Photos below are methods I've successfully used over the past 6 decades to dry-fire my percussion guns without damaging the nipples &
how I've safely carried a loaded & capped firearm to stalk big game.
** Your firearm's 'half-cock' notch does not serve as a safe way to carry a loaded & capped firearm.
-If during a fall the hammer makes contact with a hard surface there is a high likelihood that the lock's half-cock notch will break or fail & the capped rifle will fire.
NOTE;
Exception; Some 'revolvers' have safety notches or pins between chambers to rest the hammer's face down on for safety while loaded & capped.
Photos below show methods I've used to carry my rifle loaded & capped while stalking big game & to dry-fire without damaging the nipple.
I attach an oblong piece of thick leather or neoprene to the rifle or pistols trigger guard with a length of waxed nylon thread commonly used with leatherworking.
The black round tapered object is likely familiar to do it yourselfers, it's a neoprene faucet washer, consider buying a container of assorted sizes at the hardware store to fit your rifle, pistol & musket nipples.
NOTE; Make sure top of the washer's cone is above top surface of the nipple.
*These washers can also be used to dry-fire your revolver & not damage the nipple by slipping one over the tip of the hammer or wedging a piece into the revolvers hammer slot..
Happy Trails !
Relic shooter
how I've safely carried a loaded & capped firearm to stalk big game.
** Your firearm's 'half-cock' notch does not serve as a safe way to carry a loaded & capped firearm.
-If during a fall the hammer makes contact with a hard surface there is a high likelihood that the lock's half-cock notch will break or fail & the capped rifle will fire.
NOTE;
Exception; Some 'revolvers' have safety notches or pins between chambers to rest the hammer's face down on for safety while loaded & capped.
Photos below show methods I've used to carry my rifle loaded & capped while stalking big game & to dry-fire without damaging the nipple.
I attach an oblong piece of thick leather or neoprene to the rifle or pistols trigger guard with a length of waxed nylon thread commonly used with leatherworking.
The black round tapered object is likely familiar to do it yourselfers, it's a neoprene faucet washer, consider buying a container of assorted sizes at the hardware store to fit your rifle, pistol & musket nipples.
NOTE; Make sure top of the washer's cone is above top surface of the nipple.
*These washers can also be used to dry-fire your revolver & not damage the nipple by slipping one over the tip of the hammer or wedging a piece into the revolvers hammer slot..
Happy Trails !
Relic shooter