N-SSA Skirmish Line Summer 2024 Volume 69 - Issue 3
2024 Volume 69 ~ Issue 3
HISTORY. COMPETITION. CAMARADERIE.
The N-SSA promotes the competitive shooting of Civil War firearms and artillery while encouraging the preservation of battlefields, artifacts, clothing and education of the period.
The Skirmish LineTM is the quarterly publication of The North-South Skirmish Association, Inc. Non-member annual subscriptions are available for $24 per year (U.S. Funds)
The N-SSA Corporate Seal and the magazine title, The Skirmish LineTM, are registered trademarks of the North-South Skirmish Association, Inc. Reproduction in any form or manner without the expressed written consent of the N-SSA Board of Directors is strictly prohibited. All pages are copyrighted by the North-South Skirmish Association, Inc. and The Skirmish LineTM magazine. Text and images in this publication are the property of the original owners (Authors). Text and images may not be published separately, in hard copy or electronically, without the expressed written permission of their owner(s). The authors and advertisers are responsible to secure the proper permissions and right to publish articles, photos, and illustrations not created by them. The North-South Skirmish Association, Inc., The Skirmish LineTM, and its staff are not responsible for copyright infringement. Please contact the Editor for questions relating to any matter, including but not limited to permission to copy materials herein.
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Warning: The author(s), The Skirmish LineTM and its staff, and the North-South Skirmish Association, Inc. cannot accept any responsibility for accidents or differing results obtained using techniques, products, and combinations thereof that will make results vary. Firearms should be checked before firing and periodically thereafter by a competent gunsmith and all manufacturer’s instructions and warnings must be followed.
A heartfelt thank you to all our contributors. If you have anything you’d like to share, please don’t hesitate to reach out via email at n-ssaeditor@gmail.com.
NoteFromtheeditor
Send in any photos or articles that you feel may be of interest to other N-SSA members. When sending photos, please include captions and the names of those pictured. Don’t forget to credit yourself as the writer. Submit all articles in text format (ex. Word, not a pdf).
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Submit via e-mail to nssaeditor@gmail.com.
You will receive a return email confirming receipt. Summer 2024 Publication Submission Deadline
New Schedule coming out After Fall Nationals
the FiriNg LiNe
Dear Members and Friends,
First, I want to acknowledge and apologize for the delay in getting this issue of The Skirmish Line to you. We understand how much
you look forward to receiving the magazine, and I deeply regret any inconvenience this may have caused.
While we aim to bring you timely content, unforeseen challenges have impacted our ability to stay on schedule this time. Rest assured, we are working hard to ensure future issues arrive as expected. At the upcoming 150th National Skirmish, we will be discussing a new publication schedule to prevent delays like this in the future.
On a brighter note, we are excitedly looking forward to the 150th National Skirmish! This milestone event promises to be a fantastic celebration of our shared history, camaraderie, and competition. We can’t wait to see everyone there.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support of the North-South Skirmish Association. Your passion for preserving history and participating in our events is the heart of this publication.
Eddie Davenport Skirmish Line Editor
Welcome to all New Recruits
December 1, 2022 – March 27, 2023
North-South Skirmish Association National Commanders
*John Gilmer 1956-1958
*James Waters 1959-1962
*Albert Hardin 1963-1964
*Carl Jensen 1965-1970
Richard Corrigan 1971-1974
*Frank Schoch 1975-1976
*John Sharrett 1977-1982
*James McAleer 1983-1984
John Robey 1985-1988
*Royal Inge 1989-1992
Earl Coates 1993-1996
Gary Crawford 1997-2000
Earl Coates 2001-2004
*Charles Smithgall 2005-2008
Linwood McMahon 2009-2012
Phillip Spaugy 2013-2016
David Booz 2017-2020
Charles Kindle, Jr. 2021 -
Deputy National Commander
Greetings Skirmishers
We are in the final preparations for the Fall Nationals, the 150th Nationals for the N-SSA. I hope that everyone has had a good summer and is ready to skirmish in October.
I have been talking with several individuals recently, and something I think we can all relate to is that while we can read something and understand it, seeing it on a video—where we can replay it and go over points we might have missed the first time—can be even more helpful.
I talked with Trent Lewis of the 30th VA Sharpshooters, and he has been working on a YouTube page that covers a lot of topics skirmishers, both new and experienced, can appreciate. I know there are other YouTubers out there, so please let me know your channels, and I can add them to the list.
Best of luck to everyone this Fall Nationals, and keep shooting!
DaveDave Cole Deputy National Commander
Dan Bianchini
TAPS
Summer 2024
6 th PA Cavalry, Rush’s Lancers
Steve Dobbs Hampton Legion
Dale Shaw 7th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry
John Smallwood Co. G, 1 st U.S. Sharpshooters
David Thompson 5th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry
Thomas Williams 1st Tennessee Volunteer Infantry
“Unable are the loved to die. For love is immortality.”
- Emily Dickenson
The Ox Roast Skirmish
“Grampa, Grampa, tell us about the Ox Roast Skirmish,” said the bright lad with a smile. “Ah yes, that occurred long ago when the North-South Skirmish Association was young and the competitors even younger.
“It happened at the Second Badger Skirmish at the West Bend-Barton Sportsman range in Wisconsin. The hosts gathered the week before to make sure everything was ready. Duty assignments had been posted. Targets were in team boxes. The necessary prayers for good weather had been made.
“‘What about having a dinner Saturday night for all the competitors and their families?’ asked one of the lads in the back row. That brought uncertain murmurs. ‘Why don’t we do an ox roast?’ said one of main organizers. More murmurs and head shaking. ‘Where are we going to get an ox?’ asked another. A long pause and one of the boys in the back lifted his hand. ‘I can get a half steer and a device to turn it over a fire.’
“That brought nods of approval and the plan was struck.
“Monday night on the week before the skirmish the half steer was mounted over a bed of hot charcoal and turned by a small electric motor. The boys on hand nodded approval, and two who lived nearby volunteered to spend the nights making sure all was well. ‘What else do we need?’ Another pause. “Well, we sure will need more beer.” A detail was sent to the Lithia Brewery in West Bend for the necessary supplies.
“The week passed, and I returned to the range early Friday evening to discover a charred and dark beef half. The coals were out. The turning had stopped. Two birds sat on top of the hulk pecking away to their heart’s content.
The hosts gathered to discuss the situation. One of them familiar with a butcher knife proceeded to examine the beef. He pronounced the meat as done and the beef half was taken into the clubhouse to be cut into pieces.
