Navy Cleaning Rod Dimensions
 

I purchased a repro zig zag Navy rod from Bulgaria. Actually very well built but to long. I can cut it down but need to know the correct dimensions. Everywhere I look they are different. "Imperial Lugers" says 198.4 mm overall with a rod length of 185.7mm. "Pistole Parabellum" says a rod length of 185mm. A German diagram in Benders ( which I had forgotten was there and graciously sent to me by Norme) says 207mm overall and rod length of 186.5mm. Can any of you Navy rod owners help me out? Thanks Bill

Hi Bill, I have four Navy rods, two are the early, all brass, zig-zag type, one is the intermediate steel rod with brass washers and ferule, and one is the late, all steel type. The exposed shaft length of the first three is 186.5mm, the all steel is shorter at 185mm. The overall length varies slightly from rod to rod, but averages 204mm. I think this depends on how much the butt end of the rod was compressed during the peening process. My advice to you is to go with the blueprint dimensions assuming, of course, that the handle and washers you have are the correct size.
Best regards, Norm