Buying used muzzleloaders

[Gil Martin]

MAN IN BLACK,
Blackpowder is corrosive and must be properly cleaned the same day the gun is fired. The proper cleaning method follows the U.S. Army regulations of the last few centuries. Remove the barrel from the stock (if possible) and remove the touch hole bushing (on a flintlock) or the nipple (on a percussion). Use a wet cloth or one with solvent on it to thoroughly remove all powder residue from the lock assembly. Dry the lock and wipe it down with an oil and grease cloth.

Get a small plastic bucket, cut pieces of bar soap shavings into it and dump in about a gallon of very hot water. Place the breech end of the barrel in the water, hold the barrel with a piece of cloth (like an old undershirt) and insert a snug fitting patch on a rod down the barrel. Pump the patch up and down until hot soapy water comes out the top of the barrel. Do this for a few minutes. Dump out the dirty water. Repeat this process with very hot water. The barrel will become too hot to handle and this is good. Place the barrel muzzle down is a safe area and let it air dry. Runs some dry patches down the bore followed by several oiled patches. Wipe the exterior of the barrel down with a cloth with some oil and gun grease on it and reassemble the rifle.

It takes a few minutes, but blackpowder arms cleaned in this manner will remain rust free and attractive for many years. I am confident that Adam Helmer will concur with these instructions. Hope this helps. All the best...
Gil