Cleaning with a scope on

[Big Al in Nebr]

I am going to scope my ML for the first time...(eyes are not so great with open sights anymore ).  I've always used hot water to clean and my questions is how do I dip the barrell without drowning the scope?  My ML is a T/C Thunderhawk, so I don't have the removable breech plug.  I would really like to stay with the hot water method, I've used a tube connected to the nipple before but it is a hassle to keep on and I really prefer dunking the barrell in the bucket.  Any suggestions?  Thanks in advance

Al

[Reese]

Are there quick detach (maybe Warne) scope rings available for that model?

[Big Al in Nebr]

Not sure...would hate to recheck the scope everytime I cleaned....maybe I need to look at another cleaning method? 

[SHOOTALL]

I just wipe it dry when i finish cleanning . I put a plastic butter dish in the sink fill with soap and hot water and put muzzle end in and work a patch back and forth until bbl is clean . rod and patch works like a pump . Then pour clean water down tube . You will need to modify if you don't remove plug but my point is a little water won't hurt it . If it did we couldn't hunt in the rain .

[rt_con]

Not sure...would hate to recheck the scope everytime I cleaned....maybe I need to look at another cleaning method? 

I've used the quick detachable mounts/rings by Warne and Leupold with good results. 

I'm only removing the scope for a very thorough cleaning.  Oh course, I'd  try not to do that in the middle of a multiple day hunt. Since I always hunt with a fouled barrel, I end up checking the scope before the next hunt anyway. I don't remember ever having to re-zero the scope after removal.  YMMV.

Rob 

[Forestclimber]

I have a rubber tube that is permanently connected to a nipple.  it's make for cleaning.  i think i got it at friendship a long time ago.  dixie gun works may sell thm

[Big Al in Nebr]

Thanks Foresclimber I'll look around for one of those.

[alleyyooper]

Shouldn't be to hard to drill out a used nipple and epoxy or super glue a tube/hose to it.

Al

[Swampman]

I do it all the time.  I remove the breechplug and use a funnel.  Hot water isn't necessary though.  Windex works just fine.

[Big Al in Nebr]

thanks, you guys rock!

[lilabner]

I don't have quick detachable scope mounts so I leave the scope on while cleaning. The muzzle in soapy water trick works. To be extra safe, I put a Bikini scope cover on the scope. It fights very tightly - and I think it would keep cleaning solution out if I got sloppy. Sort of like wearing a belt and suspenders at the same time.

[Semisane]

Go to your local Ace hardware and get yourself a long shank Zerk grease fitting with 1/4 x 28 threads, which is the thread size for the nipple in Thompson Center guns.  The fitting cost about a dollar.  Also get six feet of 1/4"OD x .170"ID vinyl tubing which is about fifteen cents a foot. 

Here's what the Zerk fitting looks like.



Then use a 5/32" drill bit to drill out the core of the Zerk.  Start at the base end and drill through the plug that holds the spring in the fitting.  After the plug is gone remove the spring and the ball bearing from the core of the fitting, then continue drilling all the way through.  Here's what it looks like after drilling.



Then attach the vinly tubing - it fits very tight and will stay in place when flushing the barrel.  It's quite easy to screw the Zerk into the nipple seat.  It doesn't have to be any more than finger tight.



 

[jtech]

Easiest way i've found to clean a ml barrel is with isopropyl alcohol. Windshield washer solvent is cheap and does a great job. Alcohol evaporates fast so there is less concern with rusting. I still use solvent to remove plastic fouling.