New To Me Gun Question

Hydro-Operator · Dec 7, 2024

Curious about the ramrod on this mid 60's gun I just received. I am new to flinters so bear with me.

I am assuming this is a scrapper for fouling on the ramrod, I can't imagine seating a ball with that tip. The other end is just bare wood, no markings or scuffs on it, it's a .40 cal Kentucky rifle.

So, do you think that is just for scraping fouling?

If so, how do you think this was being loaded back in the day?
Not new to BP, just new to older guns

Phil Coffins · Dec 7, 2024

It’s a worm, used to retrieve a patch in the barrel. Push it down to the bottom and twist to snag the lost patch.

reddogge · Dec 7, 2024

It should unscrew. You may have to put some Kroil on it to loosen it. Use the brass tip to ram your ball.

wiscoaster · Dec 7, 2024

Phil Coffins said:
It’s a worm, used to retrieve a patch in the barrel. Push it down to the bottom and twist to snag the lost patch.

I agree, however a better worm is made from metal, for example:

https://www.trackofthewolf.com/Categories/PartDetail.aspx/587/1/worm-1817-08-f

You may find one of the proper size for your specific application.

Usually the worm is a seperate tool, not a part of the ramrod. A proper loading tip would be more appropriate, for example:

https://www.trackofthewolf.com/List/Item.aspx/584/2

Again, of the proper size for your caliber and ramrod diameter.

springfield art · Dec 7, 2024

Hydro-Operator said:
Curious about the ramrod on this mid 60's gun I just received. I am new to flinters so bear with me.

I am assuming this is a scrapper for fouling on the ramrod, I can't imagine seating a ball with that tip. The other end is just bare wood, no markings or scuffs on it, it's a .40 cal Kentucky rifle.

So, do you think that is just for scraping fouling?

If so, how do you think this was being loaded back in the day?
Not new to BP, just new to older guns

View attachment 366942

Yes, a wooden worm.

SDSmlf · Dec 7, 2024

springfield art said:
Yes, a wooden worm.

Not so sure that’s a wooden worm (which I doubt would be very durable), rather a metal worm that has wood finish on it. Look at the ramrod tip.

springfield art · Dec 7, 2024

Cheeze, wood finish on metal? What would be the point? I agree would not be durable!

Hydro-Operator · Dec 7, 2024

Thanks for the replies I have the fixins coming to build a new ramrod. I find it curious that the ramrod would have a Worm on it or even a scraper for that matter and not something to seat a ball. Just peaks my Is interest on the history of the gun.

Hydro-Operator · Dec 7, 2024

springfield art said:
Cheeze, wood finish on metal? What would be the point? I agree would not be durable!

Just rusty.

SDSmlf · Dec 7, 2024

Hydro-Operator said:
Thanks for the replies I have the fixins coming to build a new ramrod. I find it curious that the ramrod would have a Worm on it or even a scraper for that matter and not something to seat a ball. Just peaks my Is interest on the history of the gun.

Remove the worm and that threaded extension and the ramrod tip should work fine to seat a roundball. Guessing the ramrod tip is slightly chamfered on the very end, if not, easy enough to add to better conform to a roundball.

Hydro-Operator · Dec 7, 2024

reddogge said:
It should unscrew. You may have to put some Kroil on it to loosen it. Use the brass tip to ram

reddogge said:

It should unscrew. You may have to put some Kroil on it to loosen it. Use the brass tip to ram your ball.

Click to expand...

You were correct!

Hydro-Operator · Dec 7, 2024

OK this makes more sense. I thought it was all one piece. The gun has not been shot for a long time, I guess I know now what happened the last time the gun was messed with

I'm gonna clean it up and put it on the shelf for keepsake and build a new one.Thanks for the input

Phil Coffins · Dec 7, 2024

Often the worm can be unscrewed and turned around to screw back on leaving a blunt end for pushing the ball. And the worm is handy for future use.

Larry (Omaha) · Dec 7, 2024

springfield art said:
Cheeze, wood finish on metal? What would be the point? I agree would not be durable!

Not too sure what the heck color/slobber is on that gizzy, but looks like a mild rust or stain used on the RR that went onto the metal.
Larry

2 shots · Dec 7, 2024

i doubt that stud is part of the rod tip. spray it and try to remove it. you could double nut the end so as to not damage it.

Banjoman · Dec 8, 2024

If it were mine, I’d remove the rust, then turn the worm around and screw it back on to the ramrod. I’m guessing it’s a combination worm and loading tip which are purty cool. I’d be very surprised if it ain’t.

Shortfingers · Dec 8, 2024

Phil Coffins said:
It’s a worm, used to retrieve a patch in the barrel. Push it down to the bottom and twist to snag the lost patch.

Yep……

Hatman/2nd line · Dec 8, 2024

Usually they are much longer, looks like yours has broken off?

sturmkatze · Dec 8, 2024

SDSmlf said:
Not so sure that’s a wooden worm (which I doubt would be very durable), rather a metal worm that has wood finish on it. Look at the ramrod tip.
View attachment 366946

We call that “wood finish” rust.

hanshi · Dec 8, 2024

Keep that worm, they can save the day when you make a mistake.

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