I 1000% agree with you on using tow. I think it works so well because of the surface area. It allows the carbon deposits to be collected and pulled out vs a patch that just smears it around. I clean my rifle exactly as you do yours with a few exceptions. I only use water to clean and I use an old toothbrush to scrun the lock. I also pull my vent liner ever time to clean the cone and leave the liner out while cleaning the bore to ensure I don't pack fouling in the liner cone. Then dry patch the bore, use said dry patch to dry the lock, grease patch the bore then use said grease patch on the lock and touch hole insert threads, then reassemble. As long as I don't have the rifle setting for a few months without use, I have zero rust issues aside from the fine browning that is coming over the working parts

Thank you, Mike. I have been shooting for years, but I am brand new to black powder. I have found your videos to be extremely valuable in helping me to figure all this stuff out.

Those are actually very good tips Mike. Thanks for sharing!

I'm about to buy my first rock lock. I have an 1861 original civil war rifle that I essentially saved from the crusher. I'm also a veteran and a lifelong gun enthusiast so I do know my way around guns pretty well. This (the flintlock) is something slightly new to me so I research the best information available. You sir, are in that information search. You have a good way about you. Good information, to the point without being condescending. You keep making the videos, I'll keep watching them!

We've had maybe fingers and toes days of sun this year. Glad I found your channel, as a fellow Pennsylvanian, who has a T/C Hawken to clean up and shoot and no idea how to do it.

Mike....Liked the opening monologue. And your right. I've been told numerous times "how to" clean up after black powder. I tell you the truth.. your mixture of Ballistol and water works really well. I really thank you. You mentioned it a few years ago in a video and I've been using it ever since. Thanks!!

Well done. I do appreciate your videos and how modest you are.

I started using the 10:1 mix watching your pistol cleaning video and it's much easier than what I was doing before. Thanks Mike

Thank you. I've never cleaned one before. I learned a lot. Your flintlock videos are very helpful. I just bought a Fusil de chase for deer season. I'm learning as I go.

Thank you so much, Mike! That was extremely informative. I put about 10 times as much effort into cleaning my black powder guns, and make about 20 times as much mess. I think I'll try your way next time! ☺

Mike, I don't know who all has been asking for this, but I am very glad you made this video. I have been wanting a flint rifle for a long time, but I wanted to see a video on how to care for it. Thank You !

Used 70% isopropanol rubbing alcohol for many years. Works great. Found it best to clean immediately before leaving the range. Big smile!

Good statement about YOUR WAY. People often don't get that there's more than one way to do almost anything. My cleaning is similar & Ballistol is my black powder oil(plain mineral oil on smokeless guns). I do use a few more patches & possibly a bore mop but I don't have the other stuff you used & I'm more sparing with cleaner on the patches because I want it to dry faster. I always like the simple & effective ways to do things & like new ideas too. Thanks.

I wouldn't call an idiot, everything I know I learned from you. By the way, a couple of days ago I got to go out and shoot three pistols and a rifle that I built. They were the first that I'd ever built and the first wood working projects i ever comp and They were scratch builds. They ALL worked flawlessly. You gave me a lot of tips for doing the work on these guns so a lot of the comments I get for them to to you. Thanx

I can not tell you how much I appreciate this video!

I have been around the smartest person in the room on several occaissions. Invaribly they turn out to not to be. Several wsys to clean a b p rifle. But when you watch someone like mike, rest assured if you clean it like he does you will be more than good! Thanks again mike for helping to grow the sport by giving rock solid advice & instruction. Thanks again don day

Very good info for me as a new flintlock owner.

Lol, I like your attitude Mike. The best way to do something is the way that works for you. I clean my bp guns with a spray bottle with hot water and a bit of dish soap. Then, I spray everything off with another spray bottle with 90% isopropyl alcohol to totally displace all the water. Then the alcohol evaporates in a few minutes and you're left with a clean, totally dry gun. Next, I spray everything with Birchwood/Casey Sheath rust preventative. Last, lube anything that needs lubed. It's fast, does a great job and does not rust. I even accidentally left one bp rifle dirty for 6ish months. I was in the process of moving and needed a break so I went shooting but totally forgot to clean it. Amazingly, not a single speck of rust anywhere. That rust preventative really works.

