2nd United States Sharpshooters, Company D
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Welcome to the Co. D Armory

Here you will find all things firearms related.

The Essential Sharps Cleaning Kit

6/29/2015

3 Comments

 
PictureClean Sharps Expected. Awesome mustache optional.
In Company D, we work hard towards historical authenticity but when it comes to rifle care we use all modern rifle care can give us.  If our rifles only cost $42 as they did in 1861 then it might be easier to use period tools and methods only.  Unfortunately, they cost much more than that and we care for our investments as best as possible.

Cleaning Kit suggestions and reviews:

Cleaning Rod, Jag, Brush, bore guide, and swab: My personal preference is Kleen Bore.  If you use a shotgun Kleen Bore kit, a 28 gauge brush fits nicely into the .54 cal Sharps.
Bore Butter: Seasons and lubricates all your metal.
Ballistol:  When it comes to cleaning black powder rifles this cleaning agent is nothing short of amazing.  If you buy one solvent for your kit, buy Ballistol.
Hydrogen Peroxide: This inexpensive cleaner eats black powder from the hardest to reach places.  I like to soak my block in it after a reenactment.  Caution:  Use before you season the metal.  Hydrogen peroxide will speed up rusting if left untreated.
Blue Wonder:  This is my favorite gun cleaning product.  This removes rust instantly!
Q Tips: Great for cleaning bolt holes and other hard to reach places.
Pipe Cleaners:  Another tool for getting hard to reach places.  My favorite are the ones with metal bristles.
Metal picks: Digging build up out of blocks.
Dental picks: For the hard to reach places.
Welding files : Great for getting build up off of cones.
 
Remington Oil or  Mineral Oil:  Many of you use rifle socks rather than hard cases and routinely suffer from surface rust.  For long term storage or exposure to the environment spray liberally with a protective oil prior to long term storage.  Not recommended for immediate use as too much oil will cause excess fouling or dampen powder.
Anti-Seize: Keeps bolt threads from rusting solid.
Phosphor Bronze  Brush: Use carefully to remove tough build up.
Super Lube:  Not all lubricants are the same!  Petroleum based lubes will seize a block quickly.  The thinnest layer of Super Lube will provide a smooth, non-fouling lubrication to blocks.
Wheeler Gunsmith Screwdriver Set: Only about $35 this kit will prevent damage to screw heads.  Proper screwdriver size is too often overlooked.  While you may not have the money for a gunsmith kit, inexpensive multi-bit sets are also available. 
T/C Foaming Bore Cleaner: This product works quite well for a good field clean but does not work equally well on all Sharps rifles.
Can of Compressed Air:  You can find these in just about every electronics section.  I like the small ones from Office Depot the best mostly because they don't take up as much space as the big ones you often find.  These are indispensable for blasting blockages or residue out of your block.  Give it a try you'll be amazed!

Other notes:


  1. Always boil your rifle barrel and block for proper seasoning and smooth action.  DO NOT USE COLD WATER.  Boiling water dries immediately and opens the pores of the metal to absorb the bore butter for a deep and long lasting seasoning.  If you can hold your barrel with a bare hand it is not hot enough!
  2. Always, always, always fully breakdown your block and especially remove your clean out screw.
  3. Did you know your gas check tube should slide freely?
  4. Does your rifle have a worn or missing part? Replace it now!  Call or visit VTI Gun Parts.
  5. Don't be afraid to do a complete breakdown and thorough cleaning at home.
  6. Use an air compressor or CO2 blaster to clean oil and lubricants out of your block after cleaning.



3 Comments
carter
8/3/2016 04:42:33 pm

Where do you purchase your uniform coats and kepi's from

Reply
Pvt James Soderling
2/16/2017 06:09:55 pm

Hello Carter! Sorry that it took so long for anybody to get back to you!
We tend to neglect out website during the off-season.
There are a lot of different sutlers that sell our gear. You could even be a total hardcore like Captain Whitehall and buy a couple of yards of premium wool from Saville Row and have a coat custom made.

Personally, I got my coat from Milk Creek Mercantile; they have one of the truest-color dyes for their Berdans coats and are very nicely priced. Their forage cap does not match, however, but the one from The Quartermaster Shop is an almost perfect match for color.

Any combination of blue and green will work, though (but not for the hat; green forage cap or civilian are the only way to go), with more green for an early-war impression and less or no green late-war.

I hope that I was able to answer your question, however belated that answer might be.

Reply
Lorena Maddox link
5/19/2022 02:54:01 pm

Good post

Reply



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