“The Saturday night dinner was a success and there were many words of approval. The skirmish hosts nodded with slow smiles, accepting the compliments.
“Sunday night as the host unit cleaned the range, they all agreed that the roast was a great idea. Only one of the boys had a sour face. ‘I still think it would have been better to have a real ox,’ he said. The brought laughter and smiles.
“That is the true story of the Ox Roast Skirmish.”
Lance J. Herdegen
Union Guards
Late of the 6th Wisconsin
EDITOR NOTE
If you enjoyed this article please consider reading some of Mr. Herdegen other works
The Union Soldier in The American Civil War
The Iron Brigade in Civil War and Memory
Those Damned Blackhats: The Iron Brigade in the Gettysburg Campaign (Winner Army Historical Foundation Award for Distinguished Writing)
In the Bloody Railroad Cut at Gettysburg (with Wm. J.K. Beaudot)
11-12:45 Registration: Young Ladies, Adults & Revolving Trophy
12 Noon Children’s Competition; Young Ladies, Adults & Revolving Trophy category competitions to follow. Costuming events are held in Memorial Park. In case of inclement weather, competition will be held in the lower level of Veteran’s Bldg.
Sunday, October 6, 2024
9:00-3:00 Artifacts pick up -History Tent Pos 32/33
2:00PM - Awards Ceremony in Memorial Park following Musket Match – Musket and Artillery awards will be presented at this time.
Fort Shenandoah ⯁ Winchester, Virginia
Arrows on the map indicate one-way traffic on Fort Shenandoah roads unless otherwise posted during the event. Failure to obey these restrictions will result in a citation and disciplinary action by the N-SSA Board of Directors. If you experience any problems while at Fort Shenandoah, please dial 911. Emergency evacuation routes are posted on all bulletin boards and available at the Executive Secretary’s office. AEDs are located at Doc’s Place or Registration and in each Sub -tower and Stat House during events.
North-South Skirmish Association Contact List
National Officers
National Commander Charles L. Kindle, Jr. 419-346-6768 clk111@Roadrunner.Com
National Deputy Commander David Cole 703-362-7836 cole84_89@verizon.net
National Adjutant
Inspector General
Richard H. Clements 703-815-3861 nssa_national_adjutant@aol.com
Michael J. Santarelli 215-576-5358 1stpacavalry@gmail.com
National Paymaster Bette Ann Shepherd 443-375-2115 paymaster@n-ssa.net
Executive Secretary Sharon A. Myers 724-255-5830 execsecretary@n-ssa.net
Region Commanders & Inspectors
Allegheny Commander Douglas K. Walter 717-357-1134 dwalter47@comcast.net
AL IG
Craig C. Shedd 570-423-1752 ccsmew@yahoo.com
Carolina Commamder Rex Cockerham 704-576-1652 racockerham@hotmail.com
CR IG
Dave Jackson 828-712-1437 gaffergrip65@yahoo.com
Central VA Commander Ralph P. Shaw 804-400-9008 ltnup@embarqmail.com
CV IG
Phillip E. Crabill 540-323-3970 pdcrabil@shentel.net
Michael L. Linton 301-873-7110 mlinton1966@yahoo.com
Deep South Commander Charlie Bondurant 502-221-0727 smokinpole@aol.com
DS IG
Eddye H. Lawley 205-789-9139 eddyelawley@gmail.com
Mid-Atlantic Commander Roger A. Gray 732-280-8159 ragray1961@gmail.com
MA IG
Michael J. Santarelli 215-576-5358 1stpacavalry@gmail.com
Midwest Commander Eric S. Schuessler 216-990-5903 eschues@aol.com
MW IG Ian Egbert 740-357-1415 ian45662@yahoo.com
New England Commander Louis Ruggiero 917-453-0171 tammany42@aol.com
EN IG
Richard M. Intravia 860-833-8856 quahog@sbcglobal.net
Northeast Commander Robert D. Kelley 814-484-3415 rkel1858@outlook.com
NE IG
Benjamin P. Nevlezer 315-576-3108 bnevlezer@yahoo.com
Northwest Commander Edward Walters 248-346-1962 ewalt1855@gmail.com
NW IG
James E.Weber 734-244-6394 shooter575@gmail.com
Potomac Commander Walter Zdon, Jr. 410-688-0028 walter.zdon@gmail.com
PT IG
John Defilippi 540-931-2153 jdefilippi01@gmail.com
Tidewater Commander E.R. Mike Davenport 252-453-2726 eddie_davenport@bshsi.org
TW IG
Michael S. Stoneburner 434-882-2228 bulletmaker.stoney@gmail.com
Western Commander John P. Mark 920-420-1633 jmark48@hotmail.com
WR IG
John T. Thatcher 815-653-9024 Jt450@Aol.Com
Staff Officers & Committee Chairs
Artillery Officer
Robert T. West 757-508-3007 sixpounder1841@yahoo.com
Awards Committee Chair Nancy C. Crockett 570-423-1070 nancyc@stny.rr.com
Bivouac Officer
Charitable Giving
Robert E. Gorsky 410-795-2677 gorsbob@aol.com
Wayne V. Jordan 703-407-2445 wvjordan@aol.com
Community Relations
Corporate Relations Officer
Costume Committee Chair
Doc’s Place Retail Sales
History Center Staff Officer
History Committee
International Muzzleloading Com
Insurance Officer
IT Manager
Judge Advocate/Solicitor
Logistics Officer
Long Range Planning Chair
Marketing Committee Chair
National Photography Officer
National Safety Officer
NRA Liason Officer
Ordnance Officer/Med Liaison
Personnel Review Chair
Program Officer
Property Management Officer
Property Manager
Protocol Officer
Provost Marshall
Public Information Officer
Range Officer
Registration Officer
Revolver Range Officer
Rules Officer
Sanitation Officer
Signal Officer
Skirmish Line Editor
Small Arms Staff Officer
Statistics Officer
Sutler Officer
Uniform Committee
Unit Membership Cmte Chair
Veteran’s Committee Chair
Youth Committee
Gary J. Crawford 540-931-4033 usimlt@hughes.net
Allen Minneman 937-272-7520 allenm@mtmcase-gard.com
Sharleen Leigh West 757-868-7844 sharleenleighwest@gmail.com
Richard & Christine 860-833-8856 quahog@sbcglobal.net
Gary J. Crawford 540-931-4033 usimlt@hughes.net
John P. Zebelean, III 410-747-4161 rebshooter@aol.com
Errol W. McLean 315-769-6204 captain1@slic.com
Jason Rexrode 540-414-2127 jmrexrode@hotmail.com
Linwood L. McMahon 757-536-5187 linwood.mcmahon@verizon.net
Lars E. Anderson 703-967-1789 lars.anderson@ofplaw.com
Shawn A. Shaffer 717-449-9114 shawn.a.shaffer@outlook.com
Edwin Thompson 443-532-7841 mdrebel@live.com
Chris M.DeFrancisci 540-840-2707 chris@esotericresearch.com
Allissa N. Weber 734-231-6056 bert9258@gmail.com
Douglas K. Walter 717-357-1134 dwalter47@comcast.net
Craig Stanley 717-649-9461 cws11@ptd.net
John Venskoske, Sr. 540-888-3349 bcgsi@hughes.net
Carlton Layne 678-773-1364 cpllayne@aol.com
George McDowell 724-421-9435 mcdingle7472@gmail.com
Jeffrey C. Hall 703-901-3691 jchall23.jh@gmail.com
Timothy D. Scanlan nssapropertymgr@aol.com
