Does anyone even do this anymore?

[SwampBilly]

You know how they always say to put a cap on the nipple with an unloaded chamber and fire the cap off first to make sure that the ignition channel is clear?

With as precious as caps are here lately.... I take the cylinder out and as long as I can see daylight through the nipples, it's pretty much good to go unless I've got some oil in the cylinder that I need to get out of there first.

I know I'm sure not going to waste six caps every time I want to go bang

 

[l'Abeille]

You know how they always say to put a cap on the nipple with an unloaded chamber and fire the cap off first to make sure that the ignition channel is clear?

I don't shoot cap, so pardon the ignorance... what exactly would happen if the channel wasn't clear? A flash in the pan on a fuse/wheel/flintlock is usually an indicator of a plugged touch-hole, not proof that it's clear! Seems totally inside out...

 

[leadhoarder]

I use a quick squirt of brake cleaner to make sure the channel is clear but I am shooting stuff with hooked breech and do this with the barrel removed from the stock.

 

[JHB]

Air compressor works for me.

 

[Ponderosaman]

I don't shoot cap, so pardon the ignorance... what exactly would happen if the channel wasn't clear? A flash in the pan on a fuse/wheel/flintlock is usually an indicator of a plugged touch-hole, not proof that it's clear! Seems totally inside out...

The cap explosion clears the hole in the nipple since it is in an enclosed space.

 

[Okurok]

On revolvers I run a q-tip type thingie thru each chamber. That absorbs the oil and pushes air thru the nipples clearing out any oil. I still fire 2 caps on my rifles after swabbing oil out. I place the muzzle against a leaf or blade of grass. I fire caps until I see it jump.

 

[Sam squanch]

Denatured alcohol and a blast from the air hose….

 

[Brazos John]

I don't shoot cap, so pardon the ignorance... what exactly would happen if the channel wasn't clear? A flash in the pan on a fuse/wheel/flintlock is usually an indicator of a plugged touch-hole, not proof that it's clear! Seems totally inside out...

In The Texas Army, at weapons inspection, a cap is fired with the muzzle down by a leaf or grass on the ground. If the item moves when the cap is fired, you're getting pressure through the nipple and down the barrel, so you're good to go.
Since I only use my cap rifle for our reenactments, I don't know what the flinters do...

 

[Kansas Jake]

I still snap a cap on rifles with the muzzle pointed at the ground. $.15 for one cap is better than pulling a load aggravation. Of course I’m well stocked on caps including some 40+ years old.

 

[longcruise]

I do it occasionally but never prior to loading for a hunt. During big game season it may be loaded for a few weeks. I clear it by sloshing some alcohol up and down then run a patch to blow alcohol through the nipple. Usually do that at least a couple hours before loading.

I don't store them with enough oil protectant to be a problem.

 

[leadhoarder]

I actually busted a cap before loading the last time I went shooting. I did not put my ears on and man those things are loud all on their own.

 

[ppg1949]

I’m of the old school and still snap a cap before the first load. But a fine nipple prick would probably work as good for clearing the nipple.

 

[LANEY REECE]

Yes, i do it for hunting and target shooting, i was tough to do it before shooting black powder.

 

[Muddly]

Just don't over oil after cleaning. I patch the bore and patent breech, if so equipped, before loading the first round.
Never had a misfire on the first round, range or field.

 

[TDM]

Yes, I have always snapped at least cap prior to loading nigh on 43 years now. And yes I have plenty of caps and all the means to make them if needed.

 

[R Ellis]

yes

 

[appalichian hunter]

If I use a cap gun yes, if flinter just pick the touch hole before loading and when the gun is loaded, you can feel the powder charge in the flinter when you pick the vent the second time.

 

[PastorB]

I always snap a cap until I see evidence of the blast exiting the barrel, usually a leaf or something. However, I got a lot of caps that I have spent 40+ years accumulating. When I needed a tin, I bought 3 or 4 for about $2 a pop. Glad I made that decision!

 

[SwampBilly]

I don't shoot cap, so pardon the ignorance... what exactly would happen if the channel wasn't clear? A flash in the pan on a fuse/wheel/flintlock is usually an indicator of a plugged touch-hole, not proof that it's clear! Seems totally inside out...

Pardon the ignorance on my lack of flintlock experience....



But if you can see daylight through the nipples they're obviously not clogged

 

[SwampBilly]

Air compressor works for me.

I figured just being able to see daylight should be good enough....?