As most of you know I put up a fight against getting a range rod. I've looked over some of the ones you can buy and the durango gun rods looked like what I should get. I do have one question though. My gun has a 33 1/2 in. barrel. What length of range rod should I get? I believe they offer 34 in. and 44 in. Which would work? At first I thought the 34 in. would work but then I thought they might consider part of that length and be measuring the handle also. From your experience which should I get?
Range Rod Questions
- Thread starter luieb45
- Start date
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Check places like TOW, Dixie Gunworks, and October Country...and I'd strongly suggest you always use a muzzle protector.
I happen to like very strong range rods like brass and have October Country make them to my finished length, drill and tap both ends 10/32" for the larger stronger accessories, and I also get 2" wooden ball handles from October Country that have a 10/32" bolt installed straight through them to screw into one end as a power handle.
IMO, if there ever is some sort of accidental discharge while my hand is on top of the ball, the smooth round wooden ball should just push my hand out of the way as the range rod goes launching up out of the barrel...where the cross bar on a T-handle might take off a few fingers in the process...dunno...but that's what I use and why.
I happen to like very strong range rods like brass and have October Country make them to my finished length, drill and tap both ends 10/32" for the larger stronger accessories, and I also get 2" wooden ball handles from October Country that have a 10/32" bolt installed straight through them to screw into one end as a power handle.
IMO, if there ever is some sort of accidental discharge while my hand is on top of the ball, the smooth round wooden ball should just push my hand out of the way as the range rod goes launching up out of the barrel...where the cross bar on a T-handle might take off a few fingers in the process...dunno...but that's what I use and why.
luie b said:
IMHO over kill, too much money,,get one of these; http://www.trackofthewolf.com/Search.aspx?Search=RAMROD-G-6-10-B
fiberglass, but defenatly get one of these to go with it; http://www.trackofthewolf.com/Categories/tableList.aspx?catId=6&subId=49&styleId=159
Whatever,, get the long one.
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I need a steel one because it's main purpose is going to pull stuck ball loads. I already have a fiberglass rod but I have been STRONGLY suggested by the forum members to get a steel range rod so that is what I will go with. It's hard pulling ball loads with the fiberglass so I think this new rod will pull them a lot better.necchi said:
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Before you buy your new range rod, check the thread size of your cleaning jag and anything else that you might want to screw into it like the ball screw.
Range rods come with two different sized threads and if you get the wrong size threads in your rod you will have to buy new jags etc.
If you don't know the size of the threads in your existing accessories take them to a hardware store or an auto supply and ask the clerk to measure them. Then write it down for future reference.
How do I know all of this he asks?
Because I didn't pay attention once and bought one with the wrong size threads.
Now, I have a .32, .40, .45, .50, .54 and .58 jag etc for each rods threads so one that didn't know would think I have a strange fascination with accessories. :hmm: "Hey Fred. Ye see that feller over there? He's got more stuff than 4 grown men need!" :rotf:
Range rods come with two different sized threads and if you get the wrong size threads in your rod you will have to buy new jags etc.
If you don't know the size of the threads in your existing accessories take them to a hardware store or an auto supply and ask the clerk to measure them. Then write it down for future reference.
How do I know all of this he asks?
Because I didn't pay attention once and bought one with the wrong size threads.
Now, I have a .32, .40, .45, .50, .54 and .58 jag etc for each rods threads so one that didn't know would think I have a strange fascination with accessories. :hmm: "Hey Fred. Ye see that feller over there? He's got more stuff than 4 grown men need!" :rotf:
Sounds like the right plan to me. 
Toomuch_36
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I prefer SS range/cleaning rods w/coned muzzle protector, but in any event get the longer one.
Toomuch
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Toomuch
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paulvallandigham
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Buy the longest rod you can get. It will allow you to work on longer barreled guns that you may buy in the future, or help out someone with a longer barrel who needs a good rod to help him pull a ball, or seat a ball. Mine is 44 or 48 inches( I don't remember) for my 39" barrel, but I bought it originally when I was shooting a different gun with only a 25 inch barrel.
Mine is made in Stainless steel, sold by Treso. I believe October Country sells them. I did replace the wooden handled provided with one made of brass, and turned to the shape of a door knob. It was no work at all to drill, tap, epoxy and pin the brass handle to my rod.
Mine is made in Stainless steel, sold by Treso. I believe October Country sells them. I did replace the wooden handled provided with one made of brass, and turned to the shape of a door knob. It was no work at all to drill, tap, epoxy and pin the brass handle to my rod.
I didn't get it last night because I fell asleep and forgot to get it ordered. So I won't have it for this weekend. The fiberglass has worked ok so far but I'll have the new rod for the next time. One question I do have though, they said they recommend a button jag for that, is it necessary or can I just use my regular cleaning jag? If I do need a button jag I might as well order it while I am ordering the rod.
You don't really need it but it may help you with cleaning. You may want to buy it and just keep it on your range rod all the time, no need to hunt around finding it every time you use the range rod that way.
longcruise
70 Cal.
I think we agonize way too much over these range rods. You can make one in a half hour, not counting epoxy set up time.
Here's all you need. A rod end tip of the type in the right side of the picture. If you want a 5/16th rod (big enough) select the 3/8 rod tip. for a 3/8 rod, select the 7/16th rod tip.
Rod tips
Go to home depot and purchase a piece of steel rod of the length and diameter you desire. Next you will need a bore guide like this with an ID matching your rod;
Bore guide
Next, select a handle material such as a large hardwood ball (hobby lobby) an antique door knob or maybe a t shaped metal rod. Whatever you choose, drill a hole into it that matches the rod size and then insert the rod and drill a small hole across the handle and through the rod that will match the size of a pin (nail, brass rod, coat hanger, whatever). Next epoxy it and pin it. Cut the pins off near flush and the tap them with a hammer to expand them tight into the hole. When the epoxy is dry you can use a file to smooth the pins flush.
Next, just slide your bore guide onto the rod and then drill for pin on the rod tip and epoxy and glue it just as with the handle. The rod tip will retain the bore guide and is also threaded for your jag.
You can buy stainless steel rods for these projects but I don't cause the bore guide makes the plain steel a moot factor. You can also polish the steel rod if you like.
Here's all you need. A rod end tip of the type in the right side of the picture. If you want a 5/16th rod (big enough) select the 3/8 rod tip. for a 3/8 rod, select the 7/16th rod tip.
Rod tips
Go to home depot and purchase a piece of steel rod of the length and diameter you desire. Next you will need a bore guide like this with an ID matching your rod;
Bore guide
Next, select a handle material such as a large hardwood ball (hobby lobby) an antique door knob or maybe a t shaped metal rod. Whatever you choose, drill a hole into it that matches the rod size and then insert the rod and drill a small hole across the handle and through the rod that will match the size of a pin (nail, brass rod, coat hanger, whatever). Next epoxy it and pin it. Cut the pins off near flush and the tap them with a hammer to expand them tight into the hole. When the epoxy is dry you can use a file to smooth the pins flush.
Next, just slide your bore guide onto the rod and then drill for pin on the rod tip and epoxy and glue it just as with the handle. The rod tip will retain the bore guide and is also threaded for your jag.
You can buy stainless steel rods for these projects but I don't cause the bore guide makes the plain steel a moot factor. You can also polish the steel rod if you like.
Tom Compton
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For the shorter barreled guns, I like to make a 36" rod. big welding supply houses have 5/16 solid brass braze rod. Attach an old pool ball to one end and drill and tap the other end.
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