Cleaning rod

[wyldwylliam]

Have any of you guys found a source for a jointed rod which would fit in the butt trap of an Uberti '76? I could probably make one if I could figure out the ferules, but where in heck would you find those?

I measured the depth of the hole and it is only @7" so you would need pretty a pretty skinny dowel to get it to work.

If there's no source for a commercially-made rod, any ideas on sourcing the ferules, preferably screw together ones?

Cheers.

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

I have the jointed rod for my original '73.  It is of steel, or at least iron.  No need to locate little ferrels for tiny wooden rods.

[dusty texian]

Wyldwylliam you can find the repo.cleaning rods for the 1873 and 1876 winchester at Buffalo Arms,and Dixie gunworks. I have a set that are original for 76 and a repo set . The repo set is good quality . You will be happy. The original Winchesters have the hole big enough for the 5 piece rod set. I have no experience with the Uberti or Chaparral. Not sure but seem to have read that those two brands may not be drilled deep enough not sure about that. if you can get a set in your rifle they sure are handy .I will measure the depth of my original if that would help. Dusty.

[wyldwylliam]

Thanks a lot, Guys.

Dusty, that would be really great if you would be kind enough, and I also wonder if I could impose upon you to measure the diameter of the hole as well?

I don't think drilling the hole deeper would be that much of a problem, but I wonder if the bundle of five sections would fit thru the trap hole in the butt plate.

Interestingly, I had a look at the Uberti website and they show a segmented rod as coming with the "85 Winchester but nowhere do they list it as a separate item. Considering that they furnish the '76 with the butt trap, this seems a bit strange. I also wish my Henry had come with the rod trap as did the originals, but oh well.

Anyhow, thanks a lot for the offer. Would be really neat if that Buffalo Arms job would work. I've gotten two orders in up here from them and they have proved to be a great outfit so far.

Cheers,
WW

[dusty texian]

Wyldwylliam,I measured the cleaning rod hole in my 1876 Winchester.The depth is just under 8 in. from the bottom of the hole to the inside of the but plate cover . Looks like just under 3/4 in. wide . This will hold the five piece cleaning rod set (modern made) or( original )and a couple of patch's required for the 28in. barrel.You are right the guys at Buffalo Arms are tops .Nothing but good to say about them. Dusty.

[dusty texian]

Wyldwylliam one more thing. The repo. rods from Buffalo arms ( four measure 7in.) and the master rod with the brass end measures 7-1/4 in. Hope this helps .Dusty.

[Pitchy]

I made a set by cutting the heads off some allen fine thread screws and welding them too the rods. Drilled holes and tapped the other ends.
They just fit in the hole in the stock of my Chappy 76 and they rattle so i don`t carry them in there, instead i carry a belt pouch with the cleaning rods, file, eye glass and parts.
That way if i stick a barrle of any rifle i`m carrying in the snow or mud i have a rod along to clear it.

[dusty texian]

Nice work Pitchy.A handy pack  in the field.I stuff a couple of patch's in front of the sliding cover on my rifle . Does not make any rattle noise and I have a patch or two. Been thinking I need a possible bag for the field . To much time on my hands should be Mule Deer hunting this is fourth day of season and I have not made it to the ranch yet. My hunting partner came up sick the day before opening day. Would rather hunt one day with him, than the whole season without him .  Hope to get out there by Tues. or Wed.  still have 12 days left. Dusty.

[Pitchy]

Thanks Dusty and good luck on your hunt. 

[wyldwylliam]

Heaps O' thanks, both.

Pitchy, that rod looks like real good work. Outside my personal skill set though.

Dusty, thanks times twice to you for taking the trouble to do that measuring for me.

The hole in the butt trap on my Uberti is 11/16" and a more carefully measured depth from the bottom of the hole to the inside of the trap door is 71/4"

Might be a bit of a tight fit, but close enough for Bluegrass, as I used to say when tuning my banjer.

I'm going to order one up and I'll report back for the benefit of anyone else who might be contemplating a similar move. Even if it's not a slide-in fit I feel pretty sure that with a bit of judicious fettling I can get it to work.

Regards,
WW

[wyldwylliam]

Well, I got the repro Winchester rod in from BA and it fits great.

I found that with the little brass knob on the end which is meant to be a rudimentary handle of sorts, that the fit works best if this is inserted in the hole downwards. I also found that the little gate opens more readily if the whole group of the elements of the rod is shaken down towards the toe of the butt, but this can also be done by stuffing a bit of cleaning cloth into the hole to keep the elements in this position which has the added benefit of stopping any rattle.

Only down side, if indeed it is of any concern to the individual shooter, is that the balance of the rifle is moved rearwards and inch or two.

Anyhow, a great little addition to complete the package and enhance authenticity.

It's also a nicely done bit of kit with nice fit and good materials.

[Pitchy]

Cool, glad ya got one set-up 

[wyldwylliam]

Cheers, Pitchy.

WW

[Buck Stinson]

If there are any machinists out there who might want to make their own 1866, 1873 or 1876 cleaning rods, I can give you the specs on all, as I have several originals for each model.  email me at rick@oldwestreproductions.com