I’m a new guy, I have a total of 2 whole months experience with blackpowder. Please excuse my ignorance if you guys have seen this 1000 times.
Looking for an easier way to get the crud out of the patent chamber of my 2nd hand Traditions flintlock, I took a 5mm HSCS (hex socket cap screw), ran a 1/8 drill through it, put a nut and an o-ring on it, and pushed a vinyl tube over it. Screwed it into the threaded hole for the touchhole screw so the o-ring seals the breech and put a vinyl tube on it running to a cup of hot soapy water.
Then I ran a soapy mop up and down the bore, it pumped the soapy water back and forth through the chamber and bore. After washing, I run hot water from the sink into the breech to rinse everything, then dry. Seems to work very well without splashing water all over the gun.
Now my question: After it is all dry, what can I put in the patent chamber to prevent rust but won’t gunk up next time I shoot it?
First thing that comes to mind is a Teflon or silicone mold release agent, but I have no idea how blackpowder will react to it.
Does anyone have any suggestions on traditional or modern chemicals that will provide a rust preventative coating but will not gunk up the patent chamber? This stupid chamber seems to be the crux of my misfire problems and I need to keep it clear, but I don’t want it to rust either.
Thanks!!!
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You "screw the tube to the Threaded Touch hole"?
I assume you have a touch hole liner on your Traditions?
My flintlocks are Pedersoli with liners, not sure about the breach between the two but on mine I can fit a Q-Tip in through the touch hole once the liner is removed, witch always do when I clean.
The hole is large enough that I can Swab the entire breach with a Q-Tip, I use the bendable 'paper' kind not wood and I can even bend it to reach up to the muzzel end of the breach.
Yes I had one break off once but no problem as I just put my mouth over the touch hole (I have never had to remove the barrel) and one hard BLOW and out it popped!.
I once used the tube set up you do: Messy!
As I clean at the dinner table, over a carpeted floor, and have a wife who don’t like messes; I have had to refine my cleaning method.
First I swab with a couple patches BEFORE leaving the range.
I use Shenandoah lube/cleaner very wet, or just alcohol patches I keep in a small plastic jar. This removes the bulk before even getting home.
*Shenandoah claims it keeps the gunk 'soft' until you get home.
Then once home I fill a small (anything) with some tap water.
I wet a patch and run it down the barrel, flip it and run it again.
Usually 3 or 4 patches and they 'look' clean.
Then remove the touch hole liner and go at the breach end with wetted Q-Tips; 2 or 3.
Then I use Bristol (or any BP cleaner) and swab the boar until clean: usually 2 or patches.
(*note: I use self cut cotton Flannel I buy at Joan's by the yard).
Now I return to the touch hole and hit it with Bristol, usually 2 Q-Tips will do it.
Back to the muzzel end I run an alchohol swab, back to touch hole I hit it with a Q-Tip in alchohol.
Last time back the muzzle I run a DRY patch followed by Barricade Oil.
Now the touch hole again; Barricade Oil ALL OVER in the breach (don't forget to 'bend' it and get all way in).
I set mine upside down in a corner over night, I also set my (removed) Lock and liner on a paper towel over night to 'drip'.
Next day I wipe down the lock, lube and install the liner, the lock, the flint; hang it back on the wall untill the next shoot.
All in all it takes about 20 min (30 with a smoke brake). Maybe 5 or so patches and maybe 4 Q-tips: all more or less depending on how much shooting I did, what powder I used, and how long until cleaning.
** I use a pen flashlight to look down the barrel, IF I see anything around the edge of the breach (where patch and jag didn't get it) then that is when I break out the tow and tow worm, sometimes a Slotted jag and long cut patch.
Every now and the I like hitting it all with Butch's BP Boar cleaner too.
I'm a but of a clean freak BUT I have yet in some 12 or so years to find any Rust in any of my barrels (not even that 'orange' I have read people arguing about)