Fired caps bind cylinder on revolver

[Scooter .45]

I wanna take my percussion six-shooter out for a spin and it's been about 10 years. Seemed the fired caps would always bind the cylinder and I'd have to cock it upside down so the spent cap would fall out rather than into the workings. Is there any way to prevent this without cocking upside down?

It's an old CVA kit, I think an 1850 or 51 Colt or something.

 

[RON in PA]

I'd try different brands of caps, some may be less prone than others in your gun, but that is a big problem with cap and ball revolvers. Also I understand that the originals were better than the repros due to some changes made in the design of the repos.

 

[mothernatureson]

cap and ball

are you using #10 caps? actually the # 10 is for the cap and ball, the #10 are a snug fit on many repros,but i have had good results from them.good hunting.

 

[Gerald McDonald]

What mothernatureson said.
Gerald

 

[Jim K]

The problem is not new. That is the reason a lot of CW troopers preferred the Colt over the Remington because you could turn the Colt over and shake it and the caps would fall out. They would hang up the Remington.

The cavalry adopted the practice of pointing the gun up and back as they were cocking it for the same reason, a habit that carried over into the SAA era and even later.

IMHO, split caps are better, even with the problems. I have some German caps that have the opposite problem. They are drawn (not split) and won't come off without prying. Irritating.

Jim

 

[mec]

My cap hang-ups have decreased since learning to cock for the next shot with the revolver angled downward instead of horizontal or elevated. This at least keeps a cap from landing on the inside of the frame and acting as a hammer block. It also seems to facilitate them falling off the cones at the right time.

 

[Scooter .45]

It's nice to know the problem isn't just because my revolver was built from a cheap modern kit and that it's an "authentic" concern. Honestly, I've never researched it but now that I've discovered THR, figured it was time to find out. Will post some shootin' results soon.

 

[mec]

shooting results. This is with a .36 with no maker markings. It came into the country in the white with no front bead. I used plumb brown and put on a tall front 'bead". Trigger pull is 6.5 pounds and they shoot better with a tuned pull.

 

[scotjute]

I've got an 1851 Colt repro by Pietta. It happens occassionally to me also. Use # 11 caps. Just assumed its part of the black powder experience.