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32 Crockett cleaning headaches

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Dexis

32 Cal
Joined
Sep 15, 2024
Messages
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Location
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Hey all, I’ve got a traditions Crockett that’s giving me nightmares when it comes to cleaning.

I’m not sure if this is normal, or this particular rifle is a problem child, or if I’m just an idiot…or possibly all 3.

First time around got my jag stuck so solid I had to lock my cleaning rod (steel rod) down in a vice and was barely able to get it out with every ounce of my being.

Went and shaved down my jag a bit and cut my patch in half and tried again…AND…stuck again. Still needed the vice but didn’t have to break myself in half to get it out.

I shaved a bit more off the jag and started cutting my patches into circles that have to be just the right diameter. Now it seems to work, but it still sticks and is jerky and not smooth at all. And sometimes it drops the patch.

I just can’t seem to find a middle ground here.

So now I’m still stuck with a lesser headache and custom made patch worm as the real one I have is slightly too large. The whole situation is barely functional at best.

It’s very disappointing because I really enjoy shooting this rifle and this situation has completely taken the wind out of my sails.
 
I have no idea if it does or doesn't but I doubt its my overall issue either way as the force to overcome doesn't change if i'm able to pass fully seated. Its tight all the way until its a few inches from fully extracted.
 
I've had a problem where the jag and patch went down easy but got stuck tight on the way back out. The patch got wadded up behind the head of the jag somehow due to not enough clearance between the head and the shank of the jag and it jammed in the bore, or something like that.
 
Ok, that might be relevant as I distinctly remember each time being shocked at how bad it got stuck after minimal resistance on insertion. That would also potentially explain when i cut the rounds just small enough to have a tiny bit of overlap back over the jag that it works. But the catch 22 is it drops every 4th or 5th patch and any larger hang up again.
 
Oh yea, seems like everytime it gets stuck. Been several threads on the topic. I measured my cleaning rod, only go to the point of almost grabbing the patch. Clean then I switch to a 22cal wire brush. Plenty small and I know folks will holler about the wire brush but the purpose is to hold the cleaning patch in place and not have it come off the jab against the breech creating that problem of getting it out. Gets down into the fire channel without the patch coming off or getting stuck.

Got stuck sometimes a 230 lb old man had to find a neighbors vice to get it out. Lots of words said. Join the club.
 
I think that the Crisco Kid nailed it. Maybe put the jag in your "Tennessee Turning Lathe"
and trim back the aft flange to give some clearance.
 
If I didn't spray the cleaning patch with 92% rubbing alcohol after every 3-4 shots, my jag would get pretty tight. (.32 Traditions deer hunter)
 
I like to use a smaller than bore diameter jag for cleaning my rifles. By that I mean I use a .32 jag in my .36, a .36 jag in my 45, 45 in my 50 , 50 in my 54 and 54 in my 58. for the .32, I use a .30 caliber jag for a suppository gun. I like the patches to slide down the bore, then bunch up on the jag on the out stroke to pull the fouling out instead of pushing it down to the breech.
 
All good thoughts. I’ll shave my jag down even farther and open up the shoulder wider and deeper.
 
Dexis said:
Hey all, I’ve got a traditions Crockett that’s giving me nightmares when it comes to cleaning.

I’m not sure if this is normal, or this particular rifle is a problem child, or if I’m just an idiot…or possibly all 3.

First time around got my jag stuck so solid I had to lock my cleaning rod (steel rod) down in a vice and was barely able to get it out with every ounce of my being.

Went and shaved down my jag a bit and cut my patch in half and tried again…AND…stuck again. Still needed the vice but didn’t have to break myself in half to get it out.

I shaved a bit more off the jag and started cutting my patches into circles that have to be just the right diameter. Now it seems to work, but it still sticks and is jerky and not smooth at all. And sometimes it drops the patch.

I just can’t seem to find a middle ground here.

So now I’m still stuck with a lesser headache and custom made patch worm as the real one I have is slightly too large. The whole situation is barely functional at best.

It’s very disappointing because I really enjoy shooting this rifle and this situation has completely taken the wind out of my sails.
Click to expand...
What kind of patches?

How thick?

How big are the cleaning patches?

Where did you get the cleaning jag?

