trimming patches at barrel?

[BrownBear]

I've got a question with no vested interest in the answer, which in fact might be: "So what."

I've got a new (to me) 58 cal rifle and I've only shot with patches cut at the muzzle. It's obvious to me that the previous owner never did so. The beautiful browning at the muzzle was unmarred before I started with the gun, and now it's getting pretty scratched up.

Is that really a "so what" situation, or am I being sloppy? Do I really need to cut the patches down flush with the bore?

 

[Oldnamvet]

I guess I'm in the so-what camp. I regard those as ordinary wear marks, not abuse. I doubt that the everyday people a couple hundred years ago were all concerned about a scratch or mar on their rifle, as long as it did the job they wanted.

 

[paulvallandigham]

As long as the crown of the muzzle puts the actual point of release inside the muzzle, as opposed to a flat crown where the release of the PRB or bullet is right at the muzzle, I don't see where some minor surface scrapes of the finish from using a patch knife makes any difference. If you have a target rifle with a FLAT crown, then, you have some chance of nicking that bore edge. Any aberation in the edge will cause gases to release early at that point(s) and affect accuracy negatively.

I am in the " So What " column on this issue, particularly when it comes to hunting rifles.

 

[paulvallandigham]

I don't think patch knife shape, or design has much of anything to do with PRB accuracy, Claude. A very sharp knife used in a hunting situation, or, GOD FORBID, in a self defense situation, allows the trimming of the patch at the muzzle with minimal movement of the hands. That is important in NOT spooking the game, or giving away your location to your assailant.

I think any knife shape will do, as long as it is as sharp as a razor. Straight blades are easier to sharpen to a razor's edge than curved blades. Shorter straight blades are easier to keep razor sharp than long straight blades, assuming that you don't have access to large mechanical equipment with multiple grit belts, buffing wheels, and leather strops. I have made adequate patch knives from the laminated blades, 3-4" long, and from straight razors. I want a knife that will cut my patch with just the one stroke. I have watched men at my gun club literally sawing on patching with dull knives, to the point I offered to sharpen their knives for them with my own stones. I have sharpened knives in camp at rendezvous, and at club demonstrations for other members.

On one particularly memorable cold March day, I sharpened a member's belt knife so that he could cut duck breast filets into balogna-thin slices to fry up in his frying pan. It was a hand made knife, the bevels were NOT straight, and I had to do much of the blade free hand because of that fact. He used that knife not only when cooking, but as his patch knife later in the day when he took his turn at the firing line demonstrating shooting to the crowds. He was all smiles about how well his knife cut after I sharpened it. :thumbsup: