach plug leak. Also, it can be difficult to pour water or solvent down the barrel of a small bore(even with a funnel) due to cavitation, causing solvent to run the length of the barrel/tang. Although the black coloration on the stock would more likely originate from the flash hole or breach plug.
Good tip! I might try a little square of Teflon plumber's tape over a toothpick.
 
I dip the toothpick in water for a couple seconds to swell it before plugging the hole then take a small pad of paper towel and lay it in the pan and close the frizzen. Any leaks are caught by the paper towel. I remove the lock after cleaning the barrel.
 
I've always used a toothpick with generally excellent results. But I also wrap the breech area in paper towels.
 
I hesitate to comment but pouring water in the barrel may be historically correct but we are not in the 1700's or 1800"s. When I first got into flintlocks an "old Timer" told me when cleaning a muzzleloader forget the "soaking with water" just spray a patch with 409 or Fantastic and swab the barrel, repeat with a clean patch or 2 until clean. Swab with WD40 and finish with an oil based swap. In 12 years I've never had a rust problem! If I need to swab between shots I just spray a patch with 409 or Fantastic and swab, works great. Give it a try, maybe you'll like it. Just my $.02 worth.
 
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