32 Crockett cleaning headaches

[ETipp]

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?

It will seem that way if you're using too thick or too large of cleaning patches. Are you using the factory ramrod?

 

[French Colonial]

Here is another opinion that is worth what your paying for it.

When you start to pull the patch and jag out it is not the bunching up on the grooved part of the jag that is the problem but the bunching up on the shoulder above the grooved part.

Try using a jag with no shoulder and a very slender cleaning rod, AKA a modern Dewey or Pro-shot rod. and see if that solves your problem.

Also, in case it wasn't mentioned, once it is stuck, squirt some thin lubricant down and let it soak into the patch before trying to pull it again, Kroil or similar.

 

[Nobody85]

I’ve discovered that small caliber rifles tend to need a wet patch every so many shots in the field. In my 36; I chase a wet patch down every three shots then a dry patch. If you’re used to shooting large bore smoothies, it can seem like a pain. I’m sure someone out there’s going to say that they can shoot a hundred times and still have no problems, but this is what works for me and might help you. It makes the fowling much looser when it comes time to really clean at the end of the day.

 

[Britsmoothy]

Say, the grooves haven't been cut the wrong way have they??

 

[rp77469]

Been following this as I have a NIB Crockett staring at me much like my dog does when he wants us to go on a walk in the woods.

I had issues with stuck patches in larger calibers (.40 and up) until I switched from button jags to extension loading jags. The relief behind the jag head makes a big difference. I still can get a dry patch stuck, but it has to be a very large patch. I use cupped jags of this style for loading and cleaning, leave them on the ramrod, and a fouling scraper on a cleaning rod as needed. I make my cleaning patches from white cotton flannel and a rotary cutter.

Photo from Track. Can't tell if these are flat (cleaning) or cupped (loading) tips from this view, and they don't say. The relief behind the jag head is what cuts down getting a patch stuck.

 

[SDSmlf]

Photo from Track. Can't tell if these are flat (cleaning) or cupped (loading) tips from this view, and they don't say.

The Tesco 32 caliber jags have the cupped tip and work fine for cleaning. Shot and cleaned a 32 caliber Pedersoli Friday without issue using one. The gun as a chambered breech that I use a worn smaller caliber brush wrapped with a patch to clean.

Make sure any jag you use has a steel threaded insert to attach to your range rod. If using a ramrod, make sure tips are pinned in place.

 

[Capn'D]

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.

That is how I clean most things. Used and worn out wire brushes with an overpatch.

 

[Mike in FL]

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.

Good point.

 

[ETipp]

The Tesco 32 caliber jags have the cupped tip and work fine for cleaning. Shot and cleaned a 32 caliber Pedersoli Friday without issue using one. The gun as a chambered breech that I use a worn smaller caliber brush wrapped with a patch to clean.

Make sure any jag you use has a steel threaded insert to attach to your range rod. If using a ramrod, make sure tips are pinned in place.
View attachment 350404

That is exactly the kind of jag I use on my Crocketts. They work well unless I cut the cleaning patches too big or the material is too thick.

 

[Johnnyntrain]

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.

Whatever the reason it gets stuck...I push wet cleaning patches down in thirds. You may be pushing the fouling down if only doing one stroke. Change patches as you go. Pain in the ass but better than a stuck patch