Another great video Mike. Well done! Since you mentioned it, I think you should follow this up with how to "fry eggs over an 18th century open fire." That'll fill the comments section! LOL

Thanks, I very much enjoyed! Always good to watch your videos.

I find this video very interesting. And you are right there are guys who think only they know how to do anything! You clean your firearms as I do. Although my range doesn't allow cleaning at the range! When hunting I clean the unit as you do when I get back to my truck. What I do once the hunting season is over is remove the lock and barrel and clean out the wood and use boiling water and mild soap in the barrel. I soak the lock in a mixture of Ballistol and water in my Ultrasonic cleaning machine. This removes every tiny piece of dirt and powder from the lock. Then a little Rem Oil in the right places and back together they go. I also change the leather flint holder with a new one.

Great video, you're right every shooter has their own way. For instance, I pronounce Balllistol differently, (arara that was a joke) but I like to use it. Keep em going! Ignore the arm chair tacticians

I like simple, thx for the heads up on a easier method, like other shooters,I was taught hot water an a bathtub an that was the ONLY WAY, have never challenged that, but I will now, another great video, thx.

I'm waiting for my first flintlock rifle kit to come.I credit you with what little knowledge I have haha. Thanks for all the helpful videos. You rock sir

That opening statement deserves an ATTA BOY ,Mike.So ATTA BOY !

First of all thanks for your service .... 2ndly I know how you feel about folks cleaning their guns some are out right silly and get goofy angry if you clean or have a different loading procedure, I never knew how bad it was till I got on you Tube it gets pure goofy, I just giggle and move on... keep up the good work Mr Mike.

I have a .69 cal pedersoli pistol. I don't shoot black powder often but this is a great cleaning video for me. I've had a 36 cal cap n ball, a Remington 1858 .44, a .31 cap & ball revolver a .31 cal traditions derringer. I currently own THAT brass derringer, the pedersoli pistol a golf ball cannon from coaches club cannons and a .50 cal cannon from ccc. I don't consider myself a black powder guy but I may one day if I keep acquiring BP shit! I watch you often Mike even if the content doesn't apply to me, I still watch you. I'm a young guy who appreciates old school stuff

Thank you for this video Mike. I'm purchasing a Harper's Ferry reproduction from euroarms from Dixie. The 1803 model. And spending a pretty penny for a man on social security. So cleaning a flintlock was important to me. Unfortunately, have no immediate friends who shoot flinters. Have to learn of the internet.

I've picked up a lot from helpfull shooters that said ...there's probably other ways but here's how I do it. Plus I'd like to add that if you want bad advice just ask the internet a question and your garanteed to get a sack full of it. Thanks for another good one. 👍

Seems a lot simpler than filling the barrel with water . Gonna give your method a try . Thanks Mike .

That is a good idea to clean at the range, instead of waiting to get home. I will deploy this method

Thanks for posting on how you clean your black powder rifles!

Watched this on Full30 a couple days ago, but still liking it on Facebook just to keep gun channel activity valid.

Thank you for the demonstration, Comrade!

I ALWAYS FOUND A ( TOOTH TYPE BRUSH ) SUPER HELPFUL .

Great video Mike. I personally use hot soapy water. Just cheaper and easier for me.

@samleverett58

2 жыл бұрын

Me too Jeremy. Have been using the hot soapy water successfully for 30 years.

Beautiful gun )

Damn that looks like a perfect hobby ❤️

Ballistol is good, used plenty and does the job. Some other rust preventatives I highly recommend for a final coating are Eezox, Frog Lube, RIG, Hornady One Shot and the new WD40 made specifically for rust prevention. These are in a different class compared to Ballistol for stopping rust (Ballistol is great the way you are using it). I have personally tested over 30 products using them on bare steel plates sprayed with salt water and left in the weather for long periods, so my recommendations are based on my experience. Then again if a lube is good enough why change and “if” you get the metal clean as you show in the video, Ballistol is more than good enough! Love your videos!!!

