A LIVING HISTORY BLOG.

18TH CENTURY LIVING HISTORY IN AUSTRALIA.

Saturday 2 October 2010

The Cleaning & Maintainance Of A Muzzle-Loading Gun.

Martin asked me if I was thinking of producing a video on muzzleloader cleaning and maintainance, well after much a do, I have, but it had to be in two parts as one video choked YouTube! So here it is, I hope you like it Martin. I have been doing it this way for over 30 years now, and it works for me. I am not a fan of modern cleaners.


3 comments:

David R. Reid said...

Excellent videos Keith, very interesting. I have sent you a private message via your YouTube channel. Cheers Dave

Martin said...

Hello Loup!

When I got up this morning and started trolling through the ol' computer, I found that Christmas had come early. OUTSTANDING! You certainly have a knack for doing this. (Upon further reflection, I suppose the 30 years of practice doesn't hurt either. Ha, ha.)

The process as you describe it is easy, requires minimal tools and effort, yet it does the job and is elegant in its simplicity. Just the kind of combination an 18th Century Longhunter would employ. Using the twisted cloth to hold the barrel upright is obviously the result of hard won experience. You have earned my undying gratitude for passing these techniques on to a wider audience.

You mention applying bee wax to the barrel channel and lock mortise. Would this also apply to the endgrain wood under the nosecap and buttplate at either end of the stock to help keep out any moisture?

Thanks Again,

Martin

Keith said...

"You mention applying bee wax to the barrel channel and lock mortise. Would this also apply to the endgrain wood under the nosecap and buttplate at either end of the stock to help keep out any moisture?".

Martin it certainly would not hurt, good idea. I have no nosecap on mine, and the buttplate is nailed on and can't be removed.
Thanks for your comment Martin, and your question. Much appreciated.
Regards.