Range and Cleaning Rod suggestions...

MTplainsman · Feb 2, 2023

I am looking for a lifetime quality rod for range shooting and also a lifetime quality rod for cleaning. I am not worried too much about cost, more about the quality. What do you guys have for suggestions and where can they be bought? Appreciate any help guys!

PS, I would like the cleaning rod that breaks down into pieces. The range rod can be a solid one piece if that's what is best. I have been looking at what looks to be a pretty good brass cleaning rod at Smiling Fox Forge, but maybe there are better ones to be had. Joel

Bearkiller · Feb 2, 2023

I use the Creedmoor rods from Track of the Wolf for range and cleaning I don't think you can beat the quality or price. I have every length the offer.

https://www.trackofthewolf.com/Categories/PartDetail.aspx/33/1/RAMROD-C-36-10

SOLANCO · Feb 2, 2023

I like my .50 BMG cleaning rod. It came in sections but I preferred to screw it together permanently by welding. Also welded a nut on it for use in screwing in a ball puller. Thinking about putting some sort of rubber or plastic coating on it to help protect barrels.

david w · Feb 2, 2023

I use this on my SMR.
46" Range Rod

BillRob · Feb 2, 2023

It's funny that you would ask about a break-down cleaning rod. I bought this brass one from a big box Sportsman's store a few years ago, and it works fine, except the pieces start to loosen while cleaning - while the jag follows the grooves of the rifle. I got concerned about it coming coming completely apart and spent this evening pinning the pieces together to make it a one piece rod. I drilled into the joints with a 5/64" bit, added a 7/64" recess on each side, and then peened a finishing nail at both ends into the joint. If you do end up with a breakdown cleaning rod, I would sure watch out for it loosening during your gun cleaning session.

necchi · Feb 2, 2023

Don't matter, get what you need/want in any configuration you like.
I like a solid Fiberglas,, and have modern stainless take-downs, and use both regularly.
Just make sure you ALWAYS use one of these that fit's the rod and bore,
,different rods need different sizes,, get the rod configuration that use 10-32 thread for accessories
Ramrod Guides, bore protectors - Track of the Wolf
It's the muzzle protection that's key.

david w · Feb 2, 2023

necchi said:
Don't matter, get what you need/want in any configuration you like.
I like a solid Fiberglas,, and have modern stainless take-downs, and use both regularly.
Just make sure you ALWAYS use one of these that fit's the rod and bore,
,different rods need different sizes,, get the rod configuration that use 10-32 thread for accessories
Ramrod Guides, bore protectors - Track of the Wolf
It's the muzzle protection that's key.

I agree with the muzzle protector being most important. Someone posted using sectioned a rod, and then welding it to make it one piece. Why not just use a one piece rod from the git go? I don't object to fiberglass, but stainless is the strongest. If you ever have to pull a ball, I trust stainless best. my one piece rod is no longer than my SMR.

Ed C. · Feb 2, 2023

I like to use Delrin rods for range and cleaning but keep a Creedmoor stainless rod on hand for when things get tough. Track of the Wolfs model comes with a brass guide.

FishDFly · Feb 2, 2023

One (1) piece range rod from Rice Barrels is one of the best.

ColonialRifleSmith · Feb 2, 2023

MTplainsman said:
I am looking for a lifetime quality rod for range shooting and also a lifetime quality rod for cleaning. I am not worried too much about cost, more about the quality. What do you guys have for suggestions and where can they be bought? Appreciate any help guys!

PS, I would like the cleaning rod that breaks down into pieces. The range rod can be a solid one piece if that's what is best. I have been looking at what looks to be a pretty good brass cleaning rod at Smiling Fox Forge, but maybe there are better ones to be had. Joel

Go to your local hardware store and get one of these. $2.00. Put a tip on it, $3.00, and you have a lifetime range rod for about $5.00. They come in 5/16ths and 3/8ths, all colors and lengths. A bore guide will slide right on if desired. I just use mine with the plastic tip that comes on it. Semper Fi.

