First impressions of the Crockett. Some of my supplies are not here yet so I may not be shooting it until next week, which is going to drive me a bit crazy.
The rifle is beautiful and seems very well fitted together for a sub $1,000 gun. I will get it on the work bench and take a closer look at that soon.
It handles and points beautifully. I have a tall face so the drop comb is a real winner for me. The triggers and lock are crisp and seem well made.
The sights leave something to be desired. A bit thinly made and not super easy to see, but that can be worked on.
As some of you have mentioned, the ramrod actually seems a bit dangerous. I can see that thing easily snapping and going right through your hand if you try to rush in a hunting situation. It’s so light and flimsy. I will carefully use it at the range to start out, but any recommendations on quickly replacing that thing would be appreciated.
Overall I’m extremely happy with the Crockett and can’t wait to get it sighted in and tuned up for hunting. Squirrel season is open here until March and Rabbit opens in 8 days.
I will add more info and some pictures as I move forward.
Congrats, Scott.
That shoddy ramrod will suffice until you can get an upgraded one. Being is constructed from metallic material, I doubt it would break or go through one’s hand. However, there’s no doubt it’s way undersized, rattles and is a very poor excuse for a ramrod.
Your options are:
1. Order and build up a hickory ramrod from TOTW. All you need is one end. They are easy to build up.
2. Order a brass ramrod from October Country or the Log Cabin Shop. I prefer to do business with October Country. Small business and great people that make their own stuff.
Personally, for that rifle, I wouldn’t consider a fiberglass ramrod.
If you choose to shoot .310 swagged RB and .018 pillow ticking, it will be a snug fit but doable with a hickory ramrod. Anything tighter and you will be best served with a brass ramrod.
The last batch of pillow ticking I got from October Country is great. After washing it and allowing it to dry, I lubed my self cut patches with TOTW Mink Oil. I go heavy on the lube and found that with a .310 RB, I can shoot several times and still reload easily. However, I prefer to run one or two damp cleaning patches with Windex on them down the bore after 2-3 shots anyway IF the situation permits. **Cut those moist patches a little smaller**. For whatever reason, they tend to bind up if they are the same size as the other cleaning patches. In fact, it would behoove you cut all cleaning patches a little on the smaller size. You will thank me later.
20 grains of 3F will most likely be your optimum charge.
