At trace the ol' argument reared its head: What's the best way to clean yer smokepole? I've heard several ways touted by folks who says theirs is the best. Now I haven't tried 'em all so count me as an only partly biased reporter. Here's what I've heard:
I
believe Pilgrim swears by Formula 409 (politely and under his breath, I'm
sure). Says he swishes a liberal amount down the barrel and it comes clean
in less than five patches. Oil up after.
Watchman's formula is: 1/3 Murphy's oil soap, 1/3 H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide), 1/3 Isopropol Alcohol. "This will usually clean up a gun with about three patches. Tracker says he uses this as a patch lube, and does not have much to clean at all. I haven't tried this yet, but it sounds good.
"You still have to use a good gun oil after cleaning to keep your piece rust free.
"This soulution reacts with light, so keep it in an old H2O2 bottle."
Still
others, and not just in our group, say the only good way is with good HOT
water. One interesting method is to put a bucket of near-boilin' water
at yer feet. With a cleanin' patch full down the barrel (removed from the
stock, of course) put the breech end in the water, nipple and all and start
drawing up on the ramrod. Not too fast. Wear a glove. After cleaning, let
it cool and oil. Some says that makes the barrel more prone to rust. I
wouldn't know. Perhaps one of you salty dogs can further enlighten me on
the finer points of this.
Lodestone
I got word from Eric Mountain Walker Myers that he and his arrived safe down California country. He's looking foreward to what God has in store. Anybody wanting to send a word of greetings his way can e-mail him at: EMyers40@aol.com.
Lodestone