I have used the search function and found a few sort of related threads but not to the extent I wish to discuss this. I am known throughout my unit as having the cleanest and prettiest rifle amongs the brigade. Fathers buy their sons expensive rifles and then later come ask me if I could show their sons how to keep their rifles as clean as mine. They also ask, should they be that clean? So I started researching.
"Regulations": Article XIII:
Para. 93: "The utmost attention will be paid by commanders of companies to the cleanliness of their men, as to their persons, clothing, arms, accoutrements, and equipments, and also as to their quarters or tents."
Para. 99: "...The chiefs of squads will cause ... arms [to be] cleaned
Para. 101: "...that those who are to go on duty put their arms, accoutrements, dress, &c., in the best order..."
Para. 105: "All arms in the hands of the troops ... will be kept in the state in which they are issued ... Bright barrels will be kept clean and free from rust without polishing them; care should be taken in rubbing not to bruise or bend the barrel. After firing, wash out the bore; wipe it dry, and then pass a bit of cloth, slightly greased, to the bottom.... The barrel, when not in use, will be closed with a stopper. For exercise, each soldier should keep himself provided with a piece of sole-leather to fit the cup or countersink of the hammer "
But then, I found this:
Para. 102: "Commanders of companies and squads will see that the arms and accoutrements in possession of the men are always kept in good order, and that proper care be taken in cleaning them."
"Rules for the Management and Cleaning of the Rifle Musket, Model 1863" states that "In the inspection of arms, officers should attend to the qualities essential to service, rather than to a bright polish on the exterior of the arms."
So is it really "authentic" to have a rusty dirty gun? Or is it better to have a bright, shinning, gun with a newly issued look?
"Regulations": Article XIII:
Para. 93: "The utmost attention will be paid by commanders of companies to the cleanliness of their men, as to their persons, clothing, arms, accoutrements, and equipments, and also as to their quarters or tents."
Para. 99: "...The chiefs of squads will cause ... arms [to be] cleaned
Para. 101: "...that those who are to go on duty put their arms, accoutrements, dress, &c., in the best order..."
Para. 105: "All arms in the hands of the troops ... will be kept in the state in which they are issued ... Bright barrels will be kept clean and free from rust without polishing them; care should be taken in rubbing not to bruise or bend the barrel. After firing, wash out the bore; wipe it dry, and then pass a bit of cloth, slightly greased, to the bottom.... The barrel, when not in use, will be closed with a stopper. For exercise, each soldier should keep himself provided with a piece of sole-leather to fit the cup or countersink of the hammer "
But then, I found this:
Para. 102: "Commanders of companies and squads will see that the arms and accoutrements in possession of the men are always kept in good order, and that proper care be taken in cleaning them."
"Rules for the Management and Cleaning of the Rifle Musket, Model 1863" states that "In the inspection of arms, officers should attend to the qualities essential to service, rather than to a bright polish on the exterior of the arms."
So is it really "authentic" to have a rusty dirty gun? Or is it better to have a bright, shinning, gun with a newly issued look?
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