Failuer to fire

[MICHAEL T]

I bought a used Investarms 54 cal. hawkins style. it uses musket caps Dealer has CCI caps My problem is about a 50% failer to fire on first try. They all have fired on 2nd try
Rifle or caps and what should I look for if rifle Also where can I find parts if needed

I now have 3 BP rifles A traditions 50 ca flint ky rifle needed ram rod and a cleaning 35 bucks Dealer didn't want it in store Cleaned up like new,
A traditions 50 cal Hawkins New, Dealer was closing store $ 100 and this one was 50 dollars People around her want inlines
These things are as addictive as my 1911's

 

[robhof]

If they fire the 2nd time they aren't pressed on firmly enough. The 1st shot is only seating them, the 2nd fires them. Had that problem with some Remingtons on my ROA. I got a snail capper and put firm pressure when placing the cap on the nipple.

 

[Tomahawk674]

I don't know if this will be any help, but when I was messing with a percussion lock gun and it was failing to fire in the first shot, I oiled up the hammers around the point of rotation and it solved the problem.

 

[Chawbaccer]

Check the nipple to see if it is mushroomed. If so either replace or chuck in a drill and dress it with a good file.

 

[mykeal]

Chawbaccer identified the most likely problem. Run a fingernail up the side of the nipple cone to the tip - you can usually feel a ridge at the tip if it's mushroomed. You can dress it out as he described or just buy a new one. The thread is metric, M6X0.75. You can get a replacement at almost any outiftter. Treso brand (made from Ampco bronze) are an excellent choice, available at Track of the Wolf (their part number RLP-MA) and several others:
Track of the Wolf nipple chart

 

[MICHAEL T]

Thanks will check the nipple I did make sure was seated all the way this morning and still same thing Cap has a good dent in it but didn't fire till 2nd try . I will do the nipple next

 

[MutinousDoug]

Michael T,
I had a problem with my ROA mis-firing once every cylinder or two. Cap always fired the second strike. Cured by buying a fresh can of caps. The ones I'd been using were over 10 years old and still function 100% in my Renegade and Underhammer rifles.
If you bought your caps where you bought your NOS discounted guns, they may have been there a while.
Just a thought.

 

[MICHAEL T]

I dressed the nipple and tested fired several caps then went out in the yard and shot it a few time (nice to live in country ) The nipple must have been the problem all fired with out a hitch . Think I will order a new nipple as their pretty cheap The Rifle deserve it
Thanks to all for the help