How to use the bayonet/ cleaning rod?

[Texxut]

Do you just wrap the end with a cleaning patch? Or does the end of the bayonet screw off so you can use attachments for cleaning? I have a Model 1888 w/bayonet.

[Dick Hosmer]

The 1888 should have the following in the butt trap: M1879 combo tool, M1882 headless shell extractor, and a little 'thimble' which screws onto the end of the rod to hold cleaning material.
Your question is confusing - the rod cannot be stowed with the thimble installed - therefore, assuming bayonet IS presently in the stock (?) there can be nothing to "screw off..........." Perhaps you are missing the thimble? Originals are now quite expensive but decent repros are available at modest cost.

[Texxut]

I'm including a picture of both ends of the rod, the 1879 tool and the shell extractor. There doesn't seem to be anyway to screw any thing on to either end of the rod. I don't know what a thimble is. I'll do some searching for it. Yes, the bayonet fits nicely in the stock. I really appreciate your help.
1888 tools & rod ends.jpg

[Dick Hosmer]

thimble.jpgVery informative picture - thank you. Your rod-bayonet has apparently been shortened by a previous owner - the end should be threaded. The other tools are correct. Here is a picture from S&S catalog. The piece is about an inch long./Users/richardshomefolder/Desktop/thimble.png

[Texxut]

Thanks for the picture, I know a good machinist, what is the thread and pitch, I'm sure he will be able to thread it for me. I ordered a tulip tip from S&S.

[Dick Hosmer]

Offhand, I'd say 3/16"-26, but I would wait until you get the tip - S&S MAY have used something modern since 99% of users clean their rifles with modern equipment and the stuff is in the trap for show and tell. Nobody has cases separate any more. You will need to blue and age the tip. I bought one for my M1882 funky 'restoration' last year. My other RBRs have original tips. SA was hung up on 26tpi, but the diameters varied with the need.

[Allen]

Thanks Dick. No one knows this stuff like you.

[Tom Trevor]

Dick. I would not say cases do not separate any longer I have no count how many I have removed over the years 45-70 45-90 and one guys 45-110 Sharps at the range. The Swiss powder seems to be the worst for stretching and eventually letting go. The granules are very hard unlike GOEX and I thing when the powder column starts to move on ignition they dig into the brass and pull forward before being consumed in combustion. That little tool is worth its weight in gold.

[Dick Hosmer]

Thanks Tom - you are the go-to guy for actual shooting! I sit corrected...