Thanks to all of you. Czar , that WAS a thought to consider! I discovered that there is even more to this problem. All of that swivel exercising loosened the swivel/ramrod retention spring nut, the ramrod is in an unknown snow pile,and I get to carry my range rod for the rest of my hunt. There WILL be a locking nut added to the ramrod retainer screw assy. ,a stainless swivel, silver -soldered to the dovetailed thimble , and a measurement of the muzzle height in relation to my head while the rifle is slung! The ramrod ---- ,well it's in a known area about 100 yds. long and if the drifting snow exposes it ,fine . If not --- Turkey season weather should expose it. Now, I'm in the market for a stainless/ nickel swivel. I lost a very good-sized deer due to a too-thick glove ,inexperience with my Huntsmans much lighter trigger pull and too much confidence in the situation ,so I earned another day or six in the woods. How's that for punishment? Low and to the right by 6 feet on a 100 yd . shot ! Ken