How do you seat your caps your revolver?

[Tommygunn]

Keep in mind that back then, caps were made of softer metal than ours are, and fulminating mercury was the primer material. That is a very touchy material; it goes "BOOM!" very easily.
It's probably much safer to use your thumb today than in 1867. Not that it wasn't done.
Is there any reason why they couldn't use a capper? Using metal might actually increase the chance of an accidental ignition.....but I'd guess it might be safer for the shooter.

 

[whughett]

Lots of validation here, I still think I have a better chance of getting hurt driving the 14 miles to my club, In Rhode Island, 20 miles to the range in Florida, over the interstates and highways than I am in pushing a cap on the revolver with my thumb and seating the hammer on the cap.

After 47 years in this house in Rhode Island, the bride went down the last five stairs to the finished lower level on her back side and elbows. I installed a hand rail the next week. Point is she used the steps for all those years with no problems, I've pushed 5000 or so caps on my revolvers in the past few years, **** happens, the next one may blister my thumb or it may not.