Questions About New Flintlock

[Republiman]

I just bought my first flintlock (and blackpowder for that matter) rifle. I have some questions about the maintenance of it for anybody with experience in this field:

1) If I want to remove the barrel for more thorough cleaning or for other maintenance, the manual tells me to drive the wedge out, but doesn't suggest a method of doing so. I could just take something like a nail punch or a chisel and whack it with a hammer, but will that end up cracking the stock, or scratching the metal? What's the best way of removing the wedge?

2) After firing, there's BP residue left over in the crevice under the frizzen, where it meets the pan. It's a ##### to try to get perfectly clean even when working with a metal brush- how important is it to clean this, and how clean does it have to be? I do a good job of cleaning the barrel, but is it also necessary to get the lock perfectly clean or will some cleaning suffice?

3) How many shots can I fire off before having to clean the gun? Will a quick wipe with a cleaning patch do the job while shooting, or do I have to bust out the solvents as well? Is it important to brush the pan free of powder residue in between shots?

4) Have any other tips for someone who's green to muzzleloaders/blackpowder?


BTW, the gun is a .50 cal Lyman Deerstalker, just in case anybody has experience with that particular gun. Thanks to all who reply!

 

[snowshoe]

1] The wedge pin should come out with just a little force, they shouldn't be that tight. I use my short start to push it the first little bit, and my pliers to pull the rest of the way. Put it in the same way as it came out. They make a wedge pin puller.
2] I pull the lock off at the end of the day and scrub it all down with a tooth brush and water. Then oil it with Balistol.
3]I do not wipe between shots until it gets tough to load, then it is just a few wipes with a patchs and moose milk, then dry patches. I used to wipe the pan after every shot, but just a wipe.
The best tip I was given, was to keep it simple. I like to do as much for myself as I can, so I use moose snot for a patch lube, moose milk for wiping between shots, pillow ticking from a fabric store for shooting patches, and old flannel bed sheets for cleaning patches. My Deerstalker shoots much better with a felt wad under the patched ball. Feel free to pm me any questions.

 

[Republiman]

Thanks snowshoe!

 

[rusty51]

I use natural lubes like bore buttter you can get it at most gun stores,or you can use olive oil or crisco.By natural lubes I mean non petroleum based.You will not have to swab the bore as often .