Go to a real hardware store (Not Home depot or Lowes) and buy a rubber cork. #3 for 12 ga, #2 for 16 ga, or #1 for 20 ga.

With the barrel removed insert the cork into the muzzle end, stand the barrel upright and then fill with your chosen liquid. Allow to soak for 5 to 10 minutes. Then pour the liquid out and then push out the fouling out with a patched jag or with a patch wrapped around a bore brush.

As long as you use a load that generates enough pressure to make the hull seal against the chamber fouling in the action will be minimal.

Quote from: Lucky R. K. on January 21, 2026, 08:48:27 AM
I have the Colt version that I bought to shoot Wild Bunch with. Shortly thereafter, the clubs in my area started shooting 7 round magazines instead of 5 so it got retired. It is fun to shoot, and if I used it much, I would go with the 45 Gap ammo. Loading the moon clips is a lot of aggravation.
Lucky 

I think you meant to say Cowboy 45 Special (C45S)

45 GAP is shorter than 45 ACP. So you would still need to use moon clips.

I wouldn't shoot 45 GAP ammo in a 1917 as the chamber pressures for 45 GAP are a lot higher than 45 ACP.

Quote from: Coffinmaker on January 21, 2026, 11:21:38 AM Matt 45

I didn't actually contribute.  But.  Your Welcome!!  Happy to be of assistance any time I can be of assistance.  Or, conversely, even if I can't be of assistance.  Although, in this instance, I must second Major 2.  Look to TightGroup for 45 ACP load info.

You may also be able to use Cowboy 45 Special cases in your 1917.  Same volume as 45 ACP.  Just don't use 45 ACP load data in the upper end of the spectrum for SAA and Replica SA.  This Paragraph is probably of no help to the OP, but what the heck.  I't January and in my end of the swamp, the ranges are under a pretty white blanket and it's too damn cold to go out there.  That of course, means I'm almost terminally bored so here I am.  And, specifically, if you have read this far, it's too late 'cause here YOU are      Burma Shave.

To shoot the C45S in a pistol chambered for 45 ACP the OP will have to taper crimp his loads the same as 45 ACP so that the cartridges will headspace properly.

This is because the rim of C45S is too thin for the cartridge to headspace on the rim. 45 AutoRim works in a 45 ACP revolver set up for moon clips because the rim is a lot thicker.

C45S rim thickness is .060" 45 AutoRim has a .090" thick rim.

Triple 7 is all I can get unfortunately.

How much water? Like a pint? Pour a half-liter water bottle through it?

Barrel only or does the bolt face or anything else also need the wash down?

So much to see and do there! Going east, make a trip, and a hike, to Ft. Bowie in the Chiricahuas, and swing through Rustler's Park while you're there. Bisbee is worth a visit, and have lunch at the Copper Queen. Going west, the Steakout in Sonoita is a great place for dinner. The area around Sonoita, Elgin and Empire Ranch has featured in a bunch of great westerns, including Red River, Tombstone, Gunsmoke (the movie), etc. If the border is under control, there are several ghost towns west of the Huachuca Mtns (Mowry, Harshaw, Doquesne to name 3) worth a side trip, and you will probably be the only ones there. The ranch house from McLintock is in Douquesne. That side of the mountains is high rolling grassland, completely unlike Tombstone. Last time I was there in 2019, the boarder was crazy and the ghost towns were pretty much off limits. Wish I could join you!

Straight soap and hot water like BP then Mouse Milk @ 10 parts water to one Ballistol. Rince and repeat.
Wipe it down with non-diluted Ballistol.

Truth is I only used Triple 7 once.
 I did not care for it

I'm going to be shooting some Triple Seven (aka Triple Se7en aka 777 aka Triple 7) through my Winchester 1897 shortly.

It's a takedown model.

How do I clean up afterwards? I understand I'm to pour water or "moose milk" down the barrel and then clean and oil it like normal... But how much water are we talking? And do I need to water down anything other than the barrel, like the bolt face?

Quote from: Silver Creek Slim on January 23, 2026, 04:27:57 PMMay I suggest a RIA M206 for Fitz project.

Slim

I saw one done, well yeah  hmmmm
I've seen S&W's Fitz'ed 
Even a Heritage Arms (Rossi/Rosco read Taurus owned)

I have old a Spanish copy of a S&W-kinda-Colt circa 1926
But I don't think I want to shoot it, it wall hangs.

John Henry Fitzgerald worked for Colt; a Fitz should be a Colt.
 IMHO....

A Fitz replica is kind of a novelty fantasy, not really practical,
as 1920-30's Noir sure, a conversation piece very well,
Not a today's carry gun.

May I suggest a RIA M206 for Fitz project.

Slim

They both my (38 special & the 32/20) sold within an hour of each other.

I bought my 38 New Police (38 S&W) 2018 with Fitz in mind
 but when they hand me the Colt letter, there went that idea.

Paternal twins note: the Cylinder lengths and 38 special frame stretch.