I went to a Tucson gun show and damned if a 12 gauge SXS Belgium "guild gun" muzzle loader didnt follow me home. Being the bottom feeder that I am its a project gun, but after taking it all apart yesterday evening to see what unfortunate surprises it might have, Im pleased to say I didnt find any. It should be a nice straight forwards freshen-up, service/lube, new percussion nipples, and then off to the field with it. This morning, after a nights soak in penetrating oil, I removed the percussion nipples and spun a barrel brush wrapped with steel wool in the barrels. After cleaning I found some light pitting but its not too bad and certainly not enough to be unsafe.
As for my new gun, Ill post pictures when Im farther along, but for now its a 12 gauge choked cyl/cyl with very very stout 30 barrels. The gun weighs right on 7lbs 15.5ounces and its all in the barrels! If I find that I really like the gun and shoot it well, I may just have it back bored and add an improved modified choke to the left barrel.
Finally, Ill admonish myself now for not taking photos last night before I took it apart. Sorry about that!
Steve
