RE: Preparation for first shot in the field?
I guess it would depend on how your ML shoots clean? Mine shots fine with a clean bore, so I just lock, load, cap up and go! I don' t use oils in the bore (except for winter storage), I just clean with hot/soapy water and dry patch her...never had a problem in 7 years with any inline I owned in practicing this cleaning ritual. I do however clean immediately upon returning home after being fired.