Cleaning C&B Revolvers

[butterchurn]

I have a Pietta 1861 Colt Navy and I was wondering about the procedure for cleaning it?  

Do you need to strip all the parts off of it down to the frame to clean it or just field strip it to clean?  The gun is blued.  If I get a Ruger Old Army in stainless is the procedure any different.  

I guess I get worried about BP fouling getting down into the action.

Thanks!

[R.M.]

The short answer is, yes you should. Once you get the hang of it, it isn't much work. As far as the stainless ROA, you still should, but you sure shouldn't follow my example, as I live in a very dry climate, so I am lax about cleaning my revolvers. In damp areas, clean them. You won't be sorry.
Also, remove the nipples when you clean the cylinder. When you put them back in, put a small dab of borebutter or anti-seize grease on the threads. They don't need to be overly tightened either.

[Gordon H.Kemp]

Follow RM's advice and you won't go wrong. As to the stainless ROA, don't listen to those that think that stainless dosn't need to be cleaned a much as reg.steel. And do pull the nipples often, Once they (nipples) sieze, you'll know why.

[Groundhog]

HOT HOT HOT   You will find hot soapy water does a great job of cuttin' the crud... the hotter the water , the better it will dry.
oil real good...   Mr Kemp is right    if something will corrode up n get tight... it will be the nipples... spent many an hour gettin a stuck one out... not fun.

[Minnesota Mike]

Just remember when you get done with the hot, hot, hot water - dry off and use wd-40 to get rid of moisture and then use gun oil. WD-40 is NOT a rust inhibitor like gun oil is; WD-40 just helps dry out the moisture.

r/
MM

[Groundhog]

...Then go out and shoot it again n repeat process.  We all do it      clean n all pretty, then we get em dirty again.  WD40 RULES !
  Had a friend who used to take his SS Old Army and put it in the dishwasher.
  Watch ya' backtrail

[Firewalker]

Years back I used to put my ROA in the disher, til mom caught on.

[RichW]

Years back I used to put my ROA in the disher, til mom caught on.

So, did the dishes smell like powder residue, or did you get a wiff of spagetti sauce every time you took a shot?

 

[butterchurn]

I don't think "momma" would care if I used her dishwasher as long as the dishes weren't in there also.

[sniper68]

Bought one of those hand held steam cleaners(like seen on late night TV), It was on special at Big Lots. Had to give it a try.      Not sure how it works around the house, but it's the cats meow for cleaning locks!!! I don't have a cap&ball, but I guarantee It would be super for that!!

[R.M.]

I have a small ultra-sonic cleaner that I fill with windshield-washer fluid. It does a decent job on the cylinders. That's all that fits in the one I have.

[graybeard]

As some have said, the dishwasher works great.  take the wooden handles off.  My pistol is a replica of the 1860 Army colt so I break it down into cylinder, frame and barrel.  run a patch with solvent into each chamber and down the barrel.  use a toothbrush on the nipples and around the hammer.  then run everything through a dishwasher cycle, with the cylinder and barrel verticle.  while still hot, take the parts out and douse with wd40, then remoil.  been doing this for years, no problems.  you won't find dishes flavored with black powder, or a pistol that smells of tomato sauce.  too much hot water flushing everything.  graybeard

[R.M.]

Greybeard, I've heard this method being told for years, but have never tried it. SHMBO does have a sense of humor, so that's not the problem. Anyway, do you use dishwashing soap? That stuff can be corrosive. I boiled a Lee aluminum mold in dishwashing soap and it ate away at the surface something awful.  
I can't see a problem with running it through with-out soap. What you say??

[graybeard]

RM:  I use soap, put pistol in with dirty dishes.  No aluminum on a pistol. dishwasher soap, by the way, is different from dishwashing soap, such as Dawn.  graybeard

[R.M.]

Yup, I was referring to "Dishwasher Soap"