Brandon S. Bowser 419-274-9197 bbowser13@gmail.com
Robert S. Klutas 717-921-8660 stonycrick61@gmail.com
Bruce W. Miller 248-258-9007 spartan70@sbcglobal.net
Scott B. Harris 540-481-4566 cwshooter575@gmail.com
John L. Gaskill 586-291-2557 jlg14tenn@aol.com
Chris M.DeFrancisci 540-840-2707 chris@esotericresearch.com
Sharon A. Myers 724-255-5830 nssarulesoffice@gmail.com
Charles J. Wager 910-326-4833 cwager@ec.rr.com
David Cole 703-362-7836 cole84_89@verizon.net
Eddie Davenport 757-439-4553 nssaeditor@gmail.com
John D. Holland, Jr. 716-824-5542 jh44ny@verizon.net
Jeffrey R. Knauss 412-766-2789 j.knauss@verizon.net
Paul D. Stoneburner 434-242-2533 madforestry6@gmail.com
Mark E. Latham 603-382-7014 balchiss@hotmail.com
Kenneth L. Stiles 571-208-4826 nssa.org.membership@gmail.com
George J. Schell 410-215-7040 gschell516@cs.com
Travis Keener keener.travis@gmail.com
Blast from the past So You Bought a Henry
By Jim Lundin
The following article was originally published in the 1991 & 1993 issues of the Skirmish Line.
For those that missed the 83rd National, You missed one. There were more things happening then a Buster Keaton movie. One thing I couldn’t help noticing was the fact that about two dozen Henrys must have been sold and most of those new happy owners are not going to know a way to disassemble their new Henry WITHOUT buggering up the threads on the lever pivot screw. Those are some fine Italian threads, too. So without further waste of words, here’s what you should do if you insist on peeking under the ‘hood”.
Step 1. DON’T remove the lever screw! Yet.
Step 2. Make sure the Henry is clear of ammo, both magazine & chamber. To be safe follow the N-SSA rules to clear the Henry. Work the lever three times and run your cleaning rod down the barrel.
Step 3. With the breech closed, flip the little catch that hold the lever in place.
Step 4. Now look at your Henry and locate the two small screws on the underside in front of the lever and behind the carrier block. THESE are the FIRST two you must remove. Just keep loosing them until you here something go tinkle. Do both. What you’ve just done is loosen the lever springs tension off the lever. IF you must see how the spring sits in the Henry, then count the number of rotates to cause one screw to drop the spring. With the other screw just loosen it about half the number of turns. These screws are about 1/2” long.
Step 5. With both screw out or loosen, it’s now safe to remove the lever pivot screw. Unscrew it all the way out, BUT stop if you feel ANY pressure on it from the lever. If you do, go back to Step 4 and loosen those two screws a few more turns.
Step 6. With the lever screw removed, either side plate should slide off. These are dovetailed and the machining is so good that you should NOT rub your finger or thumb along either edge of the dovetail slot! IT IS RAZOR sharp and red & white corpuscles will stain your nice brass finish on your Henry. I recommend you ONLY remove one plate, the top one facing you, at this time by pushing on its top edge towards the bottom of the rifle. If its tight, give it a shot of WD-40 and try pushing it from the bottom towards the top.
Step 7. Now that the plate is off lets study the cams & levers and how they all fit together. You should see one of the loose springs on this side. You might even want to draw a picture of how things look inside. Step 8. Remove the connecting link by lifting straight up or pick up the rifle, flip it over and bump it with your hand. These links are well machined and slide in & out only when perpendicular to the pins they rotate on. Any twisting will jam them and make it difficult to remove. Clean and oil as required. Carefully deburr with a Arkansas stone, touch up with some instant blue and then oil.
Step 9. Flip the rifle over and slide off the other plate and remove the right link and deburr and clean it.
Step 10. Carefully clean the inside area of the frame while avoiding those sharp dovetails. Wipe down and oil the carrier block and its lever, too. I wouldn’t recommend mess with the bolt or firing pin assembly. These rifles are very well made and I saw no need to mess with the bolt assembly.
Step 11. Now its time to put it back together. I hope you either drew a picture or have good memory. To put the carrier block & lever back in, a link in the right side, thread the right lever spring onto its screw keeping it very loose. Now slide the right plate on, put the link in the left side. Position the lever and insert the lever pivot screw. Thread the left lever spring onto its screw and align it in place.
Step 12. Optional. I sprayed this area with white lithium grease. Do this after you’ve assembled the Henry a few times to get a sense when the parts are in their proper place.
Step 13. With the rifle in a normal horizontal, vertical position, like your going to shoot it. Get the lever springs to move into their correct place. I hope you got the left on the left side and right on the right. If you forgot the flat edge of the spring goes against the side plate and the spring’s pin points inward towards the lever.
Step 14. The left side plate should still be off, so carefully align the lever hole with the carrier block lever’s hole and slide the plate on. Once all the holes are aligned, hand screw the lever screw then tighten with a screwdriver.
Step 15. Next hand snug the two small screws carefully so as not to disturb the springs on the lever. As you tighten these screws with a screwdriver you should see the carrier block move up almost flush with the bottom edge of the frame. Now that they are tight, CAREFULLY try moving the lever. IF its hard or seems jammed DON’T force it. One of those springs have gotten out of position. Go back to Step 4 and take it back apart.
Step 16. Your Henry is, hopefully, now back together with a much smoother lever action.
Another warning about another screw. This one NEVER needs to be removed. It’s that small little screw on the side of the barrel just behind the magazine opening. Its ONLY purpose in life is to keep the magazine follower from flying down the side of the barrel and rearranging you family jewels. Let it rust in place! If you want or need to clean your magazine tube. Here’s what you must do.
