Vendor for steel range rod

[Java77]

I’m looking for a 46-48 inch steel range rod with a handle or T. Does anyone know of a vendor selling something like this?

Thanks.

Bill

 

[Jim Evans]

I know RMC-Oxyoke has brass T-Handle in that length,don't see any steel one.

 

[SgtMaj65]

Track of the Wolf has nice ones. I bought one for my 3-band .58 Enfield.

 

[Java77]

I think I actually found one. I saw a YouTube video of the Dixon Fair and on a table at the Rice barrel booth, there seemed to be steel rods for sale.

Sure enough on their website, they list a 48 inch steel rod 3/8 inch diameter. Just what I was looking for.

Will call them tomorrow and order one.

Thanks.

Bill

 

[fleener]

I was going to recommend Rice rods. But they do not a T handle that I know of.

I have 2 or 3 rods from Rice and they are nice rods.

Fleener

 

[Rifleman1776]

Some things are so easy to make it seems natural to me to just 'do yer own thang'. Check the directory for a distributor of stainless steel rod. Get what will work for you, including a short section of 1" diameter for a handle. You can buy a tap and die set at Harbor Freight for a very reasonable price. Then just drill, tap and thread and 'VOILA' you will have yer new rod plus the satisfaction of doing it yourself.

 

[necchi]

Some things are so easy to make it seems natural to me to just 'do yer own thang'

Ya I thought of that too. But center boring and tapping threads in even a 3/8 rod for the accessory end, while not impossible by hand, would best be done with a lathe.
If a feller doesn't have a lathe then taking it to a shop would be the next bet. 20-30yrs ago that would have been somewhat affordable,, but at todays rates??
I have a few steel rods here that are commonly available at gun shops and used for modern CF guns but none are longer then 44".

 

[M. De Land]

I make them of both SS and CS but prefer a 1.5 inch diameter poly-carbonate ball to a T-handle as you can't get off center when pushing a stubborn patched ball as you can with a T handle. You can get the ball for the handle from ACE hardware.
Stainless is tougher to drill and tap for jags and handles.
You will also need a bore guide for the rod no matter what it is made off. The down bore guides are the best at protecting the bore and ease of use.
I make them of delrin or brass both work well.

 

[Java77]

I went the easy way and ordered one from Rice. $20 and it was pretty much what I was looking for.

Thanks for all of the suggestions.

 

[Rifleman1776]

I use the KISS principal. No boring in the rod, just external threads. The handle is larger and easier to drill and can be almost any stout material. I've used antler, wood, glass doorknobs, brass and more.

 

[Rifleman1776]

I went the easy way and ordered one from Rice. $20 and it was pretty much what I was looking for.

Thanks for all of the suggestions.

Enjoy. :thumbsup:

 

[StewartLeach]

I buy T-handled steel rods from The Gun Works Muzzleloading Emporium in Oregon. These are the old fashioned GI one piece steel rod. Available in four lengths, drilled and tapped 10-32. Rod rotates in the handle, but there is a cross hole for insertion of a pin in case the rod must be used for pulling a ball.

Be sure to buy a muzzle guard for any metal rod, to avoid peening the rifling at the muzzle. That last inch is important!