Jag & rod
 

Beautiful day here to punch paper. Almost 80 degrees sun shining; I leave work early to get setup about 5:00. Punch about 10 shots having a great time. The range went cold so some others could change out targets. I decided to swab, after all, it had been fouled for 10 shots. Sprayed some of cayugad's top secret mix and the damn jag snapped off at the threads!

Fortunately the breech broke loose easily (I use teflon plumbers tape) and I shoved the jag threw the end of the barrel. I was done for the day after about an hour.

I know, Sabotloader in particular always preaches to have spare parts but dang, this rod and jag had less than 100 rounds.

I ordered a super ram/range rod from Cains Outdoors (thanks to whom ever gave me info on this rod) and the spin jag Sabotloader was impressed with.

By the way, the threads on this rod looked like they were eating away. Could the powder have done this in that short period of time? If so, how do you protect these pieces?

I sure didnt think this would happen this quick.

RE: Jag & rod
 

I doubt if the threads were corroded, especially that quickly. It was probably just a faulty jag. It happens.

That is one reason the use of a good strong range rod is something I swear by. I have a stainless steel range rod with a large T handle that was custom made, and it works great. My old Thompson Center Range rod finally wore the threads out. I thought about re-tapping it or just epoxy a permanent cleaning jag to it. I might still do that. That Cain's Super Rod is a great rod. I bought one for one of my flintlocks. A real quality item there.

RE: Jag & rod
 

I think it was Cayugad's top secret mix! :D

It stinks when something like that happens. The second trip out after I bought my White, I was all set up and ready to shoot, very excited. THEN NO CAPS!!!!! 20 miles back to the house. So I made the trip and shot. There was no denying me that day. :)

RE: Jag & rod
 

oldrookie

Dang!

Is this the setup that broke? Gees tell me it wasn't....

Normally a jag threads break because on the back pull the the tip un-screws itself from the rod and the next time you drive it back down the thin brass threads just give up the ghost and break... The spin jag should not do that because it is free to rotate going in and coming out...

I would not think so.... but it would hurt to flush and clean those threads once in awhile.

I use a different range rod, I am really hoping it was not your new set up... there are two different very common threads sizes ( 8x32 or 10x32)any chance that you had two different sizes?

Of course I can say this because it is what i use, but the best range rod is a Tipton - Carbon Fiber Rod, you understand it is the best since that is what i use.... - there is a joke in there somewhere...



http://www.battenfeldtechnologies.com/tipton-deluxe-carbon-fiber-cleaning-rods.html

http://www.battenfeldtechnologies.com/720747.html

The handle rotates on this rod as well as the spin jag if you have one installed....

RE: Jag & rod
 

Relax Sabotloader....I ordered the spin jag and super rod as soon as I got home. You are probably right on what caused it to break. In taking a better look at the threads, the jag broke not quite in the middle; therfore, the jag had loosened itself almost half way and then I jammed it back in there for another pass and snapped it. Cayugad, I did grind the threading down on the old rod and used Gorilla glue on the old jag. Gorilla glue is excellent but I doubt if it will hold. May be good enough for a cleaning tool.

RE: Jag & rod
 

By the way, the range rod and jag was the original that came with the Optima. That jag had been on so tight, I thought it was all one piece. I had never seen the threads until tonight.

RE: Jag & rod
 

Sabotloader, I didnt think about matching thread size. The super rod has 8/32 at one end and 10/32 on the other. Do you know what the thread size is on that spin jag? I bought the original not the slick one.

Also, to keep these things from backing out and getting loose, anybody see a problem with a locktite type of product?

RE: Jag & rod
 

Is that inner rod brass or steel? Steel on that rod, wasn't it? You bet they'll rust quick if exposed to bp, pyro, or T7. Pays to clean everything - even the parts you wouldn't believe could be exposed. Did they ever fix the Optima rifles so that you can clean the firing pin area (without removing the buttstock)?

The Hunter Super Rods have one steel piece inside that jag (the worm part). You'll need to unscrew the jag from it and wipe it down on occasion, else it will corrode on ya. I have yet to use the worm on mine so I suppose it wouldn't be any great loss. :)

RE: Jag & rod
 

Underclocked, the jag and threads were brass and the rod I suppose is aluminum or at least it sure bent easy. Like I said, that jag was on so tight, I decided it was one piece. Never saw the threads until tonight. Otherwise, I would have cleaned the jag in the same solution when I soak my breech plug.

RE: Jag & rod
 

oldrookie

Mine are 10/32...

dumb question... are you getting a ram-rod for your rifle or a range rad for shooting?

That is the one I prefer...

Should not need to the spin jag comes with a nut you tighten into the rod and I am talking range - rod as I do not use the ram rod for anything but hunting....

RE: Jag & rod
 

Sabotloader, I am buying the super rod for range only. Its like 32" single rod...be too long for the field. I am going to buy another rod for field only. Not sure what to get but its not going to be a replacement CVA. I think someone on here posted the fact that Traditions makes a nice rod for the field.

Do you use the spin jag in the field?

I am interested in seeing that little booger. Should be a lot less friction going down the bore.

RE: Jag & rod
 

oldrookie

Got it that makes sense now....

Nope - only at the range or general shooting.... but you could. I use the TC super jag in the field on the end of my ram rod. I cut the ram-rod down so I can install the super jag.

I really think it does reduce some of the resistance going down...

RE: Jag & rod
 

RE: Jag & rod
 

Thanks Redclub! I think I will use some just to take a little strees off of the threads.

RE: Jag & rod
 

About a month ago I broke the Jag off in my T/C plains rifle. I had some others people have tossed in my box at one time or another.
Set up the vice in my drill press drilled #27 holes in all the broken jags. Taped them 10x32, went to the hard ware store and bought a packet of 10x32 set screws for about 35 cents. I now have 5 or 6 jags for the 50 and 3 or 4 for the 54.

:) Al

RE: Jag & rod
 

Good idea alleyyooper. I was looking for a way to salvage the rod and jag. Figured I could use it for cleaning purposes. So you drill all the way through the jag and then screw it in the opposite end thats threaded?

RE: Jag & rod
 

No I drill a bit over half of how long the set screws are since I don't have a bottoming tap that size. The bit over half allows the tapered tap I have to thread the jag half way. Fill the hole and threads about half with Permabond 202 and screw the set screw in.
Those set screws are not really all that long, about a half inch.

:) Al

RE: Jag & rod
 

Could you drill all the way through and use appropriate screw with a round head? The end I would screw it into is already tapped at either 8/32 or 10/32.

RE: Jag & rod
 

Yes you could use a machine bolt and run it all the way thru the jag. Fact is you could run it all the way thru a over sized hole and it would be able to spin with the rifleing if it was spaced off the end of the ram rod.
Use a 8x32 and a 10x32 to see just which threads your ram rod has.

:D Al