Step MI. With the magazine closed and the follower down by the breech, look for a small screw on the left side of the barrel by the front sight. Loosen this screw a few turns. The threads are so fine you might have a problem getting it threaded again.
Step M2. The front sight should now slide off. If not loosen that screw a quarter of a turn and try again.
Step M3. Now slide off the Magazine cover, remove the spring and follower.
Step M4. Clean off the barrel and oil. And clean out your magazine tube as that is why you’re doing these steps ain’t it.
Step MS. To assemble put the follower then the spring back down the magazine tube. Next oil & slide the magazine cover back over the barrel and spring. Put the front sight assembly on and slowly tighten the screw so as to fit into that small notch on the left side of the barrel. I haven’t taken the hammer or trigger out yet since I prefer a heavy trigger pull, (don’t have to worry about Huntoon & his gang sneaking up behind me). But as soon as I do, I’ll try to write the recommended way to open that end of the rifle up to. In the meantime, wipe this area off and spray it with WD-40. Having shot several hundred rounds, I’ve found that the barrel will generally cleanup within 2-3 water patches, followed by a patch or two of bore cleaner patch and its ready for an oil patch. I wipe down the bolt and carrier block then spray the same with WD-40. To date I don’t take it apart any more after discovering the white lithium grease to be still white. The beauty of this rifle is its ease to clean after shooting blackpowder. For those Brass frame Henry’s, I guess a little Brasso will
also be necessary to keep it polished & pretty.
Start of part two.
My apologies for not writing this article shortly after the one published in the Sep-Oct 91 issue. For those that didn’t see it covered how to properly remove the side plates off the Henry, clean, stone any burrs found and remove the magazine follower and spring for cleaning. This article will cover the removal of the stock and access to the hammer and sear mechanism. I’ve been unable to get at my Henry’s hammer because the mainspring screw wouldn’t unscrew and heating the mainspring runs counter to my teachings. However, others have brought me their rifles and so now I’ll pass on what we’ve learned.
First, a list of key tools you’ll need BEFORE you start this process:
A good padded bench vice or clamps
A main spring vice, standard musket type A good thin strong quality 1/4” screwdriver
A hard (white) Arkansas stone, triangular or knife shape A small piece of metal about 3/16” thick x 1/2” square
STEP 1-Before starting anything make sure the rifle is unloaded and the hammer is not cocked back. Unscrew the lever latch, if your Henry has one, all the way out and remove it.
STEP 2 With the rifle, horizontal and sights up, carefully clamped in your padded vice, unscrew the two screws on the top strap behind the hammer. The front one is a wood screw and the rear a long machine screw.
STEP 3- Remove the rifle from the vice, cock the hammer and flip it over. Carefully clamp the rifle with the barrel angled up, so that the bottom strap is level and sticking out from the vice. Make sure you have room on the stock side of the vice. Unscrew the rear screw, a wood screw, and remove it.
STEP 4 With these three screws removed, pull the stock off. Try to get a straight pull as any angles will increase the difficulty of removal and possibly damage the edges of the stock that the frame straps are recessed into. Loosen and remove both the lever latch spring screw and spring. You may want to flip the rifle over again in the vice if you can’t get a good bite from underneath.
STEP 5-With the 3/16” pieces of metal, I call a shim, mount the spring vice (see figure 1) so as to take the tension off the main spring screw. Now, carefully loosen this screw and remove it. Carefully uncock the hammer. Next, loosen the spring vice and note how the spring hooks into the stirrup of the hammer as you remove the main spring. Practice re- connecting it until you’re sure how to do it.
STEP6-Next we’ll remove the sear spring. Carefully, cock the hammer back and raise the lever up to expose the sear spring and screw which are located in front of the trigger. Unscrew the sear spring screw and remove it. I hope you’ve been placing these small parts in a tray or bin, so they don’t play ‘hide & seek’ on you later. Take note of any drag on the sides of this spring, as this can contribute to a heavy trigger pull. Remove the sear spring by sliding it back towards the lever screw and out of the front notch in the trigger.
STEP7-Unclamp the rifle, and lay it on your work bench. With a pin punch push out the trigger pivot in and remove the trigger.
STEP8-Now you can unscrew the hammer screw, and remove the hammer and screw from the frame. Before you start messing with that sear notch on the hammer, I recommend that you stone ALL the bearing surfaces with the flat side of the hard Arkansas stone and remove any burrs from the machining process or that has occurred through use.
The bearing surfaces are the sides of the hammer, sear spring, the trigger, and the inside of the frame surfaces where the screw holes are. Then reassemble, in reverse order, following steps 8 thru 5. Check the trigger pull, it should’ve improved and become smoother. If the trigger still has a creep in it, disassemble again and carefully stone the top of the sear while the trigger is clamped in the vice. BE CAREFUL to maintain the sear’s angle while you stone the surface smooth. With a magnifying glass check the sear notch in the hammer, if smooth leave it alone. If your Arkansas stone is not sharp enough to get into the notch, DON”T use it, get one that is. After stoning, reassemble, and check the trigger pull again.
Remember, you must be able to lift the IG’s 3-lb. weight or you’re disqualified. A smooth crisp trigger pull of 3 1/2 to 4 pounds is what you should work for. Smooth and Crisp is better than a light pull and should be achieved first. To lighten the pull, I recommend making a thinner sear spring first, just make sure the sear spring fits snugly in the trigger notch. If it is still necessary to lighten the trigger pull, then use of a shim in the hammer’s sear notch or a pin should be attempted last and by experienced gunsmiths. I always try to avoid messing with the sear and its notch as it is too easy to disable the lock by changing its angle through stoning.
Some Thoughts on the Shooter’s Eyes and Vision
by Donald E. Dixon
One does not necessarily need to have organically good vision to be able to shoot well. When I started competitive shooting with .22 target rifle during my freshman year in college, my eyes were tested for the Reserve Officer Training Corps at 20/800 in my master eye and 20/850 in my other, which was legally blind in most states without corrective lenses. What one does need is vision which is correctable to 20/20, and with a good correction for astigmatism if needed, all of which requires good optometric care.
To be able to shoot, one must be able to see the rear sight, the front sight, and the target. But it is physiologically impossible, even for a young person, to see all three of them clearly at the same time and the textbook solution is to focus on the front sight [worship at the church of the front sight] and accept that the rear sight and target will be somewhat blurry. Young people think that they can see the target, front sight, and rear sight clearly at the same time because they can rapidly shift the focus of their eyes to clearly see objects at different distances. This flexibility is called the ability to accommodate. Between the ages of 40 and 50, virtually all of us lose this ability as the muscles in our eyes become less flexible. It is at this point in life that those of us who never needed glasses require reading glasses and those of us who have always worn glasses require some variation of bifocal lenses. In the modern world, the need for computer glasses is also common.
