Source for large end French ramrods?

[Flint62Smoothie]

Trying to complete a French fusil de chasse, built to the 1729 contract requirements from the Tulle factory. Each French smoothies used a wooden ramrod where the last 5-6" inches at the muzzle are of greater diameter than the nominal 3/8" ramrod.

Where does one find such a blank?

 

[nessmuk]

I think the best bet would be to get a 1/2" ramrod and shave it down to the 3/8" that you need. I think that TOW sells a tool to shave ramrods.

 

[Flint62Smoothie]

I can make or buy a tapering tool, just need a good source for straight hickory ramrod blanks, at least 45" long (as early French FdCs were ~44.3" barrels, but as measured in pieds). TOW doesn't sell blanks that size.

 

[Hermit]

The way I make them for my self, I have green ash growing here by my pond, I find one the right size on the big end peel the bark off take it to the shed and clamp a pair of grass shears in the vise with the blades open the right amount hold the big end of the rod and pull the rod over the blades until I have it the right dia. to fit.
It don't take very long to get it the right size.
Hermit

 

[AZbpBurner]

You can get a flared brass "Tulip" tip for your tapered rod at TotW.

 

[Flint62Smoothie]

You can get a flared brass "Tulip" tip for your tapered rod at TotW.

Thanks, I think but a flared brass tip sure isn't a replacement for a ramrod that has a large bulbous section almost 6" long ...

 

[ApprenticeBuilder]

Cain's Outdoor and Davis both list 1/2" x 48" hickory "blanks"

 

[dave_person]

Hi,
Dunlap Woodcrafts has ramrods of many different diameters including 1/2". They don't show them on their website, you just have to call.

dave

 

[Flint62Smoothie]

Thanks all!

 

[kurts]

Steve Baily hickory rods 573 768 6545 buy a bunch good rods and fair price.

 

[JohnN]

http://www.redaviscompany.com/0100.html
R.E. Davis has 1/2" hickory.

 

[Flint62Smoothie]

http://www.redaviscompany.com/0100.html
R.E. Davis has 1/2" hickory.

Thank you for the link :hatsoff: !

 

[JohnN]

You're welcome.

 

[Col. Batguano]

Most hardwood dealers carry hickory boards too. It's a bit more work than starting with a shaped dowel, but in comparison to a whole gun, it's a walk in the park.

 

[rich pierce]

Steve Bailey selects really straight ramrods. They will be slightly under advertised size, by about 25/1000".

 

[Curt]

Steve Bailey has sold the bussiness but I didnt catch the new owners name. Curt

 

[rich pierce]

Steve Bailey has sold the bussiness but I didnt catch the new owners name. Curt

Dan Putz
573-768-6920

 

[rickystl]

Hi Rich.

Thanks for the update. I was so hopeing someone would buy the business. Steve (now Dan I presume) is a great source for ramrods, especially longer than standard lengths. A couple years ago I ordered a bundle of 10 in different diameters 57" long. Good quality and very reasonably priced. Thanks again.

Rick