Caps for my Pietta 1858

Caution

Gentleman,

I just finished reading a thread over at the TMA forum and this is not the first time I've heard or read of those who have had accidental discharges (chain fire) with a BP revolver, and it HAPPENED FROM PINCHED CAPS THAT FELL OFF THE NIPPLE END of the revolver.

This is a quote from a TMA State Rep. who not only uses a lubed (over the powder) wad, but uses over the ball grease as well.

I believe this accident occured, not from the front of the cylinder(its a tight lead seal, Wonder Wad and grease over the ball) but rather from a cap adjacent to the fired cylinder falling off and lighting that cylnder along with the one the hammer hits. I can't stress enough the use of a proper fitting cap and ball. I once had a .36 cal misfire and the pressure from the cap pushed the loose(my bad) ball into the forcing cone. I don't know why I didn't cock and fire another round, but my guardian angel was looking out for me that day and I took the pistol apart and found the ball in the barrel. Make sure your caps are tight and your head is screwed on straight as with all firearms.

I believe the lesson here is "never say never" and it's ALWAYS better to err on the side of caution.

This is why I will never pinch a cap.

Do it right men,

Birch
 
mrbatchelor

Thank you for that excellent link! It's the best one I've seen yet on this topic. Someone did a TON of work putting it together. In fact, I saved it to my favorites on my computer so I can get back to it again in the future.

I believe this to be a "must read" for every C&B revolver shooter.

Well done!

:D

Birch
 
If you don't notice that a cap has fallen off a nipple before you shoot, you're not paying attention, and you're asking for trouble.
For those who don't believe pinching caps is safe, all I can say is, "Don't pinch caps."
I have never had a problem pinching caps.
 
Good info mrbatchelor. I saved it also. In thrity yrs I've only had one chain fire and it happen with a nipple with a #11 cap on a nipple made for #10s so far it's never happen again. Now days though I have had to pinch #10s on a new pistols nipples. Chaining the stock nipples might be the only answer after the stock ones go bad.:confused:
 
I did nothing more than google-fu. Someone else did all the hard work putting it together.

If I knew who it was I would thank him personally.
 
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