Protecting barrel underside???

[Skychief]

What would you all recommend to rub on the underside of my fowling piece's barrel to protect it from moisture, salt from perspiration, fouling, etc.?

I don't remove the pinned barrel after each shooting session. I will do it a couple times per year or so to stay ahead of any trouble.

What do you all use/recommend?

Thanks much, Skychief

 

[Dane]

Is the barrel left bright? If it's browned, or blued, there is really nothing that needs to be done.

If it's left bright, it will need attention.
Polish it bright and seal it with linseed, or a varnish.

 

[larryp]

I use Renaissance Wax.

 

[Pete G]

Johnson's paste wax, Minimum 2 coats applied heavily and not buffed.

 

[Rifleman1776]

Actually, a very good question.
'stuff' can happen. We use guns outdoors. Moisture and dirt can get under there. A good coating of Johnsons Past Wax on both barrel and wood is an excellent protection.

 

[BrownBear]

I use Boeshield. Just a thin coating. Especially on the bottom of pinned barrels and other metal parts that seldom see the light of day.

Lotta theory and conjecture about water and corrosives not getting into enclosed spaces. That sezz more about the climate the owner lives in or their magical ability to keep fouling from wandering around while cleaning.

I live in salt air with over 100 inches of rain per year. I must be some kind of uber-pig, because I never seem to be able to clean a gun without eventually getting fouled water under the barrel.

Boeshield is pure magic for protecting metal.

 

[nwtradegun]

3 coats boiled linseed oil.

 

[Mickc01]

Great thread!! And thanks for the ideas as I have had the same issue with a Harper's Ferry pistol kit I completely a while back...Mick C

 

[Black Hand]

The wax from a toilet bowl gasket. It is a mixture of beeswax and other materials which is solid but relatively soft at room temperature. I fill the barrel channel with a thin layer, press in the barrel, insert the pins and remove the excess wax that has squeezed out.

This seals the entire channel and prevents the entry of moisture. This prevents wicking from the barrel channel to the lock into the pan wetting the primer (guess how I know...).

 

[ZUG]

RIG Grease -- works for me :hatsoff: .

 

[Grandpa Ron]

I have yet to see a high use gun that did not have rust on the underside, if it was not periodically removed from the stock. That does not speak to the grit that accumulates on the wood.

Whether this junk is harmful to the barrel and stock is debatable. So also, which is the most damaging; leaving the gunk under the barrel or removing the barrel pins.

I am from the school that removes the barrel almost every time, drops it in a bucket of hot soapy water, pumps the water to remove the fowling, pours in clear hot water, runs a drying patches, WD -40 patches and finally a Ballistol patch.

This is quicker for me than trying to swab with numerous patches while keeping the water from running down between the barrel and wood. It also allows me to clean up the area around the touch hole nicely.

I have the advantage of having built these guns so assembling and disassembling them is not an issue.

In the field I will remove the lock and pour hot water down the barrel until it runs clear from the touch hole, follow with a drying patch, then WD -40, then a Balistol patch. This work until I can get home for a thorough cleaning.

The certainly is no one way to clean a muzzle loader.

 

[Black Hand]

Either way, make sure the barrel channel has finish to protect it. I've given mine 2-3 coats of shellac (I also shellac the inside of all mortices and under the butt plate).

 

[Flash Pan Dan]

Johnson Industrial Floor Wax.

 

[bpd303]

I use Renaissance Wax.

Me too.

 

[Skychief]

Just to be sure we are all on the same page...

The above mentioned waxes and grease are being recommended for covering the metal of the underside of the barrel AND the wood of the barrel channel too?

Thanks for the ideas all, Skychief

 

[BrownBear]

...recommended for covering the metal of the underside of the barrel AND the wood of the barrel channel too?

Not from me. Interior wood surfaces are well sealed with my choice of wood finish.

 

[Black Hand]

Just to be sure we are all on the same page...

The above mentioned waxes and grease are being recommended for covering the metal of the underside of the barrel AND the wood of the barrel channel too?

Thanks for the ideas all, Skychief

Waxes - Yes.
Grease - Not so much. Can lead to dry-rot...

 

[Flint62Smoothie]

Boeshield T-9, extensively used to protect aircraft parts from corrosion ... hence the name - derived from 'Boeing'.

 

[Skychief]

I wonder what (if anything), the "old boys" used?

Are there any traditional products that would work well? :hmm:

 

[Grizzly Adams]

perhaps beeswax?