Should I clean my New muzzleloader?

I've seen some questions on other groups... Should I clean my brand new muzzleloader? 100% YES, you need to fully break them down and CLEAN them. Left behind metal shavings are often left over. In sidelocks, the barrel and breech are often filthy with metal shavings. Inline muzzleloaders, I have found the breech plug threads, full of shavings, that would hang up the breech plug when installing it.

You really need to fully break your new muzzleloader down and CLEAN it! Check for loose screws, properly lube nipples/breech plug threads, check dovetails for looseness. Its the easiest thing to do and should be the first thing done before loading your new muzzleloader.

This was a brand new Traditions Hawken Woodsman that I documented when I first got it in. Its amazing what you find when you slow down and take your time to inspect and clean a new gun.