Second Allin cleaning rod

[Kragrifle]

I am aware that the cleaning rods for the 1866 Second Allin conversions will be found in two thickness measurements. Why is that the case?

[Dick Hosmer]

I cannot answer that question. You would think that they would have had enough leftover rods from the 1864 muskets to cover the (relatively) few 66s. And, the difference is real - not a sloppy tolerance issue at all. The rod for the 1867 Cadet is a bit thinner yet (for lightness) but I understand that is not what you were talking about.

What I also find interesting is the fact that the M66 rods were shortened - don't know the answer to that one either, but I doubt that it was aesthetics. They figured their costs to the mill ($0.001) in those days, so there must have been a reason.