Author Topic: Best replacement for Sidekick ramrod ?? (Read 1346 times)

redpep · « **on:** January 11, 2005, 08:47:11 AM »

I am supposed to get my new sidekick 26" stainless this thursday and have nothing but bad reviews of the adjustable ram that comes with the ml.
So what do I get as a replacement with 10/32 ends?

thanks, dennis

243tom · « **Reply #1 on:** January 11, 2005, 11:35:12 AM »

You can read through the other posts here,,as I have,,and I don't remember seeing any replacement rods offered that will fit under the barrel.
You could buy a one piece range rod,,which is fine,,but I don't see anyone carrying that around while they're hunting. The factory rod is all thats available because of the barrel/fore end stud. And really,,I don't find it all that bad. I did make an attachment out of a solid round 3/8 brass,,2 inches long and tapped 8/32 on one end,,with a brass machine screw inserted to adapt to the factory thread. Then tapped the other end 10/32 to accept the numerous attachments out there for sale by other companies for cleaning purposes.
The collapsible rod works okay for what it is meant to do in the field. I guess I sort of like the theory of "one shot ,make it count".
And that is likely why we here continue to buy and enjoy shooting H&R/NEF firearms........

DoubleA · « **Reply #2 on:** January 12, 2005, 02:40:18 AM »

I read an article I think on Chuckhawks that recommended these. I don't have my Sidekick in yet, so I haven't called to see if they have one that actually fits under the barrel.

http://xssights.com/models.lasso?category=powerrodunder30

tscott · « **Reply #3 on:** January 12, 2005, 04:25:42 AM »

Am I the only nut that doesn't want the ramrod on the gun? I have an old wooden shotgun cleaning rod that unscrews to 12" sections. I keep this in my pack along with the huntsman rod. I use 295 powerbelts, that are no problem for the factory rod, and I have never needed a second shot.
I'm a hunter not a range guy, but if I ever needed a range rod, I'd make one from an old Easton arrow xx75 (2117), use the head end to screw in seating appliances / cleaning jags, and epoxy a wooden handle on the contraption. I'm from rural NY. Used to call this stuff Yankee ingenuity.
I'm in the South now (and like it). What do we call it here...?
Back to the rod! I have seen tons of complaints! From the setup I use the
rod doesn't seem that it would ever be an issue for me.
I reshaped my 45 / 70 forearm to a 1905 H&R 12 guage look, and put it under my Huntsman. My Huntsman now looks a lot better to me and carries so much better as well.

bjgolfnut · « **Reply #4 on:** January 12, 2005, 11:01:50 AM »

Hey Dennis,
The big thing to remember is when starting a bullet into the muzzel, DONT EXTEND THE RAMROD. Push your bullet into the barrel as far as possible with the rod as is, then extend rod and continue to seat bullet. I use a range rod when working up a load etc. Rod is not the best design but does the trick when Hunting. All you need is one shot hopefully most of the time.

corelokt308win · « **Reply #5 on:** January 12, 2005, 04:19:19 PM »

Some people use a length of dowel first as a short starter, and then push that down the barrel with the unextended ramrod. You would just have to remember to tip the rifle and let the dowel slide out after loading it. I use the factory rod as intended and bought a spare just in case, and haven't needed it yet.

newstart2k · « **Reply #6 on:** January 13, 2005, 02:22:50 AM »

I had the good look of being within driving distance of the gentleman who was recommended to me by H&R's CSR. He had been making replacement ramrods for the Huntsman but had not made one for the longer barrled Sidekick. After measuring my rifle he made me a heavy brass collapsible ramrod. It is much stronger than the original and accepts all standard attachments. The only knock I could have against it is that unlike the factory rod it will not "lock down" in the collapsed position. It doesn't affect it's use in any way.
He has a website which I don't have the link for right now. Do a search for Hubbard's Outdoor Products and you should find it.

Primer · « **Reply #7 on:** January 13, 2005, 04:24:55 AM »

You can make your own and only costs a buck or two. Shown is with my Huntsman, but can make same length as your Sidekick RR in it's closed position.

Third try...keeping me fingers crossed. :grin:

Weights less and I like it a lot better. Carry extension in coat or fanny pack.

Only things I purchased were the hardwood dowel, brass 10-32 bolt and T/C Super Jag. The brass ramrod tips were free (pistol .40 S&W brass at range). :grin: Drill out primers and tap with 10-32 tap. Inlet rod & epoxy into place.

Closer look at 8 1/2" extension and T/C jag. All rods 7/16" straight grain dowel. Carry in hunting coat or fanny pack. Works great!

Primer · « **Reply #8 on:** January 13, 2005, 05:27:30 PM »

redpep,

Changed pic hosting and hope the above pics stay up for more than a few hrs this time.
Hope they are of some help to you. At least it gives you another option for replacing the factory ramrod.
Since I made this replacement setup,I have honestly not used the factory one (actually a replacement for the original that I broke). :grin: At the range,I always take a range rod...but do not hesitate to use the above setup there either.

tscott · « **Reply #9 on:** January 14, 2005, 01:56:37 AM »

Yea, this wood dowell arrangement is very similar to my old break down
wood shotgun cleaning rod that I use. My 2 piece deal apart is shorter than the original, and stows nicely in my pack in that side compartment
that I use for coffee as well. As far as accessibility is concerned, I prefer the rod off the gun and have removed barrel clasp, and substituted a rasped down version of my 45/70 forearm. As I have stated above, I
really like my slimmed down version. Geez, after 25 years of a computer on my desk at work or home you'd think I'd take the time to figure out how to post Pics... I really like the look of my Huntsman... Nothing shoots better!