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How to Clean a Black Powder Revolver

Black powder revolver pistols were originally manufactured from the middle 1830s to the mid 1870s. They were used in the Mexican-American War, Gold Rush, Civil War and Old West era. Open-top and closed-top types were produced. The pistols were made in .44, .36 and .31 calibers. Manufacturing of working replicas began in the late 1950s. The cleaning of black powder revolvers is necessary after every use to ensure proper functioning, as gunpowder can build up inside.

Things You'll Need

Old newspaper
2-quart container
Hot water
1/4 tsp. dish soap
Cleaning rod
Old toothbrush
Nipple wrench
Towel
Rag
Pipe cleaners
Cleaning swabs
Lube formulated for firearms

Instructions

- 1
  Spread out old newspaper. Fill a 2-quart container with hot water and add 1/4 tsp. dish soap. Field-strip the black powder revolver. The method for proper field stripping varies from one company to another. Follow your manufacturer's instructions for the procedure on your model.
- 2
  Hold the cylinder in the soap solution, nipple side down. Scrub each chamber with the cleaning rod. Use a toothbrush to clean the exterior of the cylinder. Use a wrench to remove the nipples. Clean the nipples and threads with the toothbrush. Dry the nipples and the cylinder with the towel and set them to the side.
- 3
  Use the rod to clean the barrel. Use the rag dipped in solution and the toothbrush to clean the frame. Don't get solution into the lock-work. Use the toothbrush and pipe cleaners to clean the hammer, hammer recess area, loading lever and plunger. Swab the barrel dry. Use a towel to dry the frame.
- 4
  Clean the lock work with pipe cleaners. This is the hammer, hand, bolt, trigger, pins, screws and springs. The lock work must always be lubricated.
- 5
  Apply lube to all parts of the revolver, inside and out. Re-assemble the pistol.

Antiquing