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Maybe JW can answer my question. How did the military/trappers keep their weapons 'ready' during the cold wet weather? I guess loaded but no powder in the pan and try to keep the flint dry? I guess the 'make ready' command was to give time to charge and cock the action?
Was google earthing today, noticed that Israel has lots of mexican and barbeque food places. Trivia. Use lamb? I know Lebanese food is very good.
Was google earthing today, noticed that Israel has lots of mexican and barbeque food places. Trivia. Use lamb? I know Lebanese food is very good.
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RicinYakima
High Steppes of Eastern Washington
Popper, Known as a "cows foot". Wax/greased leather that wraps around the lock and tied with a slip knot. While I don't need one here in the desert very often, I made one for the flintlock. They work well if you carry the rifle with the cock up all the time. Pull the cord, and let go. Reach up and pluck the leather hood off and cock the lock on the down motion. Actually very fast with practice. Ric
JWFilips
Well-Known Member
The most common way was to clean the pan and apply a grouse feather in the flash hole ( I do it to this day ! ) Our flintlock season is for 16 daysI
I load once at home and use the feather shaft which expands in humidity! It is always in the flash hole until I'm ready to prime then it is removed and stored away while hunting! When the day of hunting is over.... The pan is brushed clean and the feather reapplied! The gun is never brought in to warm temperatures but kept sheltered outside!
Then the next hunting day repeat! After the final day of the season if unlucky one fires the ball! Easier to clean burnt Black Powder (water soluble)!
Is this safe? Yes ! Think of it as removing the primer in a case!
Now Military A "cow knee" Was a leather wrap around the lock and barrel that is dampened and allowed to dry in place It is laced on!
But most Military muskets were hopefully cradled by the owner under the arm and if it went off good if it didn't well hopefully they had a second chance!
I load once at home and use the feather shaft which expands in humidity! It is always in the flash hole until I'm ready to prime then it is removed and stored away while hunting! When the day of hunting is over.... The pan is brushed clean and the feather reapplied! The gun is never brought in to warm temperatures but kept sheltered outside!
Then the next hunting day repeat! After the final day of the season if unlucky one fires the ball! Easier to clean burnt Black Powder (water soluble)!
Is this safe? Yes ! Think of it as removing the primer in a case!
Now Military A "cow knee" Was a leather wrap around the lock and barrel that is dampened and allowed to dry in place It is laced on!
But most Military muskets were hopefully cradled by the owner under the arm and if it went off good if it didn't well hopefully they had a second chance!
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Interesting they primed the pan when 'travelling'? I'd think the powder would fall out. I made mini cannons and a 'pirate' pistol in shop class in HS. No action, just a dished pan on top where primer powder went. Used firecracker powder under short wooden dowels. They didn't 'stick'. Nobody said a word!! Guess FBI would be after me these days.
RicinYakima
High Steppes of Eastern Washington
When I built my lock, there were many hours filing, blacking and filing to get the frizzen, pan and barrel as perfect as possible. I could not see daylight through the surfaces when assembled. Literally a little wax around the pan will seal for water proofing from rain.
Dang, JW beat me too it!!
Dang, JW beat me too it!!
L Ross
Well-Known Member
Mink oil smells good compared with some of the rancid bear oil, bees wax and mutton tallow concoctions I've used over the years. I'd fill a tin, stick in in my pouch and not use up the end of it. Months or years later you open the tin and yup, rancid, but it still works as lube.
JWFilips
Well-Known Member
My personal Concoction of Mutton Tallow / Bees wax, uses pure Bayberry oil! pretty much impossible to get any more. It smells great!
Haven't made a batch in 20 some years...(lasts forever)
GOEX wanted me to produce it for them but they could not obtain a commercial amount of Mutton Tallow for production!
Nothing can replace "sheep fat" it is pretty special stuff!
Oh, That reminds me; I had a nice big fat Lamb chop for supper tonight! Pan seared and cooked rare!
No FDA 165 deg rules for me!
!
Haven't made a batch in 20 some years...(lasts forever)
GOEX wanted me to produce it for them but they could not obtain a commercial amount of Mutton Tallow for production!
Nothing can replace "sheep fat" it is pretty special stuff!
Oh, That reminds me; I had a nice big fat Lamb chop for supper tonight! Pan seared and cooked rare!
No FDA 165 deg rules for me!
!
L Ross
Well-Known Member
I think that's why Steve Garbe's SPG was successful. His wife is from New Zealand and she has family there. Remember when the Black Powder Cartridge Rifle magazine had New Zealand "Shooter's Sock" ads in the issues. I'll be Ol' Steve got all the tallow, lanolin, and wool products he wanted.My personal Concoction of Mutton Tallow / Bees wax, uses pure Bayberry oil! pretty much impossible to get any more. It smells great!
Haven't made a batch in 20 some years...(lasts forever)
GOEX wanted me to produce it for them but they could not obtain a commercial amount of Mutton Tallow for production!
Nothing can replace "sheep fat" it is pretty special stuff!
Oh, That reminds me; I had a nice big fat Lamb chop for supper tonight! Pan seared and cooked rare!
No FDA 165 deg rules for me!
Missionary
Well-Known Member
Home made pickles with onions in apple cider vinegar are a tasty treat..
462
California's Central Coast Amid The Insanity
I'm pretty fed up with the local medical monopolistic conglomerate, of its too few doctors who lack personality and humor, and their lack of credentials issued by American universities and hospitals, of its clerical staff and their unprofessional, inconsiderate, and irresponsible attitudes, and of being treated like an inanimate object passing by on a speeding conveyor belt.
There, I well better already.
There, I well better already.