@kaptein1247

2 жыл бұрын

What have your tests found to be the best rust preventer?

Spring. Patch worm.. close enough. ;) Gonna have to go looking for a scraper. That's a useful tool! I clean muzzle loaders pretty much the same way I clean any other rifle. The only real difference is that wiping it down takes a lot more patches! I do tend to squirt cleaner down the barrel and turn it as the fluid runs down to the chamber. Then set it aside to soak while I do the small parts and (in the case of a bolt gun) wipe down the bolt and breach. The fun part for muzzle loaders is when you can't find a proper sized jag to go with your bore or when you discover that the barrel of your newly acquired friend is longer than your cleaning rod.

Excellent tutorial. Thank you.

Very nice presentation.

Thank you for that, very helpful. Very handsome rifle too.

Nice, only thing I would recommend is a baggy of disposable gloves. I hate having greasy hands.

@t.curran8243

3 жыл бұрын

nemovir Ballistol is non toxic. Hitler used to drink it. However, I like gloves too.

@jjohnston94

3 жыл бұрын

@@t.curran8243 Hitler used to drink it, and he's dead. Draw your own conclusion.

@filianablanxart8305

3 жыл бұрын

But not from drinking Ballistol . His drug addiction would have probably done him in not too much longer even if it weren't for the 9x19 to the head .

@trosturleo

3 жыл бұрын

@@filianablanxart8305 hate to be a know it all, but the PPK Hitler shot himself with was in 7.65x17 (.32ACP) and not 9mm

@filianablanxart8305

3 жыл бұрын

My bad , turns out it was indeed a .32acp ( aka 7.65) . But apparently there is some doubt if it was a PPK , or PP as one of each was found on the floor near his body .

Thank you Mike. Cheers

Like you said, Mike, there are lots of ways to clean these smudgers. I've been at it about as long as you have, so I've gone thru pretty much every recipe that has ever been put out there. That said, for the last ten years, it's been plain hot water for me. Whether in camp, or after I get them home, I use the hot water and siphon method. There's always a fire going in camp so hot water is always there. At home, it's the kitchen sink - even though my wife goes running out of the house. Before I leave a range, I run a couple wet/solvent patches down the bore to keep the fouling soft and to reduce its tendency to absorb water from the air. New shooters should know that there are essentially two types of barrel attachment: 1) pinned barrels such as on long rifles like Mike's. And, 2) hooked breech types that are secured by wedges. The former type is fixed, and makes cleaning just a bit more meticulous in its exercise. You have to do what Mike does, or some variation thereof. The hooked breech barrels are easier. Just pop out the wedges and lift out the barrel. Place the breech end in the hot water and simply run a few patches down the bore til they come out clean as laundry. The heat from the water will instantly evap all remaining water after a couple of drying patches are used. Then, anoint with your favorite oil. A drop or two of dishwashing soap won't hurt, and you just drop the lock and screws into the soapy water and scrub with a toothbrush. With flinters, I withdraw the dogjaw screw to make sure the threads get cleaned and oiled. With caplocks on a pinned barrel, just push a plastic tube over the nipple and do the siphon thing with the tube in a pail of hot water. My Lyman GPR and Tennessee Mountain Rifle, both purchased in 1980 and 1979 respectively, are still rust free.

@duelist1954

2 жыл бұрын

Sounds like you’ve got it working perfectly. Thanks for sharing.

@OutnBacker

2 жыл бұрын

@@duelist1954 Like you said: Everyone is their own expert, but I sure can't shoot like you.

Thank you Mike.

My waY is not highway(HI-WAY) ,It's just MY-WAY. Right-on Mike.

Thank you so much Mike for another great video! Keep up the good work! Do you still do exclusive videos on Patreon?

man thank you very much for your videos

Great video

Thanks for sharing your knowledge. I also picked up your comments on the degrees of fouling left by the various brands of BP so... which brand of BP do you prefer??? Guess that's a topic for another video 😉😉😉

I clean all my guns with patches cut from a worn out flannel bedsheet. Works beautifully, and one bedsheet lasts a long time! Never tried Ballistol. Have to give it a try sometime. By the way, don't worry about the armchair know-it-alls. Use what works for you! I use hot soapy water followed by olive oil. Works great for me, but I'm sure it's not for everybody.

good video..thanks for sharing

Thanks 👍

Flintlocks are so much fun

Thanks for sharing .

