Flash cup

[Old-Duckman]

I’m working on a Scout Carbine kit and I don’t like the look of the flash cup. I thought about making one that looks nicer. I did a search on the forum and looked at many photos on the internet.

Some comments on the forum say that they removed them and it presented no problem. Others said that they left them on as it kept the stock from getting dirty with fouling. Others said that it is a safety issue.

Questions: If I make one for safety sake, is it okay to just have a barrier between the nipple and facing rearward? I don’t like the look of a little bowl sitting there.

If I leave it off completely (many photos of older percussion rifles didn’t have one) , should I fit a washer under the nipple to take up the space that the cup had Occupied?

Any photos or links to nicer looking options would also be appreciated.

 

[Phil Coffins]

There is no need for a washer if you remove the cup. If you make one that suits your eye and it does what you think it should then post a photo. I don’t use them as I find them a pain to clean.

 

[ORBushman]

I've never had a flash cup on any BP rifle I've owned. Never had issues with cleaning as years of military service have taught me to be thorough. Be interesting to see what you decide so, if making one, definitely post up some pics!

 

[Bert621]

I've used them before, they do protect the finish. They also get in the way of the cappers I use.

 

[Stantheman86]

I tried using flash cups on two of my Parker-Hales mainly to keep my fingers from getting burned by cap sparks. I took it off my .451 Volunteer and will most likely take the flash cup off my P53. They're more hassle then their worth and if the stock gets burned from 1000s of caps popping then I'll consider it character

 

[64Springer]

I think brass flash cups certainly have their place.

Right next to the scented candles and the signed photograph of Elton John.

 

[deerstalkert]

i have 6 of them. in the center drawer of my parts cabinet.

 

[Stantheman86]

They make capping harder, removal of the nipple harder, they dent up easily , and if you have a cap lock firearm with a stock so expensive or pretty it can't be exposed to cap spark then probably just don't shoot it.

The people who buy my guns after I die will have to deal with cap burn on the wood of my percussion rifles

 

[tgfrench]

I agree that the cups are a pain, however I put one on after I started using homemade primer caps. Homemade caps are far and away dirtier.