Cleaning solution

[Delmonico]

Driftwood, a good referance for this is to go to a musuem that has loot's of muzzle loaders, look how many of the flinters are still in good condition arund the flash hole.  Then look at how many cap locks are pitted bad anround the nipple and drum, same mercury based formula as the primers.

[Arcey]

Just in fun, Paladin, my brother in smoke.

Was at the indoor today shootin' a plastic self-shucker.  Young lady in the next lane is a Brit.  Over this side visitin' her boyfriend (military) 'n his family.  She'll be goin' back after our Thanksgivin'.

She seemed ta be havin' a pure hoot shootin' a Glock.  Didn't wanna quit.  Sent him to get more ammo.  Gave 'er my target 'n told 'er ta take it home 'n tell everyone she shot it.

[Steel Horse Bailey]

Mighty neighborly of ya, Arcey!  International Good Will and all ...

[Arcey]

In all honesty, Steel Hoss, it weren't my best effort. One ragged hole at 12 o'clock in the ten, most of the X was gone on a B-34.  But there were six flyers, one in the eight. Eighty rounds 'n thirty of those that particular pistol doesn't care for.  Wanted to get rid of 'em.

To keep it semi-on topic.  Clean up will be with Ed's Red.  Lube points, Ballistol. But it really ain't dirty yet.

[Noz]

Cheap tricks. Ballistol seemed to get all over things until I used an empty "artificial tears" bottle, any eye drop bottle would work. Holds enough to lube wear points for a while and dispenses one drop at a time.

[Dakota Widowmaker]

Driftwood, a good referance for this is to go to a musuem that has loot's of muzzle loaders, look how many of the flinters are still in good condition arund the flash hole.  Then look at how many cap locks are pitted bad anround the nipple and drum, same mercury based formula as the primers.

BINGO!!!

I know of only one REALLY good condition 1860 army that has actually seen some service in the 1800s that I would load today. The previous owner bought it from an army officer (back of the line type of guy) who promptly sold it after he was discharged.

[It was at an antique collector's show here in the Murderapolis area]

The owner of it for the next couple decades used it quite often, but, flushed the bore with hot water and cleaned the cylinder with "coil oil". There was minor pitting on the outside under the loading lever, but, ZERO in the bore or around the nipples.

He used tallow over the balls to keep from chain firing and had a couple boxes of paper cartridges that were still sealed that were in the case.

Gun was used 3 times to kill someone. (1 Indian and 2 horse thiefs at different times)
Beautiful patina on the gun and the grips were not too badly worn. Guy wanted $5400 for it...

Some folks took care of their toys. Others let them rot in their holsters.

Mercury based primers were the devil. (still are!!!)