Why Does My Cap & Ball Revolver Keep Misfiring?

Published on April 21, 2018
Duration: 3:34

This video addresses common misfires in cap and ball revolvers, particularly the Colt Navy 36. Instructor Dustin Winegar explains that a frequent cause is a dislodged percussion cap falling into the action, preventing the hammer from striking subsequent caps effectively. He advises a thorough visual inspection after each shot to remove any stuck caps before they become flattened and harder to extract, saving the user from unnecessary disassembly and parts replacement.

Quick Summary

A common cause of misfires in cap and ball revolvers is a dislodged percussion cap falling into the action. This cap can get lodged between the hammer and frame, preventing the hammer from striking subsequent caps. Before disassembling, always perform a visual inspection to check for and remove any stuck caps.

Chapters

  1. 00:04Introduction and Question
  2. 00:14Jeremy Gunslinger's Misfire Problem
  3. 00:31Common Misfire Cause: Stuck Caps
  4. 00:45How Caps Fall into the Action
  5. 01:16Difficulty Seeing Lodged Caps
  6. 01:40Impact on Hammer Reach
  7. 01:50Simple Inspection Before Disassembly
  8. 02:08Checking the Colt Walker
  9. 02:13Visual Clip of Cap Issue
  10. 02:35Jeremy's Cap Jam Confirmed
  11. 02:51Final Advice: Check for Cap Jam
  12. 03:07Conclusion and Call to Action

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my cap and ball revolver keep misfiring?

A very common reason for misfires in cap and ball revolvers is a percussion cap that has come off the nipple after a shot. This cap can fall into the gun's action, often lodging between the hammer and frame, preventing the hammer from properly striking subsequent caps.

What should I check first if my cap and ball revolver is misfiring?

Before taking your cap and ball revolver apart, always perform a quick visual inspection. Look closely at the area around the hammer and frame for any dislodged percussion caps that might be stuck, especially after firing.

Can a stuck cap prevent my revolver from firing all its cylinders?

Yes, a percussion cap lodged in the action can create a small gap between the hammer and the frame. This gap can be just enough to prevent the hammer from falling fully to strike the primer on other cylinders, leading to misfires.

How do I remove a smashed percussion cap from my cap and ball revolver?

If a percussion cap is smashed flat and stuck, try gently turning and shaking the revolver. The goal is to dislodge it before it becomes too deeply embedded or flattened further by repeated hammer falls.

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