How to clean barrel in the field on a brown bess?

[rschissler]

Okay, after reading this forum I understand that I need to clean the barrel after "X" number of shots. Obviously I don't know how many shots that is before cleaning, I guess when it is hard to ram the ball down the barrel. Anyway, I assume you run cleaning patches down the barrel, but how do you attach them to the ramrod? I've seen cleaning kits available for calibers .50-58, but nothing for a .75 brown bess.

So what do you use to clean the barrel of a brown bess?

 

[CrackStock]

The end of your rod inside the channel should threaded. You can get a jag for a patch or get a double helix for tow. Dampen to taste and wipe out. If it is really bad and you can spare the time, you can plug the vent with a feather or toothpick and pour water in and then use the above method to dry.

CS

 

[Stumpkiller]

What he said. A worm wrapped in tow is to a Bess what a jag & patch is to a rifle.

If you want to get real authentic, smash some bricks (or unglazed flowerpots) and rub the outside of the barrel with the dust to keep it in the white.

 

[schrivener]

Smiling Fox Forge sells a tow worm that is threaded specifically to fit the threads on the Pedersoli ram rod. One of those, and mess of tow, and you are good to go. I bought mine a while back, I dimly recall it being about 25$

 

[sherpadoug]

The worm & tow is most authentic, but I find a jag and patch easier. You should have a worm anyway as you will undoubtedly lose a patch down the barrel and need the worm to fetch it. There are "worms" made from springs that I have never tried but have heard don't work. Look for a cast or forged one and make sure to sharpen the points with a file. :imo:

 

Why would one wish to be on a Brown Bess in the field while one cleans the barrel?

Would this not irritate Bess to some extent?

:crackup:

 

[Rat]

I have found that the button/flat top of the ram rod works as a jag. If I need to clean in the field I just use that, a patch and some Hoppe's #9+. When grouse hunting I need to wipe the barrel once in a while, while "in the field". Otherwise my paper shot cartridges will start to tear and stick when ramming down the barrel.

Yes I do realize that if you try that with some of the ram rod tips such as the ones on the .58" calibre rifle muskets, the rod will become horribly, seemingly permanently stuck in the barrel. Don't ask me how I know that. However, the Bess button-head ram rod won't stick.

A real jag screwed onto the other/threadded end of the ramrod is probably better, but the above method is a little faster, it that is of any value.

Rat

 

[swamp yankee]

I wonder what they did with the Long Land? Can't screw a worm onto a wooden rammer.

I just bought one. I'm thinking about using a wiping stick, but what would they have done back then?

By the way, hello all.

Brian

 

[Rebel]

There is someone that makes a worm that screws on to the outside of a wooden rod, but not sure who they are though.I saw it in a back issue of Muzzleblasts.

 

[Wes/Tex]

Track Of The Wolf handles them as "Primitive Spring Steel Patch Worm" under the number (#Worm-PR). They'll set you back a whole $1.59!

 

[Rebel]

Thanks again Wes. You sure are a Fountain of Knowledge. ::

 

[musketman]

I wonder what they did with the Long Land? Can't screw a worm onto a wooden rammer.

Another way to clean afield is to tie a long stout cord to a large cleaning patch in the middle and use the rammer to push it down the bore, remove the rammer and use the cord to pull it out, wiping the bore in the process...

This works no matter what material the rammer is made of...

 

[JackAubrey]

If you want to be PC then by all means a worm and tow.If you want expediency Dixie Gun Works sells an adaptor that screws onto the threaded end of your ramrod.It is designed to accept bore brushes and bore mopps.

 

[schrivener]

Track Of The Wolf handles them as "Primitive Spring Steel Patch Worm" under the number (#Worm-PR). They'll set you back a whole $1.59!

Yep, but didn't work worth a damn on the metal rod that came on my Pedersoli. Fell right off of there. For my tulle, I used a simple twisted wire, until the GoodWife bought me a hand turned worm that threads on to the ramrod tip. Much purtier, but honestly not much more efficient than the twisted bit of wire.

 

[CrackStock]

<<<Can't screw a worm onto a wooden rammer.>>>

Actually, my Tulle has a wooden rammer and I use a coiled piece of steel (available from Track) that will work with tow or a patch to clean it. I also have a brass tip that will accept various attachments. It must be installed and pinned properly, but works very well.

CS

 

[Wes/Tex]

Oops! The spring patch worm is for wooden ramrods. The metal rods need the threaded type of worm. Gotta stay sober more. :youcrazy:

 

[Rusty Old Gunns]

We have a system in the 3rd NY Long Island Reg. that works real well.

When "Day is done" and you have fired between 50 and 100 blanks out of your Bess try this (Firing blanks all day and never running the ramming rod down the barrel sure does fowl a gun).

Get a tea pot or coffee pot on the fire to boil. Run the button end of the ramrod down a few times to make the barrel open again, and dump her out.

Now stand Bess on her butt and tilt her a little so that the vent hole is pointing slightly down. Run hot water down her throat till it comes out of her vent hole clean.

Now a little tallow or a patch followed by another covered with WD-40, and your done.

Oh... do NOT use the same water for tea!

 

[Keith]

Oh... do NOT use the same water for tea!

Cannoners Tea. :haha:

 

[akapennypincher]

Now a little tallow or a patch followed by another covered with WD-40, and your done.

Oh... do NOT use the same water for tea!

I read of your use of WD-40 and my Heart lost a BEAT. The