Question about #11 nipples

[hometheaterman]

I'm needing to replace the Nipple on a Marlin MLS-50. I read that any standard 1/4x28 nipple should fit.

Ok so I went to a gun shop that I've dealt with several times in the past to see what they had. They had one Thompson Center Standard #11 nipple that was 1/4x28 for the thread. It fit great and looked very similar to the one it had in there. One thing I did notice though is the hole that goes through it is a lot smaller on the thompson center one than the one I had. Will this matter? I mean the diameter of the hole going through the nipple was smaller. The rest looked similar and it threaded in perfectly.

I was going to get two but they only had one so I got another one which was a Hot Shot nipple instead of the standard. Out of these two which should I use? The hot shot one threads in fine but the part of the nipple you put the cap on is clearly longer. Will this matter? Or is it fine?

Is the diameter of the hole being smaller a concern or is it a non concern and these will work fine?

Should I use the hot shot one or the standard one?

Also changing the nipples won't change the POI of the shots will it? I have this thing sighted in so I can shoot the bulls eye out of the target at 100 yards. I really don't have time to re sight it in nor do I really want to waste money on the ammo for it unless I really have to.

 

[Noz]

The small diameter of the hole is a plus. There is less blowback than with the large hole and the manufacturer claim that the smaller hole concentrates the cap explosion and creates better ignition.

 

[hometheaterman]

Ok I guess that's a good thing then. My scope is already ruined on the outside from the blowback though so oh well. Still works fine.

Would changing the nipple change the poi of the shots? Like I checked it to make sure it was still shooting good last weekend with the old nipple. Do I need to check it again or is it fine to go and hunt with still?

 

[fineredmist]

I would suggest that you check the POI with the new nipple as it may have changed the combustion characteristics and that may effect the POI. Besides it gives you an excuse to go shooting.

 

[arcticap]

A Marlin nipple would cost $9.40 plus shipping from Numrich Gun Parts:

http://www.e-gunparts.com/product.asp?chrProductSKU=746910&CatID=11798&mySort=1

I've heard that TC made that model for Marlin which is somewhat similar to the TC Black Diamond. Maybe a Black Diamond nipple would have served as an alternative replacement?
The longer length of the Red Hot nipple can probably be dressed with a file to increase the amount of travel of the striker bolt if you feel that it's necessary. If the orafice of the Red Hot is more similar in diameter to the original then I would go ahead and fit that in order to deliver a more similar spark & performance for the hunt. After installing it then just snap a cap or three and test it for proper fit & function and don't even bother to verify the POI. But with the smaller TC replacement nipple I agree that it's better to recheck the POI. Plus I would hate to see that little hole ever get blocked up with cap debris, residue or anything else.

Why not add a scope protector?
TC makes one that's sold at some Walmarts and Dick's Sporting Goods that wraps around the scope and is held in place with Velcro.
Someone described how they sliced open the plastic section of a shotshell which curls around and self-adheres to the body of the scope to act as a protector. Others have used tape, but I suppose that it's too late to save your scope finish anyway. It can always be spray painted.
I'm curious about what load your shooting with and how it ends up shooting with the new nipple. Please let us know about how that goes once you try it out and also about your hunt.