Ramrod fit and retention

[HighUintas]

This is an extremely novice question but I haven't been able to find an answer.

For a fullstock long rifle, what keep the ramrod from falling out when you too the muzzle down? If it is interference fit between the pipes and rod, wouldn't that get the rod stuck when the wood swells in more humid environments?

 

[Flintlock]

They should be snug without being overly tight, sealed in oil, kerosine so they don't swell easily and stay away from completely straight rods. A slight bend or warp keeps them in place.

 

[Phil Coffins]

Cheaper guns rely on a flat spring to hold the rod, but a decent fit and the natural curve of a rod is all that’s needed.

 

[rafterob]

A slight bend in the rod will keep it snug. There are a few ways to accomplish this if the rod is not already bent.

 

[Eric Krewson]

When we make a rifle we make the ramrod as well, the ramrod blanks are cut oversized and won't go through the ramrod pipes as you receive them. I chuck the ramrod blank up in a drill and use sand paper to sand it end to end while spinning to reduce the diameter.

This is a sand and check, sand and check kind of deal. I reduce the size until the ramrod will slide through the pipes and bottom out in the ramrod hole but it won't drop in or out, there will be plenty of friction to hold it in place.

 

[EC121]

Rub some beeswax or candle wax on the part of the rod in the wood. Shouldn't take much. Just a spot or two. That should be enough to stick it without sticking it.

 

[waksupi]

I scrape mine to fit. I make sure they are lose enough not to swell and stick in wet weather. If they are too straight, I put some bear oil on them, heat, then put a slight bend to the rod.

 

[HighUintas]

Great info. Thanks you!

 

[Larry (Omaha)]

Great info. Thanks you!

As Eric said we usually make the RR to fit our ferrules or if making the ferrules they are sized for the RR to be used. If you have a loose RR you can add a thin strip of leather right at the entry. It must be glued in place. If done correctly it will make enough friction to hold in place, but still allow the RR to be removed. Another method I have used: Place a 1" strip (humped a bit) of Elmer's glue about 3" from the RR bottom. When it dries this glue bump will do the same as the leather I suggested. Place the glue a little heavy so you can sand to the correct tightness. Works for me.
Larry

 

[Mad L]

Quick and easy fix for a loose rod: tie a thin lace of buckskin through one of the pipes (I used two), then string a few trade beads on the hanging thongs, a bobble or feather if you choose; now the rod stays in, wont stick if it swells, and the decorative thongs help to ward off evil spirits that like to swipe at the ball as it leaves the barrel

 

[JohnL]

Love it!

Quick and easy fix for a loose rod: tie a thin lace of buckskin through one of the pipes (I used two), then string a few trade beads on the hanging thongs, a bobble or feather if you choose; now the rod stays in, wont stick if it swells, and the decorative thongs help to ward off evil spirits that like to swipe at the ball as it leaves the barrel