What's a wiper?

[Onojutta]

OK, stupid question time...

Just read Wallace Gusler's article in the latest Muzzle Blasts about shot pouches and horns. He mentioned the carrying of wipers numerous times. What is a wiper? It could be because its late or possibly fatigues from too much hunting, but I can't for the life of me recall ever hearing the term wiper used to describe anything in my possibles...er, shot pouch.

 

[Pigman]

I think that is a cleaning jag.

Foster From Flint

 

[tmdreb]

They're often called a "worm" based on their similarity to the artillery implement of the same name. It's a cleaning attachment that consists of two prongs twisted into a corkscrew shape. You put a patch on it and wipe the bore with it, hence the name.

 

[redwing]

The term "wiper" is used in referance to running a patch between shots to wipe not clean the barrel. There may be other uses of the term but I have never heard of them. :shake:

 

[Capt. Jas.]

They're often called a "worm" based on their similarity to the artillery implement of the same name. It's a cleaning attachment that consists of two prongs twisted into a corkscrew shape. You put a patch on it and wipe the bore with it, hence the name.

You got it. They used tow on it and called it a wiper. We call it a tow worm or worm. Jags were not used then. :thumbsup:

 

[Deadeye]

There's also a "wiping stick" often called a wiper
and most often carried inside the barrel of the gun but long enough to stick out a few inches and used to clean the barrel.
Deadeye

 

[Capt. Jas.]

There's also a "wiping stick" often called a wiper
and most often carried inside the barrel of the gun but long enough to stick out a few inches and used to clean the barrel.
Deadeye

You are correct Deadeye! Sometimes it's easy to forget the obvious.
And contrary to some modern misinformation it was also known as a "ramrod" in the 18th century as well.

 

[FPDoc]

I seem to remember some quote somewhere about a situation that was turning a bit sour where the writer commented that it was getting dicey enough that they were about ready to "pull their wiping sticks". I will often carry a second ramrod or wiping stick as I think of it, with tow on the patch-worm to clean or lube the bore and the easiest place to carry it is.. in the bore..