Storing muzzleloader loaded?

[eaglesnester]

Back in the day folks had no choice but to stay loaded for bear. That included side arms as well as long arms. Never knew when the bad guys would come for a visit, or injuns, or critters. There was no law for some period of time out west. I should think that side arms were kept loaded all the time. I would dare say that the fictional character Jeramia Johnson was never with out a loaded rifle or side arm for that matter. If rust were a problem that would have been the least of his worries. Just sayen.

 

[Heelerau]

I have been know to keep a cap and ball loaded for a year or more in my safe, went off fine. I also keep a flinlock rifle loaded for a couple of weeks at a time when home for pesky rabbits in the garden, just have to put a toothpick in the vent, between walks.