[Stoney]

I purchased a household portable steam cleaner recently, and after going to town on the kitchen and bathroom ,I started to to wonder how well that steam would do on a gunked up revolver or rifle.

Anyone who owns one of these things knows how hot that steam get's. It cleans the crap out of baked on dirt and all kinds of nasty crud.

Has anyone been crazy enough to try one on your blackpowder rifle or pistol. If so, fess up, I'v have to know before I try somthing stupid.

[redneck]

My worry would be that somewhere in there you might not get it all out. Especially on something like a cap and ball revolver if you didn't take it apart. If there is dirt/powder residue trapped it will hold moisture and be even more corrosive than before.
I guess it would flash dry if the steam is hot enough which might make it safer though.

hmm now I can't decide, let us know if you try it :D

[4v50 Gary]

Yep, let us know how it works out. BTW, if it works well, betcha Daniel Boone would have used it. ;)

[ROAshooter]

A steam cleaner should do a great job. Remember guys the best cleaner for BP is hot water....hotter the better.....and steam is as hot as it gets!
It has always been my practice, to use boiling hot water from a teakettle, poured down the muzzle of my .54.....the crud just flowed out...till the water was clear. Of course I wore welders gloves...the barrel got too hot to touch...which does flash dry...which is the point. Followed by a dry patch to double check.....then a light oil....and Im done. Takes longer for the water to boil than clean the gun. Twenty four years.same gun......no rust.

[Stoney]

I'll try it on one of my cheaper Kentucky pistols next time I shoot one. But the outdoor range I use is closed till spring.I let you know when I do.

[gunsmither]

:) I think one of those should work just fine Stoney; go for it! You might want to blow dry afterwards with compressed air, then maybe put a pistol barrel or revolver parts in your kitchen oven at lowest temp to dry everything for sure. Afterwards, lightly lube up with some rust preventive oil, and you should be all set til' next time.

I get in a lot of really scuzzy, dried up oily, really nasty guns to clean in my shop, and I've often wondered about those little steam units for cleaning them. Old Winchester Lever Actions especially are full of slots and holes that hold gunk in every spot. I think steam would work great to melt the crud out of tight spots with the high temperature. I've seen them advertised on TV; I just haven't sprung for one yet.

Let us know how it works out, as it sounds like an excellent idea. Good luck with it, and Safe Shooting ! -"gunsmither" :cool: