Stainless steel nipple

[scott taylor]

I was looking at a percussion rifle and noticed there were 2 holes in the nipple drilled through the sides of the nipple maybe a little below where the cap would sit. Never seen such a thing, any purpose good or bad? Some new whiz bang newfangled invention?

 

[Bearkiller]

What you describe is a T/C Hot Shot nipple. Never been clear on what the holes are for but the nipple is said to increase ignition.

 

[fleener]

it is for helping the cap at firing to split apart, makes it easier for you to get the cap off after you fire the rifle.

Years ago I have used nipples like that. Have not used one for 20 years and I dont miss it.

Fleener

 

[scott taylor]

I remember hearing about those but never noticed one before. Probably why the gun has a flash protector on it.

Thanks to the both of you.

 

[Jumpshot]

I think they were first made by Uncle Mike's and then others. According to the advertising of the day, "The Hot Shot Nipples provide even and consistent flow of pressurized gases into the ignition chamber." I've heard from a bunch of people who say they got better ignition reliability with a Hot Shot nipple, some say it made no difference. I read somewhere they were originally developed to provide more reliable ignition with Pyrodex, but I can't confirm that.

 

[Paul_R]

I've never had a problem getting a cap off a rifle or pistol. Cap and ball revolver guys like 'em because the caps fall off before they have a chance to get stuck between the frame and cylinder.

 

[coloradoclyde]

Like others have said....It is a Hotshot nipple...
Been around for at least 40 years...They work great when using powders like Pyrodex with patent breeches like the CVA/Traditions...

 

[bob308]

I used them when I first started match shooting in 85. they work great. but not good on underhammers you will get some spitting.

 

[Rat Trapper]

I use them on all my rifles and like them.

 

[FishDFly]

Ditto.

 

[cynthialee]

I have them on some of my guns.
They do blow the caps apart rather nicely, but I never noticed any improvement on ignition. But I always shoot real black powder and I am rather obsessive about making sure things are in order before I shoot.

 

[FishDFly]

On rifles, they are the only nipples that I use.

Picked up a really nice Pedersoli Kodiak 50, it's getting new nipples and some nice add on's from "cutfingers" and "horner75".

Going to the woods in nice style.

rde

 

[Larry Akers]

IMO the holes are just a sales gimick.

 

[FishDFly]

On what basis besides your IMO only??

 

[coloradoclyde]

IMO the holes are just a sales gimick.

Au contraire!.....The holes are not a gimmick....Use one for 30 years and you'll see what I mean....

 

[meanmike8665]

What do you use, if you have something better I would like to know.

Michael

 

[cynthialee]

Been shooting for a few days I figure :haha: and the only thing I see them nipples do is blow the caps off better. I have seen no change in ignition between the hot shot and a normal nipple.

Maybe they work better for Pyrodex than a normal nipple, but I never shoot the stuff in my smoke poles.

 

[Rifleman1776]

I think they were first made by Uncle Mike's and then others. According to the advertising of the day, "The Hot Shot Nipples provide even and consistent flow of pressurized gases into the ignition chamber." I've heard from a bunch of people who say they got better ignition reliability with a Hot Shot nipple, some say it made no difference. I read somewhere they were originally developed to provide more reliable ignition with Pyrodex, but I can't confirm that.

They were designed by Dan Pawlak, the inventor of Pyrodex. They first came out about 1980. Dan was a genuine rocket scientist specializing in propellants. The nipple was designed to overcome the ignition problems with Pyrodex. Uncle Mikes may have been the first to mass market them but Dan invented them. I believe they give more reliable ignition than others on the market and are all I use now.

 

[mooman76]

Been shooting for a few days I figure :haha: and the only thing I see them nipples do is blow the caps off better. I have seen no change in ignition between the hot shot and a normal nipple.

Maybe they work better for Pyrodex than a normal nipple, but I never shoot the stuff in my smoke poles.

If your gun is already shoot/firing good then I doubt you would see much if any difference. It is designed to overcome ignition problems and inconsistencies. If you need a new nipple anyway, then it's not a bad idea to get one.

 

[cynthialee]

I have them on half of my guns and I have like 5 or 6 stashed back.