How often do you remove/clean nipple from caplocks

[Purebred Redneck]

I was at Cabelas last night talking to a employee, and he said that nipples on all caplock guns (rifles, handguns, etc) didn't need removal for cleaning but like once a year.

Now I always take them off to the clean after shooting and there is ussually a considerable amount of fouling on the threads. Of course I use borebutter on the threads and anti-seize grease may be a little more protective (I don't know).

But as far as dunking a barrel or cylinder in water, I would think there is going to be a lot of rust concerns - unless maybe you use grease.

What's everyone else do?

[bounce]

i don't mess with the niples less a lady gives me an opertunity Red. Hot water drys a gun off nice then I use 103 lube for everything

[Bubba]

I let her clean the nipples ... ...

Red... you know this thread opens the door, don't you?

Seriously, I clean the nipples on my ML’s every time I shoot them or even snap a cap in them… that little, tiny hole tends to get fouled with gunk every time you shoot.

[bounce]

And that little tiny hole can be cleaned with out it's removal, after the hot water & brushing then blow though each one, then repeat after it's dry as their will sitll be water around them. Guess now Red you can go buy an air compresor LOL.

[dovehunter]

I do the same thing as bounce, rarely actually removing the nipples. I'll usually shoot a little WD-40 down each hole to displace any residual moisture. WD-40 will dry to a film before the next time I shoot mine.

Speaking of nipples and percussion caps, I have always had problems with the (I think) no. 10 caps occasionally falling off and getting lodged in the action. I know you are supposed to pinch them a little to keep them from doing that, but I'm usually too lazy and too much in a hurry to worry with it. Someone once told me that you could get a smaller (no. 11?) cap. If that is so, where can you get them? I don't recall having seen any, though I haven't actually been looking for them specifically.

[Purebred Redneck]

I think you have that backwards.

I think the 11 is bigger than than 10.

Walmart may not have both sizes (probably doesn't), but other sporting goods stores should have both in one brand or another.

[dakota]

I clean them when I shoot them. I remove them and clean them and really inspect them - the nipples that is when I am through shooting for the year or if I think there might be a problem. I sort of consider the nipples to be a replacable item, so I don't mind putting a new one on now and then.

If I lived in an area that was more of a boon docks than I have in the past -- say 200 miles from Anchorage, I suspect I would have a few nipples to play with (no pun intended) and also a drill bit that I would use on the nipples if they start to corrode or plug up.

[Bill]

The nipples come out and get cleaned every time I clean the gun. My barrel does not come out of the stock so I take a nipple that I have drilled out the hole till its about 1/16" and screw that in and then use surgical tubing and slide that on the nipple. I then use a wet patch and with the tubing in hot water I start pumping. If the water is hot enough it will dry out the barrel when your done. Water almost boiling is perfect. Change water a couple times and pump till you get clear water. If it still has water in it and I'm home the air compressor will blow it out. If I'm not home and am in the field then I just pump with a dry patch till all the water is blown out. I then wash the nipple in the hot water and then lube up a patch and swab the barrel with it and then use some lube and put it on the nipple threads and screw it back in and I'm done. Really don't take much more time to do than it did to do this post.

[twomoons]

Nipples need to be taken out and inspected and cleaned at least once a year. his is because the hole in the nipple will gas cut and get larger with time. As soon as the hole is large enough you get uneven gas escape and vertical stringing or opened groups. The hole in the nipple should NEVER get any bigger than about a #60 drill bit and smaller is better. If you wait till the gas cocks the hammer you are way too late. I once rebarreled a rifle for a fellow who claime it was no good and the real cause was gas cutting in the nipple. The same barrel that wouldn't shoot went back to 1" at 50 yard groups with just a new drum and nipple.

[bounce]

I wanted a .32 anyway

[Bill]

;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

[klsm54]

;D ;D ;D It took a hell of a man to admit that, Bounce. ;D ;D ;D

[bounce]

Actualy I think T/M's left a little out about a drum crack? That he made for it origanly? Took him to find it but it was the real malfunction. But I truly did want it turned in to a .32 from a .40 When he told me what he had found it still did not save him any work. But he did try!! Allso at one time it could do much better than a inch at 50 maybe still can? Holding it that good is the problem the new .32 that I havent used much yet but once I did get 5 shots in one hole at 25yds and a bench with rest.

[deputydon]

I Do check the nipples as often as I can!!!!

[dakota]

;D