cleaning a 1855

[Sharps_user84]

I have been off the field for a few years (joined the air force) and recently found a unit so im back on the field. I only owned enfields so springfields are new to me. When the 1855 came to my door i noticed a little rust starting to form on the barrel, any way to prevent this? I remember seeing springfields back in the day just after one humid night would be a rust bucket. I could wipe it down with oil all the time but i was hoping for something alot easier, maybe a clear coat or something on the barrel?
Jason D
USAF

[tompritchett]

Given how hot the barrels can get when firing, I would not recommend any type of modern clear coat as they would tend to oxidize (turn brown) over time under those conditions. The best recommendation that I would give you is take a rag and coat it with a heavy wax/natural oil combination (I use a beeswax/oil mixture), carry the rag in your haversack, and then use it to wipe down the outside of your barrel after cleaning or firing if you are not cleaning. I would also wipe it down at night if you have been using all day without firing. Have been using this approach with my Richmond for several years now and I only occasionally get small rust spots that I can quickly deal with when I get home.

[rebelyell62]

I have been off the field for a few years (joined the air force) and recently found a unit so im back on the field. I only owned enfields so springfields are new to me. When the 1855 came to my door i noticed a little rust starting to form on the barrel, any way to prevent this? I remember seeing springfields back in the day just after one humid night would be a rust bucket. I could wipe it down with oil all the time but i was hoping for something alot easier, maybe a clear coat or something on the barrel?
Jason D
USAF

I have known folks who have used boiled linseed oil on their metal parts, barrels/butt plates etc. I WOULD NOT recommend using it on locks, or trigger assemblies.
Keep in mind ,linseed oil takes a while to dry between coats, and should be reapplied every now and again.
With that said, it is a time proven rust preventative.

Wendell

[Bailey Bennett & Scott]

Linseed oil also turns green over time. Tom had a good recommendation. A little beeswax goes a long way.

[Parault]

Tom, thanks for the information on cleaning the Springfields. I have been doing this for several years,however, I bought an Einfield right from the start.
Just this past year I wanted to improve my Federal impression,so I bought a Springfield. I have never worried about rust in large amounts till now. I have not taken this rifle in the field yet, because I haven't done a Federal impression since I bought the rifle. As one 3rd Ark soldier to another, I would like to know what kind of "natural oil" are you talking about? Where can you get the beeswax? How the beeswax comes supplied? O.....I almost forgot where can I purchase these items. I had a good friend of mine looking at my Einfield on day and told me I needed to work on restoring the color inthe stock. He told me about Tru oil. I used it,and it restored the look to my rifle. I wouldn't not recomend using this alot. I have used this only one time and it was when I did that "complete once a year full break down cleaning." I applied a very very light coat and let it dry. It looked good. This might not be the recommended way,however, it works for me.

[Parault]

I know that you can get beeswax from sutlers but can you by it anywhere else that is a modern mercentile?

[CivilWarBuff1863]

What about those bee keepers? They have loads of beeswax!!!

[Memphis]

I know that you can get beeswax from sutlers but can you by it anywhere else that is a modern mercentile?

Any fabric store will have small plugs of beeswax in the notions section, and you may find a copy of this commonly reprinted War Department manual to be handy:

"Rules for the Management and Cleaning of the Rifle Musket, Model 1855 for the Use of Soldiers, by E.S.Alllen, Master Armorer, with descriptive plates. Washington: Government Printing Office (1862); 31 pages, 57 illus."

[Army30th]

Michael's Craft store as well as A.C. Moore Arts and Crafts has blocks of beeswax for use in candle making, but I suppose you could use it for the purpose you need.

[Busterbuttonboy]

Dearest Sirs
My suggestion would be to clean the peice before and after each action. A light patina while setting is quite fine. Would not recommend putting anything, like wax or paint, etc on it. (they couldnt...)
Cant image getting those out of a lock or clean out screw. Light dap of oil before it goes into the sock.
Most Respectfully
Drew Gruber
14th NJVI- Buttonhat Boys.
3rd Batt USV