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Re: Gun cleaning kits for campaign
Phil,
I sew. A lot. I make my patches from left over fabric. I just do 'em by eye and are probably larger than 2x2. A random sampling from my sewing cabinet reveals patches a tad larger than 2.5 x 2.5. I wouldn't use anything smaller than that without grabbing a second patch to double the size of the wad.
After folding the patch in half lengthwise twice, I'll wrap the string twice around the middle of the patch then give it a single over hand knot. Then around again for a second overhand knot. I want that second knot to be sufficiently tight that it won't give way easily, but not so tight that I won't be able to undo it when grabbing a fresh patch to repeat the process.
A square knot will be too tight. I'd have to cut the string to apply a new patch. The pair of single over hand knots is sufficient to keep the patch attached to the string. After a few patches, it's not unusual for the twine to be frayed. I just cut the twine and start anew. The length of twine is half again as long as the barrel, so, yes, the patch goes all the way to the bottom.
I use your prepared patch with string, bend the patch into a U shape. Invert the patch and insert the "legs" of the U first. The bottom of the U with the string is at the top. Push it in with your thumb and then break out the ramrod - screws down - for the first couple patches.
The first two patches are going to be filthy. Don't use them for more than a couple insertions. If you try to clean the musket with your first patch, you risk getting it stuck. It's like half lives of radiation. You'll get as much as half of the gunk with the first patch. You'll get as much as half of the remaining gunk with the second patch. By your third and fourth patches there is less and less gunk while you're now able to apply more action to the patches because they don't get as dirty as quickly. This same principle applies to standard methods of cleaning.
Like other methods, if you feel like it might be getting stuck, remove it and start anew. It usually means you didn't apply sufficient water and remove enough easy powder from the barrel. Add water and start over. No big deal.
Phil,
I sew. A lot. I make my patches from left over fabric. I just do 'em by eye and are probably larger than 2x2. A random sampling from my sewing cabinet reveals patches a tad larger than 2.5 x 2.5. I wouldn't use anything smaller than that without grabbing a second patch to double the size of the wad.
After folding the patch in half lengthwise twice, I'll wrap the string twice around the middle of the patch then give it a single over hand knot. Then around again for a second overhand knot. I want that second knot to be sufficiently tight that it won't give way easily, but not so tight that I won't be able to undo it when grabbing a fresh patch to repeat the process.
A square knot will be too tight. I'd have to cut the string to apply a new patch. The pair of single over hand knots is sufficient to keep the patch attached to the string. After a few patches, it's not unusual for the twine to be frayed. I just cut the twine and start anew. The length of twine is half again as long as the barrel, so, yes, the patch goes all the way to the bottom.
I use your prepared patch with string, bend the patch into a U shape. Invert the patch and insert the "legs" of the U first. The bottom of the U with the string is at the top. Push it in with your thumb and then break out the ramrod - screws down - for the first couple patches.
The first two patches are going to be filthy. Don't use them for more than a couple insertions. If you try to clean the musket with your first patch, you risk getting it stuck. It's like half lives of radiation. You'll get as much as half of the gunk with the first patch. You'll get as much as half of the remaining gunk with the second patch. By your third and fourth patches there is less and less gunk while you're now able to apply more action to the patches because they don't get as dirty as quickly. This same principle applies to standard methods of cleaning.
Like other methods, if you feel like it might be getting stuck, remove it and start anew. It usually means you didn't apply sufficient water and remove enough easy powder from the barrel. Add water and start over. No big deal.
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