Fixing a loose ramrod?

[Lock Nut]

Need help on a traditional method of retaining a ramrod in a 1780 period Lancaster. Most of the time when I build one, the ram rod hole is too tight. So I'm either trying to hog out the hole a bit or sanding down the ram rod or both. Also ram rods are generally not perfectly straight and will in most cases fit snug in the hole and stay put.

Unfortunately, the one I've just finished is snug when stowed but has a tendency to jump/stick out about 6 inches after firing a shot. Need a way of retaining it so it doesn't do that. Some of my T/Cs use a small metal retaining clip to help hold the ram rod, but I don't see how I would use that idea on a flintlock. I also don't want to unpin the barrel either. Any ideas?

 

[Flint311]

Bend the RR with heat into a slight arch or tie a leather thong in one of the RR pipes(?)

This has been asked before, I just don't remember all the answers. Someone will chime in....

 

[Stophel]

Simple solution: Bend the rod as suggested, or simply make a new rod. :wink:

 

[wulf]

Dent the underside of the last RR thimble.

 

[kaintuck]

Little bit of solder in one thimble the file smooth it till a shug fit?

Or tiny flat spring or wire spring in the entry thimble.....where it can't be seen.....

Marc n tomtom

 

[Col. Batguano]

You've got 2 options. Increase the friction or create a catch of some kind.

Some guys wrap rubber bands around their RR above the muzzle pipe. Coat the RR with a little rosin or rubber cement. that's what I do with loose retaining pins.

Just thinking out loud you might think about crushing down your last pipe just a tad to make the pipe somewhat oblong. Then scrape your RR to be the same shape. When you insert the rod, it would go in easily one way, and then you twist it to tighten it up and increase friction.

Personally I would just live with it as long as it stays in place when you handle the gun.