Thinking about grabbing a used Hawkens rifle:

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Uhmm - actually, you have no idea if it's a 'good deal' from what's shown. Condition is everything, and you don't know what the condition of the bore is. The seller admits it's 'dirty', which can be covering deep rust pits that make it unshootable. If you don't have the opportunity to inspect the bore before buying, make sure you get an iron-clad, no-questions-asked money back guarantee.
 
So what's the best way to quickly remove whatever fouling might be present in the barrel to determine what the condition of the bore is?

If the rifling is strong, will a muzzleloader generally shoot ok, even with pitting present? I have several C&R guns with fairly significant pitting that will still hold 2-3 moa. Does this hold true to smokepoles too?

I don't have much experience with black powder, other than my cap and ball revolver which I've kept in pristine condition, so bear with my ignorance.
 
Harbor Freight & probably Wal Mart have these little key chain flashlights about 3/8 in dia for just a couple of bucks pick one up and drop it down the barrel to help check it out.
 
That's a brilliant idea. I actually have one of those on my keychain.

any idea as to what type of solvent would do a good job at a quick cleanup? Soapy water or Hoppes 9 or...?

How bad is pitting for accuracy? I intend to shoot PRB and 320gr Lee REAL bullets.
 
Hot soapy water is a good start. Clean it and see what you have its possible it is just dirty, and not pitted.
PS don't fool with the breech plug.
PPS make sure its not loaded, ram rod is good for that.
 
I picked it up today for 60 bucks.

It came with:

1lb American Pioneer "FFG"
1 box of 100 Hornady .490 round balls
100 Remington #11 caps
100 ball patches
a brand new bag of cleaning patches
1 powder measure adjustable from 10-150 grains
1 tube bore butter

The bore has some VERY light surface rust, but the machining marks from cutting the rifling are still clearly visible. The stock is completely unfinished.

:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D
 
You done REAL GOOD !!!!!!!
That rust'll swab right out o' there then git that bore treated with that bore butter right away.
Ya done real good colonel.*said with fench accent*.
But as the addige goes.
NPDH
(no pics didn't happen):D
 
Pictures.

100_5632.jpg

100_5633.jpg

It was shot with that American Pioneer stuff and then never cleaned. It must be significantly less aggressively corrosive than pyrodex.
 
Thanx for the pics colonel.
Looks real good.
I'd like to point out those two dings in that Bbl face.
That can greatly effect accuracey.
It is a very simple and inexpensive proceedure to have a 'smith or even just a machinist chuck that Bbl into a lathe and reface and recrown it.
You won't regret it.
 
I'll cut a new crown eventually. I'm picking up an old South Bend 15x54 Lathe in the next two weeks!

I have done it in the past with only a hand drill, large acorn nut and valve lapping compound. It does a beautiful job, but takes some time.
 
old South Bend 15x54
Click to expand...
Now that right there is more exciting than any new gun :D


Great idea with the acorn nut colonel.
I jist got a '51 with no crown and have been tryin to come up with a way to do it by
hand or with my drill press.
 
robhof

You got your money's worth just for the accessories, and the bore looks relatively clean from the front at least, great score!!!:eek::eek:
 
Freakin sweet! You should be arrested for stealing. I never find deals like that.

As for the quick clean up, they say Ballistol is where it's at for BP cleaning. I'm about to order some from Midway and try it myself.

Good job man.
 
2nd that on the sweet deal and on the ballistol great stuff. Mixed with water it is an excellent BP solvent and patch lube finish up your cleaning with it straight and it is a great protectant. It is good for wood and leather, I use it to soften and seal my holsters. The europeans evan use it for medicinal purposes.
 
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