More blackpowder gadgets.....

[Rembrandt]

Here's the latest item I just picked up....anyone tried one? Next to archery no other hunting implement has more trinkets and gadgets than blackpowder firearms. $14.99 hope it works.....

http://www.chiefsproclean.com/

"The Retriever cleans your muzzleloader like nothing else can.

Accuracy of shot placement depends upon consistent loading pressure.
Consistent loading pressure depends upon a clean rifle.

The Retriever cleans, removes and collects the powder, plastic and lead residue left in the rifling grooves after each shot. You get a thoroughly cleaned barrel, promoting consistent loading and shooting accuracy.

Retrievers are made to match each rifle's specifications. One size does not fit all. This makes sure the Retriever cleans the most debris from you rifle."

 

[4v50 Gary]

Thanks for posting this new fangled gadget.

Interesting and in theory, it would work. However, you can't order a .50 or .54 and be done with it. Take a caliper to it and measure how wide the cleaning tooth is. Is it too large to fit between the grooves? Is it so small that it won't touch the edge of the lands? Either case spells failure. Remember, every barrel maker makes barrels to his specifications and I wouldn't be surprised if there is no standardization in the industry when it comes to groove depth or width. BTW, Sir Joseph Withworth made a similar tool for cleaning out the fouling from his hexagonal bore Whitworth rifle.

 

[NukemJim]

Uhmm...

Ehr...

Please excuse me if this sounds stupid. I am new to BP.

every barrel maker makes barrels to his specifications and I wouldn't be surprised if there is no standardization in the industry when it comes to groove depth or width.

When I go to http://www.chiefsproclean.com/products.html ( I hope link thingy works ) the page seems to list these devices by manufactorer.

Am I misreading this?

Would this be specific enough? or do you need to go by a lot number or even barrel specific?

Any knowledgeable response would be greatly appreciated.

NukemJim

 

[1911 guy]

Maybe I'm the dumb one here.

I have to say that I don't get it. Most target shooters use RB's because of cost. There is no lead contact with the bore, just the patch and powder. If you swab between shots with a properly fitted jag and patch, all's well.

If it fits that tight, are you really getting stuff out or just pushing it into the breech plug?

Sorry for being such a nit-wit.

 

[Loyalist Dave]

No you're not dumb, and there's always a chance to be pushing crud toward the breech as well as cleaning stuff out.

I saw one of these gagets demonstrated last Saturday. I'm not a big fan of BP gagets, as I do lots of stuff at historic sites, and have found basic items, based on centuries old tech, works just fine.

Anyway, it was one designed for T/C Hawken barrels, and this fellow brought in to a beginner BP class a T/C Hawken that he'd inherited. We looked down the barrel, and OUCH, not a case of a barrel left uncleaned, but a wall hanger that a decade of humidity had rusted the inside of the barrel.

Well, I said the fellow might be lucky, that after a thin layer of rust had formed, it might've acted like exterior browning, and halted any further damage. Then the class instructor broke out the gaget, and commenced to clean up the barrel. Took about ten minutes, the owner lucked out and the barrel was clean when visually inspected, as well as via patch. Several test shots confirmed the gun was still shootable.

So these work, but I would only have one for cleaning up rust, or some other drastic problem. Othewise water, tow, patch, and grease.

LD

 

[4v50 Gary]

It's good that they make it to certain mfg barrels, so long as those barrels aren't changed. I was thinking of traditional side lock guns and how the barrels could vary like a Goetz, Green Mountain, etc. and with different gun builders, unless you ask or specify, you don't know who made the barrel and to what specs.

 

[Duncaninfrance]

Get REAL! Remember those funny little hedgehog type things that fit into barrels and move up and down on the end of a rod. Made from nylon or phospher bronzer I think and fit every caliber perfectly - now what do they call them? ................um...........oh yes - BRUSHES!

Duncan

 

[Rembrandt]

Don't know if the issue of pushing debris to the breech plug would be any worse than using a jag and traditional cleaning methods.

I'll be using this for an in-line so that shouldn't be an issue. Have noticed some plastic remains in the grooves (sabots). Conventional brushes fail to get it all out....have tried bronze & stainless brushes and chemical solvents. All work up to a point, but not 100%.

Will try to post some before and after photos of the barrel. (If my camera abilities will allow it)

(P.S.) The package also states it's for a "1-in-28" barrel twist......not sure why that would be a factor?

Here's a copy of the instructions.....

 

[Rembrandt]

No luck making this work.....Got #101 for the Knight .50 caliber. My rifle has 6 lands and grooves, the ProClean has 8. Guess their research and marketing failed to realize not all Knights have the same barrels. Rather than drive 30 miles back to store to return it, guess it will reside in a drawer with my other black powder trinkets.

 

[sjohns]

they don't have any pistol calibers

 

[Flintlock Tom]

Rembrandt,
Why don't you call the customer service number on the box and explain the problem? Maybe they'll send you another one.