Great video. Anyone know where I can pick up one of those little oiler containers? Seen at 03:19.

I want to address a problem that we who live in the hot humid South have to contend with. The high humidity makes fouling stick tightly to the metal of our guns rifling. Cotton patches just aren't tough and abrasive like traditional tow. The cotton patches are too soft to scrub out every tiny bit of fouling. I struggled for years with red patches after cleaning the usua l way and leaving rifles in storage. What I do now is cut a patch of Scotch-Brite scouring pad and I put it in a big loop jag for cleaning shotguns. I scrub the bore with the scotch-bight pad and hot soapy water. Then I follow with cotton patches as usual. I flush the flash channel and bore with WD40 to remove any water that might be left in the rifle and dry the bore before oiling it. Most any oil will protect the bore but first you have to get ALL of the fouling out. I am still fighting rust due to the environment but I am doing a lot better . Thanks for the video.

I use water, then a patch with black solve, then a patch with wd40 and finally a patch with barricade. 4 total patches.

Question. You got me interested enough with flintlocks that I bought a used T/C flintlock. Anyway. Had a great time shooting it but have a question. Around the flash pan and barrel next to it. A lot of white flash spatter build up. It this normal or am I using too much pan powder when firing? Have used percussion cap rifle before so use to what that does. This is new to me. Thank you and have a nice day.

if it wasn't for Ballistol, i would have been out of Black Powder long ago. I live around water both salt and fresh. no atmospheric corrosion.

Did I miss a video? When did you acquire that rifle? Did you build it or buy it? Do tell! Lovely piece indeed!

Thanks for the cleaning video. For people who have never owned a flintlock and will never own a flintlock, but are curious about what the cleaning entails. No cleaning of the touch hole?

I'm old and when I was a teen, I actually hunted regularly with a percussion double. I have no direct experience with flintlocks. The fundamental issue with muzzle loaders is the inability to know the security of the breech without actually removing the plug, a very difficult task in a shotgun. So special care is needed to be sure that area is free of fowling. I used very hot water with just a little detergent to reduce surface tension, unhooked the barrels, removed the nipples and immersed the breech. Then, after using the bronze brush, wrapped the jag and used it like a piston pulling water up through the nipple holes up to the muzzles and down again. Switched to hot clean water and it was done. In seconds the barrels were dry. While still warm I oiled them. Easy and never any rust. I cleaned my breech loading BP shotguns the same way.

Hey Mike...can you resurface a flintlock frizzen face? I would just buy a replacement but the one on my rifle is beautifully color case hardened and I don't want to replace it with an ugly plain steel one. It seems like it has a lot of meat left...but it's pretty cut up from the previous owner...what's your advice? Thanks.

Take off the lock and rinse it under water, use a toothbrush with soap, then rinse it off and apply wd40. Use a funnel and pour hot water down the barrel and swab it out with a soapy patch, rinse the bore, dry it with a dry patch, then wd40 the bore with another patch. Allow a little time for the wd40 to force out the moisture and wipe and swab the excess. Oil with Rem-oil or any gun oil when dry.

Hi mike. Im in camp hill. Havent joined the wssa yet, but i just got a flintlock and havent fored it yet, but what about cleaning after a few shots? Im told i have to clean after 2-3 shots. How many times do you shoot your flintlock when you go to the range? I dont want to go the range just to shoot three times and go home.. how do i keep the gun running before starting the final cleaning

What is the cleaning material you used on your jag/rod that was ‘feathery’ that you tore off a piece to use??

People make a lot of mistakes tackling things they have not done before. People should not be called STUPID cause you are so smart..... New to this type of rifle. I plan to watch your video to learn.... Sorry you had to waste your time to make this video... I'll watch this video despite your attitude in this video.

