M1842 original ramrod length question

[KPavia]

Hello
So I purchased an original M1842 from Lodgewood. The description said that the ramrod was original also. It measures 39.5 inches but when inserted into its proper place in the musket it's about 2 inches short of the muzzle. Does anyone know the proper length of an M1842 ramrod?

[conmed]

Re: M1842 original ramrod length question

Greetings-

According to the 1850 Ordnance Manual, the ramrod length is 41.70 inches.

Dave Smoot

[Pritchett Ball]

Re: M1842 original ramrod length question

A repro Armi 1842 rammer that I just worked on for a friend, measures 41-5/8ths of an inch. When placed in MY Army 1842, it's 1/4 inch back of the muzzle, not flush with it.

Be interesting to see how others measure out!

[Pritchett Ball]

Re: M1842 original ramrod length question

A feller on FB posted this picture of his original 42 ramrod...Looks like 41-5/8"
is about it.

[Craig L Barry]

Re: M1842 original ramrod length question

1842 ramrod: 41 5/8" is correct.

The repro has a slot cut for a ramrod stop in the stock (under the trigger guard) but Armi Sport does not put a ramrod stop in.

[KPavia]

Re: M1842 original ramrod length question

Looks like mine was cut down then. Too bad, considering the description that Lodgewood posted of the musket was that the ramrod was full length.
Thanks for the info.

[James Brenner]

Re: M1842 original ramrod length question

Hmmm. I have an original, converted and rifled M1816 that has an original ramrod. The thing is ... it's not the ramrod original to that musket. It's a European ramrod, 40.25 inches in length. It's cupped to accept a conical bullet, has a BE surmounted by a crown (at least that's what it looks like to me). and is threaded on the other end. It's also about two inches short of the muzzle. It's been with the gun for quite some time and is contemporaneous to the musket. It may be that the ramrod is a battlefield replacement, a depot replacement, or some guy in 1926 decided he liked this ramrod better. Perhaps yours is also a period replacement?

[Roose1cm]

Re: M1842 original ramrod length question

Kenny,

I also have an original ‘42 with a ramrod at about the length of yours, about two inches to short.

Chris Roose