Does one need to apply oil or ballistol INSIDE the lock?

[ZUG]

I think that a total disassembly of a lock depends on how much you shoot it and how well the lock fits the mortise. When you remove the lock for cleaning and lubing if there is any rust or other stuff in the internal workings then I will dissemble the lock for a thorough cleaning and lubing with a light oil and a dab of grease on the contact area of the mainspring and the tumbler. I also put a dab of grease at the contact area of the frizzen spring and frizzen contact area. I think it's a commonsense thing.

 

[Ed C.]

My locks are pretty much sealed off from fouling. Once a year I'll remove the lock and trigger, no disassembly, and clean with warm soap and water, blow dry with compressed air and put it in the oven on warm to dry. I pack it with Mobil 1 synthetic grease (same as revolvers), work it a few times and wipe off the excess. No rust, dirt or corrosion, no problems, but I don't have to deal with the cold.

 

[French Colonial]

I think that a total disassembly of a lock depends on how much you shoot it and how well the lock fits the mortise. When you remove the lock for cleaning and lubing if there is any rust or other stuff in the internal workings then I will dissemble the lock for a thorough cleaning and lubing with a light oil and a dab of grease on the contact area of the mainspring and the tumbler. I also put a dab of grease at the contact area of the frizzen spring and frizzen contact area. I think it's a commonsense thing.

There are flintlocks I have seen at the club where the lock does not fit up tight against the barrel, 4F and soot gets down and inside the lock, those may need disassembly.

Personally it would drive me crazy and I would have to fix it.

 

[flatcreek]

I remove it every time, brush the fowling off with soapy water, blow it off with compressed air, spray the hole lock with a liberal coat of Barricade, blow off again, oil the rotating parts and lightly grease the sliding parts. If it has a lot of crud inside I spray it off with brake clean, maybe every fifth or sixth time I take it out. This seems like a lot, but it only tale a few minutes.

 

[Thomas.bill92]

I just pull the lock off, scrub with a toothbrush under hot tap water, air compressor to dry it off and drive water out of the nooks and crannies, then (unpopular opinion) spray down with wd40. Finish cleaning the rest of the rifle then wipe off excess oil before reassembly.