@duelist1954

Жыл бұрын

I’m pretty sure I didn’t call anybody stupid. But I’m sorry I offended you.

Great video Mike, thank you. For those who might be wondering, did you put a tooth pick or small feather in the touch hole?

@duelist1954

4 жыл бұрын

No. I want the air to escape was I send the cleaning patch down the bore. I pick the touch hole after cleaning

@Chris-SS

4 жыл бұрын

@@duelist1954 OK, thanks.

Thanks for the lesson on cleaning the flintlock, could you tell me what brand range rod you're using thanks

@duelist1954

Жыл бұрын

They are sold by Track of the Wolf

Liked for the statement.

north central nc is nice right now,

Would that way of Cleaning work with powder Substitute Like American Pioneer or paradox powder?

There are as many methods to clean a firearm as there are shooters I think. I have tried and used several, but am always on the lookout for an easier method if I can find one. I admit to being somewhat lazy in somethings. Never tried Tow though. Will have to do that when I figure out what it is.

@wadetitcombe9971

5 жыл бұрын

I am sure I will find my answer in one of your other videos though,.

I saw you scraped your breech plug “face” I can’t seem to get to my plug, seems like something pertruding from all around the inside of the barrel just ahead of my flash hole keeping the ram rod from going the whole way down against the plug. It’s the same in my cap gun s too. About an inch or so from the flash hole or bolster back to the breech plug itself , that can’t really be cleaned , can you explain this ?

Mike, help! I am always good about cleaning my firearms but somehow I ended up with black powder that as you say, "set up like concrete". The gun is a double barrel Pedersoli flintlock shotgun. Nothing seems to work. Tried soaking it in balistol and water overnight with no effect. There appears to be no breach plug. It is solid metal. I assume you can screw out the touch hole plug? That doesn't budge either. The gun appears to be unique in that there is a space inside the barrel at the breach to allow for powder only. The inside of the breach appears to be a different diameter than the rest of the barrel. I'm not sure I can get to the bottom of the barrel with a scraper. Any ideas?

I clean with a patch and jag using warm water. On my 32 cal crocket rifle i have a problem of the ramrod getting stuck if i run it all the way down the bore to clean the breach face. Any idea why this is happening?

@kents.2866

5 жыл бұрын

It's creating a vacuum in the barrel making it hard to get out. I've experienced this the percussion guns.

Thanks for sharing Mike . Could l substitute fine steel wool for tow or would that erode the rifling?

@duelist1954

5 жыл бұрын

I would stick to tow

@jj-ve9wy

5 жыл бұрын

Will do, thank you

Okay, where did you get the scraper? That is one thing I do not have.

What’s your take on using flannel for cleaning? Had a Army Officer teach me that for cleaning modern guns.

@duelist1954

5 жыл бұрын

Flannel works great. when a flannel shirt wears out, I cut it up for patches.

Mike , Thank you for the demonstration on cleaning your flintlock ! Could you explain how they did it back in the day and what they used to do the same cleaning ? Thank You , Dirt Hawk !!

@TonyFreeman-LocoTonyF

3 жыл бұрын

I read way back that mountain men would pee down the barrel to clean their muzzleloaders.

Use what you like and works for you. Same goes for what firearms and carry loads.

Can you not use 100% ballistol? Just curious why you mix it with water I’m new at this

I'm curious you did not remove the touch hole does that rifle have one. I always take it out when cleaning but if there is no need. What are your thoughts on that.

@duelist1954

3 жыл бұрын

john kendall I try to never remove the touch hole liner. It just wears out the threads for no good purpose.

Are all flintlocks designed so that the locks can/should be removed frequently, i.e. after every use? Also, does removal of the lock for cleaning also apply to percussion rifles?

@duelist1954

5 жыл бұрын

Yes. With flintlocks you have a pan of powder going off on the lock with every shot. You really need to remove it to get it totally clean. With percussion guns there isn't as much fouling. I don't take the locks off every time I clean, unless I won't be shooting that gun for awhile.

I saw your video on Tecrolan. Do you still use “Tecrolan” to clean the barrel(bores)?

