Range Rods

Lenny_D · Aug 25, 2012

I've never seen a range rod and would like to ask someone how they work? Are the rods the size of the bore diameter and they just slide down the bore and they should go through the chambers in the cylinder? I measured a couple of my 38 caliber chambers and a .357 pin gage seems to fit nicely through the chambers. I do not have any pin gages available this weekend to check but does anyone know what the nominal size of the bore diameter for 38 caliber and 44 caliber?
If someone has a set of range rods for 38 and 44 could you please mic the rods and let me know what they measure?
I was able to make a yoke alingment tool and saved myself 57 bucks. I'd like to do the same with range rods. I guess I'm cheap!
Thanks in advance,
Len

TAROMAN · Aug 25, 2012

The range rod has a precision ground tip that, when inserted from the muzzle into each charge hole will allow the user to confirm proper carryup/alignment, or lack thereof:

The tips are interchangeable to accommodate different calibers.

The yoke alignment tool is inserted into the yoke in place of the cylinder. when the yoke is closed, the tip should fit right into the firing pin hole.
To align the yoke, you don't hammer/pry on the tool, but rather use it as a guide as you work it back into alignment.

Lenny_D · Aug 25, 2012

Thanks Taroman I thought that's how the range rod worked. Being that the bore diameter is smaller that the chamber diameter the rod slips through barrel to recoil shield.
Does anyone know the diameter of range rods for 38 and 44 caliber?

TAROMAN · Aug 25, 2012

My .38 is a "service rod. Looser tolerance then the "match" ones. It mikes at exactly .344". It is such a snug fit that any leading on the lands will stop it cold.

Lenny_D · Aug 25, 2012

TAROMAN said:
My .38 is a "service rod. Looser tolerance then the "match" ones. It mikes at exactly .344". It is such a snug fit that any leading on the lands will stop it cold.

Thanks again! So if the rod mics .344" and the chambers are .357" that would be a difference of .013" or .0065" per side. That seems like alot. I wonder what the difference in a match and service grade is. Especially if a service grade is so tight in the barrel.

Smith357 · Aug 25, 2012

I always though a "range rod" was that big heavy duty rod with a big fat handle for my muzzle loaders that makes multiple loadings and cleanings much easier while at the range.

I learn new stuff every day here at the S&W forum.

chief38 · Sep 5, 2012

Up until recently I had access to a bench lathe and so I turned one out of brass.
Works very well.

Titegroups · Sep 5, 2012

Looks like a pin gauge drilled at tapped for a handle.

TSQUARED · Sep 5, 2012

Lenny,
The only range rods I have are brass rods designed to remove any squibbs. I purchased some brass rod in diameters approximating the bore diameters and cut them to an appropriayte length.

Lenny_D · Sep 5, 2012

Thanks guys,
I found a sticky with the diameters given for 22,38,44 calibers. I made a set and they all slip down their perspective barrels with a nice slip fit. I didn't harden them but I'm not going to use them that often. I just tapped a 8-32 thread on one end and use a lenght of cleaning rod for a handle. Beats paying $26.00 each plus handle. My next project is going to be making a frame wrench and jaws for the S&W K,L and N frames.
Len

Range Rods

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Lenny_D

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TAROMAN

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Lenny_D

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Smith357

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chief38

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TSQUARED

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Lenny_D

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