Short Ramrods

[Wes/Tex]

Was sonering if anyone knew about the ramrods on some of the French 'carbines' of the late 18th and early 19th century. Models like the M.1786 "Carbine de Hussar" had ramrods tha stopped at what appears to be 7 or 8 inches behind the muzzle. Does anyone know if the ramrod and channel ran off to the side of the trigger, etc? Seems too far back to be usable with larger powder charges than necessary today. :hmm:

 

[dlemaster]

Wallace Gusler had an early French gun at Friendship that had a ramrod that appeared to be 3/4 of the length of the barrel. In reality the ramrod hole ran back down through the stock into the wrist area, so the rod was in fact as long as the barrel.
Hope that made sense.

Regards, Dave

 

[Wes/Tex]

Thanks. Figured it was about the only option but the ramrod channel would have to have been angled off enough to miss the trigger and triggerguard screws. Couldn't figure any other type set-up that would allow a ramrod to run that far back.

 

[flintlockmdj]

some times the trigger and screw are ofset enough to let the ramrod pass. :v

 

[Wes/Tex]

Thought something like that was the answer. Have never had an original to examine but even with the standard French load of 12.5 drams there was no way the ramrod showing was long enough.