Rum River · Feb 2, 2023

In my case I have a solid brass range rod with muzzle protector, even came with an antler handle. Decades back a guy at a show had such a good price I couldn't resist.

garypl · Feb 2, 2023

FishDFly said:
One (1) piece range rod from Rice Barrels is one of the best.

This is a nice rod - I have 8-10 different stainless rods with various types of handles and this is one of my favorites, mostly I like the round ball on the end. Looks just like the rod sold by Kibler’s (they may get their rods from Rice because they use Rice barrels). Convenient to order a rod shipped with your rifle kit! I used Loctite on the the ball handle to prevent loosening while cleaning.

Ohio Rusty · Feb 2, 2023

The Log Cabin Shop sells the 'Wonder Rod'. It is flexible, will last you a lifetime and has an 8/32nd and a 10/32nd female adapter on both ends. The material it is made from won't cause wear to the muzzle of your barrel. It comes in different sizes to fit a .32 caliber to a .50 caliber and above.
Ohio Rusty ><>

pacanis · Feb 2, 2023

I got my range rod from TVM when I bought the rifle. I have no idea what make it is.
All steel, one piece, ball end and brass muzzle protector. I like it. I think the fewer connections the better. Then you only need to keep track of the jag end.

But I did buy a hickory rod when I don't feel like using a muzzle protector. Like loading my sxs coach gun. I use it for cleaning, also.

Smokey Plainsman · Feb 2, 2023

Traditions makes a very solid 3 piece sectioned brass cleaning rod that could do double duty.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1002295163
Tucks nicely in a range bag but is extremely durable.

MTplainsman · Feb 2, 2023

BillRob said:
It's funny that you would ask about a break-down cleaning rod. I bought this brass one from a big box Sportsman's store a few years ago, and it works fine, except the pieces start to loosen while cleaning - while the jag follows the grooves of the rifle. I got concerned about it coming coming completely apart and spent this evening pinning the pieces together to make it a one piece rod. I drilled into the joints with a 5/64" bit, added a 7/64" recess on each side, and then peened a finishing nail at both ends into the joint. If you do end up with a breakdown cleaning rod, I would sure watch out for it loosening during your gun cleaning session.

I forgot to mention that I need the rods for smoothbores only. Sectioned cleaning rods always twist apart on me when I clean my modern rifles!

MTplainsman · Feb 2, 2023

david w said:
I agree with the muzzle protector being most important. Someone posted using sectioned a rod, and then welding it to make it one piece. Why not just use a one piece rod from the git go? I don't object to fiberglass, but stainless is the strongest. If you ever have to pull a ball, I trust stainless best. my one piece rod is no longer than my SMR.

Yep, I definitely want a one piece rod for the range, however, I also want a take town cleaning rod (12" section or so) that I can always keep on the bottom of my shooting box.

pacanis · Feb 2, 2023

This isn't in stock... and I did not compare pricing to those already mentioned... but it's another option. Probably pretty stout, too. Since it is made for shotguns.

Ramrod - Collapsible

Brazos John · Feb 2, 2023

From October Country, I bought a brass 1/4" ramrod that I use as an underbarrel ramrod and cleaning rod. OC made it the exact length I requested, and put female threads on both ends for a handle or jags.
Also, I bought 2 short starters, on was 1/4", the other 3/16". I had them made long enough to also use as ramrods for several pistols I have. They have the threaded ends, too. I had to change my order over the phone, and they were able to accomplish it with no issues.
I recommend October Country. :thumb:

Plus, they can antique the brass rods so that they're not all shiny!

Rifleman1776 · Feb 2, 2023

Delrin is a good choice, inexpensive and unbreakable. That said, I have rods (a lot of them) made from stainless steel, brass, hickory and, of course, Delrin.

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