Common manifestations in shooting of our loss of the ability to accommodate are shooting columns of shots during a string rather than nice round groups, seeing the target clearly but not the sights, or seeing the rear sight clearly but not the front sight and target. Lineless progressive lenses in one’s glasses are not a satisfactory solution to the problem, since one is unable to consistently achieve the same head position in relation to the gun and sights from shot to shot.
Finding an optometrist who can help the shooter with vision problems can be a challenge. When I explained to one doctor that I needed to be able to resolve visual relationships to better than one half minute of angle to be able to competitively shoot high power target rifles at 1,000 yards, he responded that people could not see that well. Another doctor observed that people did not need to see that well. Neither of them was of any use to me.
One suggestion is to take one’s firearm into the optometrist’s office so that the doctor may use trial lenses to work out a prescription which forces focus at point about eighteen inches in front [downrange] of the front sight. This requires the cooperation of the doctor, who may or may not be favorably disposed toward firearms. There can also be the problem of carrying a cased shoulder weapon into a public space in a society which has become increasingly paranoid regarding firearms. A related problem is that the strength of light affects vision, and the light in one’s optometrist’s office will never be the same as the light on a bright sunny day at the range.
The best solution to the problem I have found is a system patented by Dr. Allen Toler, 3026 West Cary Street, Richmond, VA (https://customsightpicture. com). Dr. Toler holds the Distinguished Pistol Shot and Distinguished Rifleman Badges from the U.S. Army and prior to his retirement from the Army Reserve as a lieutenant colonel was captain of the Army Reserve Pistol Team. Thus, in addition to being an optometrist, he is a national level high master competitive shooter and speaks shooter.
Dr. Tolar provides a kit consisting of sixteen lenses, each of increasing power; fifteen tinted lenses with no magnification; and a lens holder which clips onto your glasses. The kit is used with the glasses prescribed by your home optometrist. The sixteen lenses are cut in one eighth diopter increments; a diopter being a unit of measure used to describe refractive
power. For example, the refraction required to correct 20/300 vison to 20/200 is one diopter. Lenses one through eight are generally intended for near sighted persons, while lenses nine through 16 are generally intended for far sighted persons. The stock lenses used by most optical shops are cut in one quarter diopter increments, so it is possible to fine tune one’s shooting glasses to a finer degree than customarily available using Dr. Tolar’s system. To use the system, take it and your firearm(s) to your range and try the lenses in the lens holder until you have a perfectly clear front sight, and a reasonably clear target. It is possible to use the lenses to get the target too clear, which – trust me - is not a good thing. The target should be slightly fuzzy or there will be a tendency for you to look through the sights at the target rather than to focus on the front sight. If possible, try the kit on all the ranges you shoot at regularly since light may make a difference in which lens works best for you. I have found that there is a difference of about one eighth diopter – one lens - between shooting on my ten meter international air gun range in my basement and shooting outdoors under cover at my gun club or in the open at Fort Shenandoah.
Having selected a lens that works with your rifle or pistol, where do you want to locate the center of the prescription on your shooting glasses? For your normal [daily life] glasses, the optometrist will locate the center of your prescriptions at the center of each of your lenses. However, when you are in position to shoot you are not normally looking through the center of the lens which means you are not looking through the optical center of your prescription. When shooting rifle standing, you will be looking through the lens at a point closer to your nose, and when shooting pistol in the N-SSA’s classic one handed code duello stance you will be looking through a point on the opposite side of the lens. Dr. Tolar can locate the center of your prescription on your shooting glasses where you need it rather than at just the center of the lens. You hang a target, get in shooting position with your firearm, aim, and then put a dot on the lens of the glasses with a Sharpie where you are looking through the lens. For shooting position rifle, I have three points on my lens, one for prone, one for kneeling, and one for standing, and Dr. Tolar then locates the center of the prescription at the center of the three dots. When I was still shooting high power rifle actively, I had three sets of shooting glasses: one for pistol at 25 and 50 yards, one for short range rifle at 10 meters to 300 yards, and one for long range rifle at 600 to 1,000 yards. One had to make some compromises on the long range lens to be able to read the target number boards at 600 to 1,000 yards. I should emphasize that the glasses resulting from this exercise are specifically intended for shooting and not for daily life.
Next, we go to the colored lenses which Dr. Tolar provides in a variety of shades including grey, yellow, and pink. During the Communist period, the eastern European countries approached sport very scientifically. In the 1950s, before the Soviet Union reentered international shooting competition, it experimented with different colors in shooting glass lenses to see what color(s) gave its shooters the best contrast between the black of the bullseye and the white or tan background of the rest of the target. The conclusion was that a light pink gave the best contrast for most of their international level shooters. That has also been my experience, but other shooters prefer yellow or grey. One sees what works, or does not, for them.
I mentioned astigmatism earlier in this article. Astigmatism is a common visual defect caused by distortion of the cornea and affects about eighty per cent of the population, though usually only in a very mild form. Opticians can correct it with glasses that cancel out the distortion, an issue which is critical for shooters, and the fact that one is a competitive shooter and must
have astigmatism corrected if it is diagnosed should be discussed with one’s optometrist. In uncorrected astigmatism, the round bullseye will be distorted and generally perceived by the shooter as oval in either the vertical or horizontal plane rather than round, which understandably can have an unfavorable effect on shooting. I have significant astigmatism in my master eye, and when I was much younger an Army optometrist corrected my vision to 20/20 but failed to put in the proper astigmatic correction in the lens for that eye, and my shooting went to hell before another doctor figured out the problem. The second doctor had been the chief of optometry at Martin Army Hospital at Fort Benning and had treated the Army Marksmanship Unit. While he was not a shooter, he understood the needs of a competitive shooter. When I attempted to use contact lenses at the encouragement of my now ex-wife, they also failed to correct my astigmatism and it drove me nuts. One of my Army friends who was a high master shooter had 20/20 vision but wore glasses when shooting not only to protect his eyes, but also to correct the astigmatism in his master eye.
For additional thoughts on shooters’ eyes, I would highly recommend the series of articles written by Dr. Norman Wong, an optometrist who is a high master precision pistol shooter, which are available at https://starreloaders.com/edhall/nwongarts.html. You cannot shoot if you cannot see, and the only way I can continue to compete effectively at 76 years of age is through good optometric care. In another fora another N-SSA Distinguished Revolver shooter wrote that he used Dr. Toler’s system and commented that he wished he had tried it five years earlier than he had.
