Back in the day, flintlock muskets were converted to percussion (by US arsenals) by plugging the tough hole & drilling/tapping the top-rear of the barrel for a nipple. Later on, people began to "re-convert" these guns back to flintlock. However, one thing that they had to do to make it convincing was to file away all of the horrible cratering (not pitting, but CRATERING) caused by persussion cap reside on the surface of the barrel (around the nipple). Such deep cratering is never seen on guns that are in original flint condition. Although Mike got way with a year without cleaning, in more humid climates, I'm sure some rust will result - but the gist of his point is still valid - no doubt in my mind.
|