I have two Crockett’s. I cut my own cleaning patches out of old Tee-shirts. Some material (Tee-shirts) are thicker than others so I have to cut them smaller or they will get hung up. Regardless, all of my cleaning patch’s are cut somewhat smaller. If not, they will get hung up. I cut mine square and after a while of doing so I can usually tell by looking if one is most likely going to give me problems. However, there is still some that get by.

Also, the first cleaning jag I purchased I do not use now due to how it is made. It gave me problems. It sometimes cuts patches due to sharp edges around the radius. It also would cut into the RB when seating the patch/ball.

In the pic below are cleaning patches I used just yesterday. They average 1 1/8” square. The one at the upper left is 3/4” X 1 1/8”. The Crockett rifle will accept a much smaller patch than what you might think without losing it down in the bore IF you have a proper cleaning jag.

I carry moist patches with me on squirrel hunts that are moist with windex. I prefer to cut them smaller due to less likely to getting hung up out in the woods. After a few shots at squirrels (if the situation allows) I run 1-2 moist patches down the bore then follow up with a couple dry patches. As long as they are cut to the proper size, I have no issues.

My guess is you have an inferior cleaning jag.

Good luck.
 

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Last edited:
ETipp said:
What kind of patches?

How thick?

How big are the cleaning patches?

Where did you get the cleaning jag?

I have two Crockett’s. I cut my own cleaning patches out of old Tee-shirts. Some material (Tee-shirts) are thicker than others so I have to cut them smaller or they will get hung up. Regardless, all of my cleaning patch’s are cut somewhat smaller. If not, they will get hung up. I cut mine square and after a while of doing so I can usually tell by looking if one is most likely going to give me problems. However, there is still some that get by.

Also, the first cleaning jag I purchased I do not use now due to how it is made. It gave me problems. It sometimes cuts patches due to sharp edges around the radius. It also would cut into the RB when seating the patch/ball.

In the pic below are cleaning patches I used just yesterday. They average 1 1/8” square. The one at the upper left is 3/4” X 1 1/8”. The Crockett rifle will accept a much smaller patch than what you might think without losing it down in the bore IF you have a proper cleaning jag.

I carry moist patches with me on squirrel hunts that are moist with windex. I prefer to cut them smaller due to less likely to getting hung up out in the woods. After a few shots at squirrels (if the situation allows) I run 1-2 moist patches down the bore then follow up with a couple dry patches. As long as they are cut to the proper size, I have no issues.

My guess is you have an inferior cleaning jag.

Good luck.
Click to expand...
Kind of patches:
Not sure, have a huge bag I’ve used for just about everything.

Thickness:
Again not sure but def thicker than the average t shirt.

Size: 2” square and cut to size as needed. So usually 2” square to 1” square but for the Crockett I’ve been cutting them round to about the size of a quarter, probably just under the size of a quarter actually.

Where did you get the jag: Track of the wolf
 
Dexis said:
Kind of patches:
Not sure, have a huge bag I’ve used for just about everything.

Thickness:
Again not sure but def thicker than the average t shirt.

Size: 2” square and cut to size as needed. So usually 2” square to 1” square but for the Crockett I’ve been cutting them round to about the size of a quarter, probably just under the size of a quarter actually.

Where did you get the jag: Track of the wolf
Click to expand...
Yes, TOTW.

My guess is that thicker material might be part of the problem. Quick way to find out is to find an old Tee-shirt and cut some about the dimensions I posted. Square is fine, even 1” square. That should tell the story IF your jag is good.

I’ve used smaller square or rectangle cleaning patches with no problems. I have also shot and cleaned my first Crockett hundreds of times and have only lost 2 patches down the bore. One was due to it getting a hole through it after it had been flipped over. Easily retrieved. The second one I could not retrieve so I shot it out. I do not remember if I just used a cap or if I pulled the nipple and poured a little powder down into the flash hole.
 
Last edited:
Mike in FL said:
What about not using a jag. Instead use a wire cleaning brush (not steel) made for a 22. Wrap the patch around that without making too many laps of fabric. I'm guessing - never had a 32.
Click to expand...
Mike, I prefer to use a jag and a white cleaning patch. That way I can tell how clean the ML is getting and/or check for rust. Its also great for lubing the bore.
 
stubshaft said:
Mybe you should try and polish the bore?
Click to expand...
I'm not sure how to do that but any info would be much appreciated. Even when the stars align and I'm able to get through a cleaning cycle without any disasters the resistance is still very high. Maybe that would reduce friction overall?
 

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