Mr. Dixon holds the N-SSA Distinguished Skirmisher Badge (silver) and Distinguished Shooter Badges for Revolver (silver), Carbine, and Breechloading Rifle, and has won the grand and revolver aggregates. He holds the International Master Badge from the U.S. International Muzzleloading Team. And he holds the Distinguished Rifleman and Distinguished Pistol Shot Badges as well as President’s Hundred Tabs with service rifle and pistol.
Editor Note.
For Volume 69, #1 of the Skirmish Line this year I received an article from Mr. Donald Dixon entitled “Some Thoughts on the Shooter’s Eyes and Vision”. I made edits to the article as received and did not coordinate those edits with Mr. Dixon prior to publication, which I have found out violated his copyright on his work. I truly regret this action and will ensue that in the future when edits are made. I apologize to Mr. Dixon for this error. Please enjoy Mr. Dixon’s article, as it was intended to be read.
The United States International Muzzleloading Team at the MLAIC World Championship in Italy
The World Muzzleloading championships were held in Valeggio Sul Mincio, Italy (near Verona) from 27-31 August 2024. The team from the USA was well represented by members of the N-SSA. Gene Kinnel from Harris Light Cav is the US Delegate to the Muzzle Loaders Association, International Confederation (MLAIC). The MLAIC holds world championships every year, with odd number years being the Long-Range matches (200 meters and beyond) and the even numbered years being the Short-Range matches (25, 50. 100 meters and shot gun clay targets). Members of the N-SSA who were competing include Eddie Schneeman (8th Virginia), Eddie Davenport (Hannover Greys), Adam and Alvin Bumford (149th Pennsylvania), Dave Reed (Buncombe Rifles), Bob and Betty Peloquin (Harris Light Cav), Todd Wentzel (66th NC), John Ciccone (Harris Light), Sam Sellaro (9th NY Cav) and Mike McDaniel (McGregor’s Battery). Awards were presented up to sixth place (positions 1-3 being medals, 4-6 being certificates.
Individual Award Winners (from the N-SSA) were:
• Bob Peloquin third place in Matchlock Pistol (Tanzutsu), fifth place for matchlock musket, standing (Tanegashima),
• Gene Kinnel, second place flintlock rifle (Trapper, exhibition match)) ;
• Ed Schneeman, first place in 100 Meter, offhand military musket (Zouave, exhibition match)
• Sam Sellaro, second place, flintlock shotgun (Manton); third place. Percussion shotgun (Lorenzoni)
• Betty Peloquin, sixth place in the woman’s 100 meter prone (Walkerie)
Team Medals that had an N-SSA member on them:
• Team flintlock Shotgun (Hawker); Sam Sellaro
• Team Underhammer Pistol (Boutet); Gene Kinnel and Mike McDaniel
• Team Smoothbore flintlock Pistol (Egg); Bob Pelequin and Mike McDaniel
The full results of the world match are at this link: https://cnda.it/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Valeggio-2024-World-Championship-Book.pdf
A good description of the different categories for the MLAIC are found at: https://mlaic.org/black-powder-shooting/disciplines/
As always, the USA team is looking for good shooters. Please contact any of the N-SSA members above for more information. The experience is amazing and you will get to meet shooters from around the world who love the smell of black powder as much as you do.
Tidewater Region Cancer Committee Hosts Annual Skirmish at Fort Mahone
The Tidewater Region Cancer Committee held its annual Skirmish at Fort Mahone, Dr. Miles Britt Range, in Capron from September 6-8. The event featured individual competitions in Carbine, Mortar, Smoothbore, and Musket categories.
On Saturday evening, the Hardison family graciously provided a BBQ dinner for all attendees, with Riley Williams adding a touch of local flavor by steaming blue crabs. A silent auction offered a variety of items, ranging from firearms to Victorian pictures. The raffle featured over 100 prizes, and everyone who purchased a ticket walked away with a prize!
Although attendance was lower than in previous years, those who attended unanimously agreed that it was a memorable and enjoyable event.
Every dollar raised is donated to cancer research facilities. The idea for this event began when Leslie Hardison suggested selling one-shot targets to raise funds and awareness, as several skirmishers in the region had been diagnosed with cancer. From that small idea, the event has grown into a significant fundraiser, raising over $100,000 to date in the fight against cancer—”defeating cancer one Minie Ball at a time.”
If you’d like to help host the event or contribute goods, funds, or time, please contact Mike Davenport, Tidewater Region Commander.
For those who missed this year’s event, mark your calendars for the next skirmish in 2025. We hope to see you on the skirmish line, helping to defeat this disease!
Member of the Tidewater region of the N-SSA and fellow enthusiasts,
As we approach the 150th National Skirmish, my excitement is building! This milestone event will feature historical reflections, a look at how far we’ve come, and, of course, world-class shooting competitions.
On the subject of world-class shooting, several N-SSA members recently traveled to Italy, where one of our own brought home the gold! Congratulations to Eddie Schneeman and the rest of the team for making us proud on the international stage.
This summer, I had the privilege of attending the Gator Shoot, which was an absolute blast! It was fantastic to see so many shooters competing—it felt like events of the past. A big thank you to the teams who hosted and made it such a fun and exciting experience!
Here in Tidewater, we held a skirmish to raise funds for cancer research. If you can join us next year, we’d love to have you! The event is open to all N-SSA members and their families.
As we gear up for the fall campaign, remember to bring a new shooter to the range. Sharing this well-kept secret of the shooting sports with others is key to our future. Our continued success depends on your involvement in recruiting new members. Only you can make it happen!
Until we meet again on the skirmish line, stay safe and always “Do the Best You Can!”
See you on the Skirmish Line
Respectfully,
E. R Mike Davenport,5494
Dismal Swamp Rangers
Tidewater Region
On the preceding page we have pictures from the MLAIC world Championship.
Picture 1 - Third Place team medal with Gene Kinnel & Mike McDaniel
Picture 2 - Alvin Bumford competing in one of grueling events, temperatures reached up to 115 degrees at times
Picture 3 - Award ceremony on the final night, members won “plates” by hitting specific parts on the target.
Society of Color Bearers and Advance Guard
Proud D onors to the N -SSA
By Wayne Jordan, Charitable Giving Committee
As we enter the final quarter of the year, many people turn their attention to supporting their favorite charities and nonprofits. If you are in a position to share with worthy causes , I hope that you’ll include the N-SSA on your donation list.
