Best way to clean sharps falling block percussion rifles
Posted: Sun Oct 18, 2020 4:08 pm
I have an 1853 slant breech so I figured this is the best place to post the question.
I spent the better part of 4 hours trying to clean my rifle yesterday after running 24 rounds through it. I had even run simple green and a patch through it after 12 rounds.
I spent 1.5. hours just cleaning the breach block with a brush and tooth pick last night.
This morning I recalled the idea of just putting the breech block and hammer in a pot of boiling water to remove the powder. It worked but then there were rust spots in the areas were the case coloring had worn away and at the nipple. So that took more cleaning.
I corked the barrel and filled it with boiling water about 4 times.
I ran a bore brush and chamber brush down it 6 times
I then took it downstairs and rand some Thompson Center BP solvent down it with a patch about 4 times.
I am now running shooters choice lead solvent down it. I have done it about 12 times and still haven't come up with a clean patch.
What am I doing wrong? I am spending more time cleaning my gun than I am shooting it.
I spent the better part of 4 hours trying to clean my rifle yesterday after running 24 rounds through it. I had even run simple green and a patch through it after 12 rounds.
I spent 1.5. hours just cleaning the breach block with a brush and tooth pick last night.
This morning I recalled the idea of just putting the breech block and hammer in a pot of boiling water to remove the powder. It worked but then there were rust spots in the areas were the case coloring had worn away and at the nipple. So that took more cleaning.
I corked the barrel and filled it with boiling water about 4 times.
I ran a bore brush and chamber brush down it 6 times
I then took it downstairs and rand some Thompson Center BP solvent down it with a patch about 4 times.
I am now running shooters choice lead solvent down it. I have done it about 12 times and still haven't come up with a clean patch.
What am I doing wrong? I am spending more time cleaning my gun than I am shooting it.