@duelist1954

3 жыл бұрын

No. It works, but it’s kind of pricy

do you save the tow to start fires with?

If that patch holding spring is made out of steel, won't it scratch your bore? Or is it made out of a softer metal?

@duelist1954

5 жыл бұрын

Jesus Christ it is copper

Thanks...

What is that fiber stuff you use to clean it? Tau? I've never heard of it and am having trouble finding it.

@duelist1954

4 жыл бұрын

Brian Krupp It is called Tow, which are flax fibers. Go to the Woolery...google it.

Mike where do you get your powder from

Oh wise and noble King of the Black Powder, tell me what is the best Flintlock Rifle and caliber for a beginner, I took your advice on the best Percussion Revolver for a beginner and the Uberti Navy has worked out very well for me, Thanks btw, now what flintlock or percussion rifle would you recommend for a beginner and what caliber should the rifle be chambered in? Thanks. I really like the Lyman Trade rifle in 50 and the Pedersoli Kentucky Flintlock in 45 caliber. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

@duelist1954

4 жыл бұрын

That is a much harder question than the revolver. It really depends on where your interests lie. If historical authenticity really matters, and what time period interests you. If you like the Rocky Mountain fur trade era, then the Lyman Great Plains Rifle is a very good choice. I would go with .54 caliber. If you are more interested in the 18th century, Then Pedersoli is the only decent choice. I'd recommend either the .45 caliber Pennsylvania Rifle or the .50 caliber Kentucky Rifle.

@willfromsc1168

4 жыл бұрын

@@duelist1954 Thanks Mr. Mike, I really appreciate the input.

I read in a book sometime way back that the mountain men would pee down the barrel to clean their muzzleloaders.

been burning DuPont in my smokepole for 50 yrs throwing lead . dry your tow out when done " good for FIRE starting. watch your top knot.

hey Mike, I'm Mike from Pittsburg, just got a pocket modelv1849 colt Uberti revolver. it has issues, can't cock the hammer back when the wedge is pushed all the way in. How should I correct this? I would lovevto visit the dualers den some day, any chance of that?

@duelist1954

2 жыл бұрын

You have a short arbor, it is easily fixed, basically drill and tap the end of the arbor for a 10x32 bolt and file it to take up the space. Search short arbor fix on YT, and I’m sure a how to vid will come up.

@duelist1954

2 жыл бұрын

About Duelist’s Den. I have to have business insurance on it, and the policy does not allow me to have the public in. Sorry.

The old Hillbillies told me that the old timers plugged the touch hole and used soap and hot water. They pumped the wipe stick up and down then dumped the water out the muzzle. On the third cleaning, they took the little stick out of the touch hole and let the water drain out that way. Where did you get that rifle?

Is the front of the breech plug flat and smooth, or does it have a sub-bore (blind) hole down the middle for the powder to sit in when loaded? I could swear I've seen a breech plug with a hole like that. Surprised me. Also: why would Swiss foul less? I thought there were exactly three ingredients and one formula for black powder.

@duelist1954

3 жыл бұрын

jjohnston94 flat face. There are three ingredients, but infinite variations. Goes uses charcoal made from maple wood. Swiss uses charcoal made from alder wood, which makes the best black powder.

@jjohnston94

3 жыл бұрын

@@duelist1954 Good to know. I've got a ship's carbine coming, some day, from Middlesex.

@jjohnston94

3 жыл бұрын

Okay, sorry to press this issue, but just in the last couple of days, I had the opportunity to put a borescope down the bore of a Lyman Deerstalker in .54. Now, this isn't the same rifle as yours, but this one definitely had a breech plug with a blind hole in it (i.e., a sub-caliber powder chamber). The touchhole was bored through both the barrel and the breech plug, just ahead of the bottom of the blind hole. The question now is, is this common? Does it need a sub-caliber scraper, brush or jag to clean it out? A caliber-sized jag is definitely not going to reach down into it, but a ball of tow might. It's hard to tell how big things are because the borescope makes everything look huge, but I estimate it was maybe .35" caliber and maybe twice that, deep.

The fastest way I figured out to clean my percussion guns in to run them under water and then some Balistal