Although the N-SSA is mostly run by volunteers there is still a multitude of expenses that must be covered. Equipment, inventories of target material, general upkeep of facilities, and utilities are some of the many expenses. Capital improvements to make Ft Shenandoah and other ranges a comfortable place for members, families and friends to spend time are always limited by scarce funds. In recent years donations from our members have made a significant difference.
Will You Make a Donation to the N-SSA this Year?
You can fill out the form below and send it in along with a check to the address below. Or you can donate digitally through the N -SSA.org webpage by scanning the QR code below. Please be sure to provide your name and address when donating, and any special instructions regarding how you would like your money used. Usually, our donor s designate the General Fund. If you’d like a preaddressed envelope to send in your check, please watch for our fundraising mailings this fall.
A very good way to avoid paying taxes is to donate appreciated assets (stocks, mutual funds, ETFs, etc.). No taxes will be due on the appreciation , plus you can deduct the total value of the donation on your tax return. The stock market has been hitting all time highs this year. You may be holding investments that will generate large tax liabilities which can be avoided by donating them directly.
You can also make a donation in memory of a person who was once connected to the N -SSA.
If you haven’t taken your RMD from an IRA account yet this year, please consider directing some of those funds to the N -SSA. If you are over 70 ½ you can donate directly from your IRA to charities. The tax savings from doing this can be enormous.
If you work at, or are retired from, a company that matches employee charitable donations, check with the benefits office to see if they’ll match your donations to the N -SSA. Some companies will even make grants to organizations that the ir employees recommend, and some of our members have taken advantage of those programs.
Some of our members prefer to make donations in small, but frequent, increments. They set up a regular periodic transfer of funds from their bank or brokerage account to the N -SSA account.
The generosity of our members is a reflection of the value that so many of us put on the camaraderie, competition, and historical heritage that the N -SSA supports and preserves.
Thank you all for your support. I can be contacted to discuss donation ideas or strategies at wvjordan@aol.com or 703-407-2445.
DONATE DIGITALLY BY USING OUR NEW QR CODE
We now have another way to make donations. The QR code can be scanned with your cellphone and it will take you to the official N -SSA website Donations page where you can quickly and easily make a donation by credit card or Paypal. After it takes you to the page, just scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on the donate button. Be sure to include your name, mailing address, and email.
Or send in a check using the form below. Maybe you still have a return envelope from a recent mailing.
Would you like to mail in a donation now? Just print and send this form with your donation to : N-SSA , c/o Wayne Jordan, 8606 Eagle Glen Terrace, Fairfax Station, Va 22039
Name _______________________________ Amount of donation__________
Address _______________________________ City ____________ State ______ Zip_______
Credit card #_________________________________ Exp date__________ CVV___________ General Fund or Specific Purpose? _________________________________________________
All Checks should be made out to the N -SSA. All donors will receive a letter of receipt by mail. The N -SSA is a 501 c 3 organization and donations are eligible for tax deductions.
North-South Skirmish Association Board of Director’s Meeting
Thursday, May 16, 2024
Fort Shenandoah, Winchester, Virginia
Commander Kindle called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Richard Clements, National Adjutant called roll and the following were reported as present:
Charles Kindle, Jr., National Commander
David Cole, Deputy Commander
Richard Clements, Adjutant
Michael Santarelli, Inspector General
Bette Shepherd, Paymaster
Sharon Myers, Executive Secretary
Doug Walter, Allegheny Region Commander
Rex Cockerham, Carolina Region Commander
Scott Harris, Central Virginia Region Commander
David Booz, Chesapeake Region Commander
Charlie Bondurant, Deep South Region Commander
Joseph Plakis III, Mid-Atlantic Region Commander
Eric Schuessler, Midwest Region Commander
Glenn Rohde, New England Region Deputy Commander, attending for Lou Ruggiero
Robert Kelley, Northeast Region Commander
Edward Walters, Northwest Region Commander
Walter Zdon, Potomac Region Commander
Mike Davenport, Tidewater Region Commander
John Mark, Western Region Commander
Commander Kindle welcomed everyone to the meeting and stated that things are going well.
Deputy Commander Cole thanked Ralph Shaw and crew who are doing a great job on the skirmish. He also said that individuals are not properly cleaning nor maintaining their equipment, creating fouled firearms and delaying the flow of the matches. The Membership Meeting Rules that were sent to each team commander and adjutant will be in effect for Friday’s meeting in the barn. MA Commander Plakis suggested we have a member of Provost at Memorial Park to steer membership meeting attendees to the barn.
Executive Secretary Myers asked the region commanders to poll their teams on whether they would like to continue receiving national streamers or if this is something that can possibly be discontinued. Also, beginning with Friday’s membership meeting, the folders that the teams sign for and receive will be specifically marked for that meeting. The new order of 30 and 40 Year pins has been received. The NW Territory is willing to donate to their expense if the other regions also kick in. It would run approximately $90/ region if every region contributed.
Paymaster Shepherd presented her report through April 30. We currently have 8 months of unrestricted cash which will meet expenses through the end of the year, and Tim has contracted with a different refuse company which will save us approximately 40% on tipping fees from what we were paying before. Bette and Financial Oversight Officer Matt Galloway will have more information for the August Board meeting.
149th Skirmish Director Ralph Shaw stated that the staff is shorthanded, but the skirmish is going well. There was one issue on revolver, and all parties are working to correct the problem.
John Holland, Small Arms Officer, submitted an arm by Mike Santarelli for production approval. C.S. Richmond Rifle, Razeed from an 1861 Springfield, .58 caliber. This model represents a battlefield salvaged arm. Mr. Holland stated that this arm meets all N-SSA criteria and recommends it be approved. Motion to approve the arm was made by MA Commander Plakis. Motion approved.
Provost Marshal Bob Klutas reported that the radio has been quiet. He was made aware of a situation. He has reached out to the complainant via email and is waiting for a reply.
Elections Chair Mike Santarelli presented the list of candidates for this fall’s national election.
Commander
Deputy Commander
Adjutant
Inspector General
David Cole, 12th PA Reserve Volunteers
Richard Clements, 49th VA Infantry
Erick Shaw, Harlan’s Light Cavalry
Shawn Shaffer, 2nd MD Artillery CSA
John DeFilippi, 12th U.S. Regular Infantry
Regarding Sunday morning’s Memorial Salute, Deputy Commander Cole explained the order of business. He also would like this salute to become a permanent part of the National Opening Ceremonies program. TW Commander Mike Davenport, leading this inaugural salute, explained that the salute is open to anyone wishing to participate and a meeting with all interested parties will take place after the Friday meeting in the barn. NW Commander Ed Walters has volunteered to lead the Memorial Salute at the 150th.
