I am afraid that most shooters think that the platinum plugs are blow out plugs in case of a bore obstruction ,this is not correct the purpose of these plugs which have a small vent in the centre is when the cap is ignited it draws air in through the vent which in turn gives a quicker ignition to the main charge
Feltwad
What a vented plug does, is that it prevents the flash of the cap from compressing the air in front of it, which can delay ignition, and help ensure reliable ignition. I believe it will also allow some of the crud to blow out the vent, instead of back up into the nipple. Will also allow a slightly heavier charge without blowing the hammer back. I have vented the bolsters on two of my civil war rifles, (replicas) and it does seem to work. When hunting I press a tiny ball of bee's wax over the vent, so the rain drops can't get in. It certainly does not draw air in, it lets it out, instead of compressing it.It was all a gimmick afraid not . Cannot see the Victorian gunmaker installing a platinum plug for no useful reason , has the user of originals maybe that's why I can fire a hundred shot in a outing and not have a misfire .
Feltwad
Very interesting guns, thanks, but the OP's has a rib, and has a ramrod, so it isn't a pigeon gun..., or do you think it's a repurposed pigeon gun ?Live pigeon guns come in all big bore sizes and also barrel lengths all are minus a ramrod rib enclosed is a image of pigeon guns
Feltwad
So what is the length of the barrel on that? If stated I seem to have missed it. If it weighs 9 pounds now, we my want to thank the barrel-bobber. An 11 pound gun with a 40 inch barrel probably wouldn't get used much. As is, I'd be elated and cross eyed with joy to take that thing out for a days hunt. Morbster, have you purchased it?
An 11 pound gun with a 40 inch barrel probably wouldn't get used much.
Trust me, the purpose of a vented breech, or plug, is what I said. It provides more reliable ignition. It allows the flash of the cap to travel faster to the main charge. Really. Seriously.What I'd heard about the platinum vents, was that early caps were pretty savage, and the vent let some of the pressure off. Also, with caps being a new idea, and folks used to a touchhole, they thought a gun needed a little hole to let pressure off to some degree.
I think Hawker speaks of this in "Instructions".
Feltwad,
Bill Curtis' tests seem to show that the old Curtis's and Harvey powder had more go than most modern powder.
Yes, there Was a problem with Government powder in the early 1800's, but later stuff was the cream of the crop.
(Talking British stuff here)
My experience has been that a 9 pound gun is manageable, when you get to around ten, or more then it does become a lug-job. Eight pounds is what I like, anything lighter is gravy, or icing on the cake. Both my Jeager, and Bessie weigh 8.25#'s.I can verify. I have a 58 caliber GRRW Hawken built very close to originals, and with its tapered 36" barrel it tips the scale at 12.5#. I'd hunt with it more if we still had our horses, as did the original Hawken users. But hunting on foot quickly turns into a lug job. Perhaps more than coincidentally, the 58 cal I hunt with most often tips the scales at 9#.
Stand Of Long FowlerMy experience has been that a 9 pound gun is manageable, when you get to around ten, or more then it does become a lug-job. Eight pounds is what I like, anything lighter is gravy, or icing on the cake. Both my Jeager, and Bessie weigh 8.25#'s.
I remember the Dixie Gun Work catalods with all of the hints and kinks in the back. There was always a blurb about drilling the percussion drum with a #60 drill to vent it.Trust me, the purpose of a vented breech, or plug, is what I said. It provides more reliable ignition. It allows the flash of the cap to travel faster to the main charge. Really. Seriously.
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