Crockett rifle leakage around nipple

Last time I shot and cleaned my Crockett rifle I noticed the there is leakage around the base of the nipple. The stock nipples that came on the ML are too small of diameter for number 11 caps anyway (to the degree that they fall off very easily) so I ordered a new nipple from TOTW that is 6-1 metric threads....same as the stock nipple. I was hoping that would resolve the leakage issue but it was not to be. The new nipple does seal better than the stock nipple, but leakage is still present. The threads in the ML appears to be okay but they are looser than I like. I did, however, notice that it appears that the area where the base of the nipple goes when tightened down on the flash hole is recessed, as in curved and dished out rather than flat.

With that said, when looking on the TOTW web site that they offer a 7-1 metric nipple that's to be used with their tap as a repair type nipple for European ML rifles. Not crazy about wanting to rush into that at this time. However, to what degree would a slightly leaking nipple have on a ML as long as it is tightened down well? My thoughts are perhaps trying to find a very thin crush type washer of proper size and trying that, or just keep monitoring it and shooting it as is. Accuracy appears to be good.

Thoughts?

Thoughts are put the original nipple back on and squeeze the caps a smidge before putting them on. Works for one of my hawkens.

Bushfire said:

Thoughts are put the original nipple back on and squeeze the caps a smidge before putting them on. Works for one of my hawkens.

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The original nipple leaks worse than the new one.

There are thread lockers you can get.They are intended to seal Hi pressure .It works like most thread sealers and isn't hard to remove the nipple. I can get the name for you .I bought mine at the local car parts store. I use it on my Old CVA rifle that had seen tough times and was leaking at the nipple. Sooner or later the gas cutting from the leak could have caused a problem. Now all is well.

I'd be interested in that name also. I have an old CVA that I use teflon tape on. Works great but when cleaning the nipple after shooting it can be a pain to get the tape off the nipple.
Have fun and be safe,
R

Resolve said:

I'd be interested in that name also. I have an old CVA that I use teflon tape on. Works great but when cleaning the nipple after shooting it can be a pain to get the tape off the nipple.
Have fun and be safe,
R

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45 years ago I cross threaded a nipple on my new MR kit. I put 50-60 pounds of Goex through it over 30 years until one day at the range a shot sounded funny. The years of use had eroded the threads and the nipple blew out, never to be found. Fortunately, no one was hurt.

The CVA breech system is weird, with the drum threading into the far wall of the barrel. At the time, I could find no way to replace the drum. A buckskinning buddy loaned me a series of oversize nipples and I recut the threads using those nipples, gradually increasing the size until I got to .265x28. Worked like a champ. I now use a dab anti-seize on the nipple each time I clean it. I've put another dozen pounds of powder since the repair and as near as I can tell, it shows no leakage since.

If you have bad threads, the same thing is going to happen to you. It is only a matter of time. My $0.02.

n.h.schmidt said:

There are thread lockers you can get.They are intended to seal Hi pressure .It works like most thread sealers and isn't hard to remove the nipple. I can get the name for you .I bought mine at the local car parts store. I use it on my Old CVA rifle that had seen tough times and was leaking at the nipple. Sooner or later the gas cutting from the leak could have caused a problem. Now all is well.

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If you can find the name of that sealer I would appreciate it if you would send it to my via PM.

Thank you.

Ok I did try to use two things to stop the thread leakage. Loctite 545 was first. I could not get it to set up. Wasted money with that. Next is Permatex Threadlocker Orange Gell High strength Removable Part No 25005 from O'Reilly Auto Parts. Sets up fine and so far has worked.

The original brand name is Loctite part #242 it can be removed without heat. I have used it and it works fine. I for what it's worth haven't heard of 545. Let us know how it works for you whichever one you use after you have used it for a while.

n.h.schmidt said:

Ok I did try to use two things to stop the thread leakage. Loctite 545 was first. I could not get it to set up. Wasted money with that. Next is Permatex Threadlocker Orange Gell High strength Removable Part No 25005 from O'Reilly Auto Parts. Sets up fine and so far has worked.

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Thank you for the information.

I have used 242 for this and it was not what is needed to stop this gas leakage/cutting. The orange gell is better for this. You can get on Locktites site to view their
offerings . There is much more than you may think.

n.h.schmidt thank you for that information I will keep it in mind in case I ever need it.

I’d start looking around for a replacement drum.

TDM said:

I’d start looking around for a replacement drum.

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As for my particular situation, not sure what I'll do for now.

If you have leakage out of the threaded area from drum or snail to nipple. Make sure the thread is not striped out . If it is 6 mm Dia x 1 ( (.236'' dia. X 25.5 threads per inch) , Have you tried a 1/4-28 nipple ? .250 Dia x 28 threads per inch . You could easily tap it open .

Problematic area on CVA's because there is so little thread engaged with the nipple. Products already mentioned usually take care of it.

Bill Rowe said:

If you have leakage out of the threaded area from drum or snail to nipple. Make sure the thread is not striped out . If it is 6 mm Dia x 1 ( (.236'' dia. X 25.5 threads per inch) , Have you tried a 1/4-28 nipple ? .250 Dia x 28 threads per inch . You could easily tap it open .

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Threads appear to be in fine condition. My guess is, and is something I've noticed since new, they simply appear to be sloppy, or too large.

rafterob said:

Problematic area on CVA's because there is so little thread engaged with the nipple. Products already mentioned usually take care of it.

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Traditions Crockett Squirrel Rifle.

Yellow thread tape made for metal gas/propane fittings. Works perfect and nipple comes back out easily.

ETipp said:

Threads appear to be in fine condition. My guess is, and is something I've noticed since new, they simply appear to be sloppy, or too large.

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Same here, the threads on my Crockett (kit) nipple/drum is loose as well. If I remember correctly, you and I bought our rifles about the same time, probably the same production run. Even prior to firing for the first time, the nipple wobbled when screwing in with just your fingers. I think the problem is inherent, especially with the Crockett rifles. It will snug down with a wrench, but I feel the threads are too sloppy.