We will need the following staff officers as their positions are open: Corporate Relations, Sanitation, and International Muzzleloading.
Joel Rogers, Competitor #12502, addressed the revolver range issue from earlier. Ralph and Allissa have effectively communicated with Joel and the problem will be handled to all parties’ satisfaction.
Colin Scanlan, Competitor #13655, congratulated Ralph Shaw on a well run skirmish.
The Board then went into Executive Session at 8:30.
The Board went back into Open Session at 9:25, and recessed at 9:28.
Sunday morning, May 19, AL Commander Doug Walter moved to approve the actions taken by the Board during Executive Session. Motion was approved.
North-South Skirmish Association Membership Meeting
Friday, May 17, 2024
Fort Shenandoah, Winchester, Virginia
Commander Kindle called the meeting to order at 7:35.
First order of business was the proposed dues increase that was tabled from October 2023. Motion to table to October 2024 was made by the Dismal Swamp Rangers. Motion approved.
Commander Kindle reported that, although short handed, the skirmish is going well.
Deputy Commander Cole went over the Meeting Rules of Engagement with the attendees. Only team representatives may make motions or vote. Non representatives may attend, but may not take an active part. If the meeting needs to be paused twice due to noise, the room will be cleared of everyone except team representatives and board members.
Adjutant Clements called for absent teams. Those not in attendance are the 11th Indiana and 17th Pennsylvania.
Paymaster Shepherd presented the financial report. We currently have 8 months of unrestricted cash, which is enough to get us to the end of the year. Matt Galloway and Paymaster Shepherd will have more information for the August meeting.
Skirmish Director Ralph Shaw reported that they are very shorthanded, but the crew working is putting in 110%.
Provost Marshal Klutas commented that it’s always good when the radio is quiet.
Property Management Officer Jeff Hall announced that the Fort Shenandoah Work Skirmish is scheduled for June 15, and the duties will be painting the barn and Sutler’s Row. Please let him or Tim Scanaln know if you plan to attend so they can have enough equipment on hand for everyone.
Allegheny Region Commander Doug Walter, standing in for Elections Chair Mike Santarelli, announced the slate of candidates for the National Elections to be held in the fall:
Commander David Cole, 12th Regiment PA Reserve
Deputy Commander
Adjutant
Inspector General
Richard Clements, 49th VA Infantry
Erick Shaw, Harlan’s Light Cavalry
Shawn Shaffer, 2nd MD Artillery CSA
John DeFilippi, 12th U.S. Regular Infantry
Financial Oversight Officer Matt Galloway informed the membership that some tough decisions will need to be made, and that he gave the Board of Directors a detailed report for them to review before the August board meeting.
Deputy Commander Cole announced that the host staffs for the 150th, 151st , 152nd, and 154th Nationals will be meeting in various corners of the barn.
After a motion, the meeting adjourned at 7:52 p.m.
Black Powder Bore Solvents – what’s best?
Chris De Francisci
So, you want to clean your Musket, or Carbine, or Revolver, or Smoothbore? What do you use? Talk to five people and you’ll get five different answers. None of which may be wrong, just different. There are many bore solvent formulas out there, some better than others. And, there’s old tried and true hot soapy water which also works great.
I’ve spent years trying out different solvent formulas to see what cuts black powder fouling the best. Some work great but rust the bore if left in too long. Others are passable but take a lot of solvent and elbow grease to get the fouling out. So, here are some of my observations on black powder cleaning, with acknowledgement to the Bevel Brothers of the NMLRA for some of their research.
A lot of old-timers have used Blacksolv for years and swear by it. I’ve never used it but have heard that it does a good job of cutting fouling. Sold as a concentrate you mix it up and use the mix to clean your black powder firearm.
Hornady used to sell a great black powder cleaner called One Shot Muzzleloader Cleaner, but it appears to have been discontinued. Great stuff and if you can find some, get it. Won’t mar a stock finish and will dissolve carbon fouling very well. Won’t hurt the bore either. I used it for years, but can’t find it any longer.
Birchwood Casey and Hoppes also make black powder cleaners. Which work OK, but I have found no advantage over some homemade solvents. Thompson Center also makes a very good black powder solvent, such as the T17 or the original #13. Butch’s Bore Shine Black Powder solvent is also a decent commercial product. All commercial products tend to be a bit pricey however, if you are going to do a lot of shooting and cleaning. Homemade solvents are a lot less expensive and work great. One of the tried and true solvents (which often gets a bad rap) is the third/third/ third mixture. One third Murphy’s Oil Soap, 1/3 Alcohol, and 1/3 Hydrogen Peroxide. It cuts black powder fouling really well. However, it will rust the bore if left in for any length of time. Use it to clean the bore, then dry it well and oil up the bore using Ballistol or something similar. I used it for years. Some people have said the peroxide will etch the bore, but the Bevel Brothers did some tests and found no evidence of it*.1 If you are worried about the peroxide, substitute Simple Green, still works well.
There is also the well-known Moose Milk, various recipes exist, one from the Bevel Brothers which works well is one part Machinists Water Soluble Cutting Oil (natural kind, not synthetic), two parts Pinesol, and 20 parts water*2 .
Some people also use Simple Green, either straight or cut with water. Others use 50/50 Ballistol and water. Still others use Windex and vinegar (I don’t like the Windex with ammonia however).
Now, to my major solvent find. After years of using various combinations of solvents, both commercial and homemade I was directed to a great solvent that cuts black powder well, doesn’t rust the gun, and is cheap. I’ve used it for several years now and have passed it on to quite a few people all of whom have continued to use it because it works so well. You can get it at the Dollar Store or Dollar General (although it’s more than a dollar now). Comes in spray bottles or gallons. LA Awesome is just that. Inexpensive, works great, and has other uses as well.
I use it as a bore cleaner, soak the nipples from my Musket, Smoothbore, and Carbine in it. And scrub the cylinders and nipples of my revolver with it. I use Q-tips soaked with LA Awesome to clean around the nipple area and to swab out the threads. They are also great for getting into smaller areas and cleaning.
Whatever you finally decide is the solvent for you, always make sure to use a moisture displacing oil after cleaning. Ballistol is my favorite.
1 Muzzle Blasts, November 2021, p.22-24 2 Muzzle Blasts, November 2021, p.22-24
The Magazine of the North-South Skirmish Association, Inc.
