[1-12 INF (M)]

I recently bought an 1863 Remington Contract "Zouave" rifle (mfg. by Ranson, in Italy), and am buying some accessories for it - but have been unable to find exactly what size nipples it uses so I may buy a spare, and a wrench.

I bought one nipple wrench, but it's the wrong size - too small - and I'm now learning that nipples come in different sizes and threads.

Also, I went to the range with #11 caps, but they are too small to fit on this nipple. Are 'musket caps' larger?

Can someone point me in the right direction for a wrench and for the right kind of caps? Thanks.

[arcticap]

Can you measure the diameter in millimeters of the threaded part of your nipple?

Dixies sells different musket nipples and wrenches, but I don't know if all of the Italian Zouaves take the same size or not or which one.
Maybe Dixie or one of the many other suppliers knows.


http://www.dixiegunworks.com/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=musket+wrench

The n-ssa bullet board might be another place to ask about the specific size of a Ranson replacement nipple if no one here knows for sure.

http://n-ssa.org/phpbb/

It was posted on n-ssa that Ransons are not simply rebranded Zoli's.

http://n-ssa.org/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=8974&highlight=ranson

Since Bloomquist manufactures some of the Dixie musket nipples, you can also trying calling them for advice about which size to buy.

Call we can help.

Call Blomquist Percussion Works
at 1-800-337-1243 today!

http://blomquistpercussionworks.com/

[1-12 INF (M)]

Arctiap - thanks. I just checked out the Blomquist site, looks great. I'll give those guys a call.

Also, I noticed the last 4-5" of the breech end of this barrel is a slightly different color and looks like the barrel assembly is made of two parts. Is this okay? Are all reproduction Zouaves like that?

[mykeal]

My Zoli takes a 5/16x24 thread musket cap nipple, but it also had a 5/16x24 thread No. 11 cap nipple in the patch box, threaded into the stock. That may or may not be what a Ranson takes.

If Bloomquist can't help (which is unlikely), you may be able to remove the nipple with a pair of needle nose pliers (very carefully!); take it to the local hardware and see if you can thread it into a 5/16x24 nut, then a 1/4x28 nut. That should tell you what size threads you need.

As for cap size, the tip of a No. 11 cap nipple is 0.160" in diameter; musket cap nipples are much larger.

[Smokin_Gun]

Zouaves took Musket caps...

[sharps59]

not sure of your thread. But all 4 sided nipple lugs are the same size so any std musket nipple wrench will work. one with a long body (like a deep socket) may not work due to not clearing the hammer. Had that w/ a few of my muskets.

[1-12 INF (M)]

Thanks gents.

I bought one wrench that was too long, and is probably for a pistol, 'cause it's also too small. I can't get the nipple out w/o forcing it and I don't want to wreck it trying, although a replacement nipple isn't too expensive. I dropped Blomquist a note today as well.

[sharps59]

Call Ron. and talk to him about what you have and need. If you buy the nipple kit from him it comes w/ 3 nipples a pick and a nipple wrench.
i have send him a sample of the nipple I need. If not sure what it is.
Oh on your wrong whench Just save it for when you get your BP revolver.

[Hawkeye748]

To remove your nipple, put some penetrating oil and let it sit overnight. Acquire an open end 1/4 inch wrench from your local hardware store. To date, every nipple for a musket I have tried could be removed in this manner. Take the nipple to your local hardware store. They should easily be able to tell you the size and thread of the nipple for you to make a replacement order.

[1-12 INF (M)]

Hawkeye - I hit it with a little Kroil and I'll try a wrench on it. Even if I round it a little, replacement nipples aren't too expensive. Thx.