Rifleman Q&A: Keeping Blackpowder Guns Rust-Free

by
posted on August 29, 2021
graphic noting "Rifleman Q&A" black gray color

Q. I have an older Thompson/Center New Englander muzzleloader that I purchased used. It was corroded from improper cleaning. I have cold-blued the barrel and it shoots well. However, I shoot it infrequently. When cleaned with soapy water and stored with natural lubes, the bore begins to rust. I am aware of complications of using petroleum products in the bores of blackpowder guns. Is there a cleaning/storage method you would recommend?


A. After more than 60 years of shooting both original and replica blackpowder arms, I have not had a problem with rusting bores in either type. My system is to wash out the bore with sopping patches at the range using a mixture of hand dishwashing detergent and water. Then, when I get home, I strip the gun down, remove the breechplug if applicable, and clean the bore with a bronze brush and more of that solution. Next, I rinse it with hot or boiling water, wipe the bore dry with patches and then apply a good preservative oil. For external protection, I often use a light coat of automobile wax. Despite having lived near the seacoast for many years, this procedure has kept my guns rust-free.

—Angus Laidlaw


This “Questions & Answers” was featured in the October 2004 issue of American Rifleman. At time of publication, “Questions & Answers” was compiled by Staff, Ballistics Editor William C. Davis, Jr., and Contributing Editors: David Andrews, Hugh C. Birnbaum, Bruce N. Canfield, O. Reid Coffield, Charles Q. Cutshaw, Charles M. Fagg, Charles Karwan, Angus Laidlaw, Evan P. Marshall, Charles E. Petty, Robert B. Pomeranz, O.D., Jon R. Sundra, Jim Supica, A.W.F. Taylerson, John M. Taylor and John Treakle.

Latest

Nraam 2025
Nraam 2025

See New Guns & Gear At The NRA's Annual Meetings In Georgia

Freedom-loving American patriots gather every spring at the NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits to celebrate their liberty and check out the newest crop of guns, optics, ammunition and accessories. This year, 2025, the fun will take place in Atlanta, Ga.—we hope to see you there!

Rifleman Q&A: A Hornet In Father’s Attic

From the pages of the April 2025 American Rifleman, learn about a Savage rifle in .22 Hornet that was found in an attic. 

Spring Into Savings With Federal & Remington Ammo

Two of the industry’s finest began offering ammunition rebates on April 1 and the special savings continue through June 30.

The Revolutionary Art Of Don Troiani

By using surviving artifacts, eyewitness testimony, accurately reproduced uniforms, original firearms and the thorough study of battle sites, Don Troiani has done more than imagine what happened 250 years ago. His art is as close as it can get to a true representation of what period combat would have looked like.

The Armed Citizen® April 21, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Captain John Parker's Fowler: Witness To History

While thousands of firearms were used in and around the Massachusetts towns of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775, few survive today. One survivor is the flintlock fowler used by Capt. John Parker of the Lexington militia.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.