I know they'll "POP" when you drop them in a fire...
Yes they will, but here's something really strange--can anyone provide a good theory as to how this could happen?
When I was smashing caps and doing all kinds of destructive testing with them -- I put the flame of a propane torch on one and held it there for about 15 seconds and IT DID NOT DETONATE? Very odd indeed! I let it cool back down to room temp. Then I put the cap on the nipple of my gun--the hammer whacked it and it went off right away!
Anyway, now I digress, but I am getting around to making an applicable point later on in my ramblings.
I think that's pretty weird. But then, if there's a fluke (or messed up item) to be found in stuff I usually find it. When there's a whole shelf full of an item I want to pick from. I never grab the first one (Remember how people--kids usuall-will knock the first one off on the floor, and then they put it back in front of the rest). I usually randomly pick from the ones in the middles of the group. and I STILL end up with one that has pieces missing, or doesn't work correctly, or is somethow broken... Anyone ever have that happen to you with a lot more frequency than what would be considered average?
I also avoid buying the only one (of an item) left on the shelf, or the one with the cellophane torn, or the edge of the box kind of dinged in a little, or the box has been opened and not resealed... those are pretty good indications that something IS WRONG with the contents. Yet I have bought some very heavily discounted items because of these foibles and have ended up with something that worked perfectly, or something that just required a minor fix. I enjoy being able to return "the ear to the sow" and still have a nice "silk purse" for my effort. How 'bout it?
Are there any of you others out there that are "fixer-uppers" who like a challenge? Doesn't it make you feel good when you are able to "ressurect" a nice rusted up gun (not talking about an original that is merely showing normal wear and it's age). My wife calls me "Mr. Fix-It". It's strange, but I've been able to fix many things that were destined for the waste-bins.
I love to get a bargain and then be able to repair it for next to nothing--except my labour. I consider doing this almost as much fun as shooting muzzleloaders. My eldest son has this kind of talent as well. I've seen him figure out some pretty complicated things too. Sometimes the actual construction of a repair part is beyond his know-how, but he does know what is needed to fix the broken one.
I might be wrong about this, but I think that is the type of "elan" or "esprit" that many muzzleloaders have. I don't know about you all, but I'd rather have that kind of trait than just about anything else.
Fixing things, making my own parts, helping others when I can - "very rewarding". Too many people only get satisfaction from a daily routine. I'd rather have more variety (if possible) I'm noot the type of person who plans to retire from a long boring period of 30+ years at a job, and then die from lack of activity because I never found time for a good hobby or sat staring into space and twiddle my thumbs till I keep over from boredom.
So let's stay safe while we do things like testing caps and such, but also remember that it's simple things that have been turned into great inventions and kept people going by keeping their minds sharp and keen. That's my point. Sorry I took so long to make it, but wanted to bring out some more details about the "why" of "why we do what we do"...
Regards,
WV_Hillbilly
PS I'm running on an "empty tank" as I got barely any sleep lat night, so I sure hope I didn't leave you a mess of contending with mis-spelled words that aren't in correct syntax. I fell asleep here on the monitor for a while, and it's almost 11:00 here. Hope I didn't zap myself too badly with low frequency EM radiation....?
