Adobe .PDF - Thompson Center Arms

Cleaning YourT/C Muzzleloading FirearmNever attempt to clean a charged muzzleloading firearm. AN ACCIDEN-TAL DISCHARGE CAN CAUSE INJURY AND/OR DEATH TO THESHOOTER OR BYSTANDERS AND DAMAGE TO PROPERTY.CLEANING A T/C MUZZLELOADING RIFLE OR PISTOLBlack Powder and Pyrodex are very corrosive, and the residue or foulingleft over in the bore after firing your firearm can be very destructive to thesteel, causing oxidation, rust, and pitting. Leaving your firearm uncleaned withthis fouling present can lead to a ruined firearm.When using a petroleum based lubricant, the build up of this fouling ismuch more apparent, and often it is necessary to clean the rifle or pistolbetween shots. Cleaning between shots will be necessary whether using blackpowder or Pyrodex. Failure to eliminate this residue will be destructive to thebore if left uncleaned for any length of time.When using an all natural, non-petroleum based lubricant such as T/C’sNatural Lube 1000+ , the bore becomes seasoned with use, much like the surfaceof a cast iron skillet. Fouling is greatly reduced, and as a result it is notnecessary to clean between shots, or even immediately after extended firing.The reduction of fouling present and the void of any petroleum combine toeliminate the corrosive effects on the steel. This does not mean that your obligationto clean the firearm after use is eliminated. The use of T/C’s NaturalLube 1000+ merely eliminates the need to clean between shots as excessivefouling will not build up. You can also delay cleaning after you have shot for atleast the duration of your hunting trip without fear of damaging your firearm.You should clean your firearm after use prior to storing it away, and in orderthat you do not lose the “seasoned” characteristics already imparted to yourbore, you should clean it with a non-petroleum based cleaner such as T/C’s allnatural #13 Bore Cleaner. Once a petroleum based solvent is introduced, the“seasoning” process is neutralized, much like washing your cast iron skilletwith detergent.Often, when using petroleum based lubricants, consecutive shots withblack powder will produce shot-to-shot increases in pressure with the build upof fouling. This will greatly affect accuracy. Eventually, (if not cleaned) themuzzleloading firearm will become impossible to load properly. Driven partway down the bore and blocked by powder fouling, the projectile will hang upand refuse to budge further.59