Lock cleaning
 

Hello all. I was reading through the thread about cleaning our MLs when it reminded me of something I have been meaning to ask about cleaning.

I am a flintlock shooter and love it. I was wondering how other perc/flintlock shooters go about cleaning their locks.

Usually I remove the frizzen and main springs and leave the rest of the mechanics in place. IE: the sear, sear spring, etc. and then scrub everything with a brush and iso/windshield washer fluid. When clean, dry and oil.

Does anyone have a faster, easier technique? Maybe just drop the whole lock in warm water, scrub, dry and oil?

Thanks.

I don't remove any parts - just scrub the lock inside and out with soapy water and a brush. Then rinse it with clean water and blast it with carburetor cleaner before oiling it.

RobertSubnet

The only thing I would add to Semi's formula - I do use compressed air to blow out debris and moisture after cleaning. Either walk out to the shop and use the compressor or a can of compressed air.

Does that displace all the water/moisture?

I just remove, spray with rubbing alcohol, rub down and spray with WD-40 and dry...If I've only shot once and I'm hunting with her again tomorrow, I just clean with a patch soaked in alcohol, wipe with WD-40 and call it good...

I take the lock off the rifle. I have a tooth brush by the kitchen sink. I make up some soap and water. Dunk the lock and then start scrubbing with that tooth brush. After that I rinse it in clean water. I then spray it with brake cleaner or carburetor cleaner. Then I take an air compressor and blow the whole works dry. After that I give it a light spray of Rem Oil with Teflon and after wiping out the stock with oil, put it all back together.

It dries everything up real well Robert, though it makes no claims to be a water displacement agent.

Thanks guys! I will try your suggestions to see if it helps speed up clean-up.