M1842 ramrod size question

[Cannonsight]

I have an original M1842 that has had the barrel relined. I bought it a few years ago as a nearly completed project and it came without a ramrod. I picked up a repro ramrod at Mansfield from Lodgewood, The problem is that it fits so tightly in the ramrod channel that I can't get it out without wrapping a rag around it and pulling on it with pliers. I'm thinking that the rod might be one from an Italian reproduction and maybe it's slightly larger in diameter than an original. It measures .234"/ 5.95mm. Does anyone have an original they could measure? Thanks, Fred

[MR. GADGET]

No original but I can tell you this, not all reproduction are the same.
I have maybe 6 to 8 reproductions and all but a few are different.
It is like the batch or maker use what is on hand or in stock at the time....

Is youre a steel or brass?
I bet it is a metric 6mm

[Cannonsight]

It's steel

[Richard Hill]

That's about what the examples I have measure. The ramrod channel may be coated with accumulated "patina" that makes the rod difficult to move. You can use a loooong .22 cleaning rod with an .22 brush attached to clean the channel. There's a metal ramrod stop under the trigger plate at the end of the channel that can be removed, but will probably require a small hole to be drilled in the barrel channel above the stop so it can be driven out. This is a last resort and not recommended.

[John Holland]

Cannonsight - All original Model 1842 ram rods are a gentle taper from top to bottom.

The dimensions, from an original rod in near new condition, are as follows:

Bottom of the rod just above where the threads begin - 0.190"
5" up from the bottom end - 0.195"
10 " from the bottom - 0.202"
15" up from the bottom - 0.205"
20" - ditto - 0.205"
25" - ditto - 0.205"
30" - ditto - 0.220
35" - ditto - 0.220"
38" - ditto - o.225"
39" - ditto - 0.243"
39.5" - ditto - 0.255"
40" - ditto - 0.310"
40.5" - ditto - 0.360"
41" - ditto - 0.482
41.5" - top edge of rod - 0.550"

Using the original dimensions as a reference, your reproduction ram rod is just too thick for the original stock channel. Personally I would start draw filing towards the proper taper until it fits!

I hope this has been helpful.

John Holland
Chairman, Small Arms Committee

[Cannonsight]

Thanks gentlemen, that's precisely the information I need.