End of Season Refit for the Muzzleloaders

[Adam Helmer]

The Traditional ML season just ended. I routinely take apart all 5 of my hunting MLs, both flint and caplock, and give them a detail cleaning. I take the guns apart, clean the bores, the locks, and put a few drops of pure boiled linseed oil inside and on the outside of the stocks. I store my MLs muzzle down to let the oil drain away from the breeches.

I emptied out my 3 possibles bags and will use the powder and projectiles for target shooting as soon as the next thaw arrives here in northcentral PA. I had a very good season, but never did see a legal deer and I hunted most days of the seasons. I guess that is why it is called hunting rather than shooting. And, yes, I polished the brass, again. I hope all fellow longhunters see to their smokepoles in preparation of the coming seasons.

Adam

[Adam Helmer]

If anyone is interested, the refitting has been completed on all my MLs on establishment.

The recent issue of "Muzzle Blasts" magazine arrived along with our recent cold spell, so the woodstove has been roaring and I sat by the stove and read some great articles. My son-in-law needed the recent issue of the magazine because he is following the instructions therein to build us both "deer antler knives." Apparently next ML season, we will both have similiar knives to carry afield.

Wade is a fine lad who can fix (or build) anything. I have a few projects for him in the near term. I gave him a .54 Hawken flinter for Christmas, so he is a fellow Long Hunter as well.

Who has not refit their MLs for 2006? We still have plenty of Winter left for the needed tasks.

Adam

[quigleysharps4570]

My gear is ready for some decent weather to get out and play. Been spending my casting night in preparation of a new rifle coming next month. Casting .527 roundball, .530 roundball and .54 Minie'.