Recently, I purchased a 2nd Gen Colt 1851 Navy revolver in pretty nice shape. After detail stripping, cleaning, lubing, and reassembling it (It seems to have never before been fired), I took it to the range for the first time today. I brought both CCI No. 10 and 11 caps (figuring I was completely covered). First I tried the No. 11 caps. They just fell right off. Way too big. So now I was happy, because I have almost a thousand No. 10 CCI caps, and only a few hundred No. 11. So I grab the No. 10 caps and, same thing. They just fall right off the nipples, since they are too big. So, in order to get through the shooting session, I slightly deformed each No. 10 cap so it would pressure on and not fall off. This worked fine, but lengthened the prep period between shooting significantly.
So, what's the deal here? What other sizes are there? Does someone make No. 9 caps? Why did Colt make their nipples to fit No. 9 caps when I don't even think anyone makes them that small? Are Remington No. 10 caps a little smaller than CCI No. 10 caps?
Of course, I could just order some replacement nipples (such as from SlixShot) that are correctly sized to No. 10 or No. 11 (SlixShot sizes to No. 11), but when you have an original Colt, you kind of want to stick with what came with it. And, after pinching each cap, the gun ran super smoothly and reliably, so it has the potential to be a fun shooting gun if this issue can be resolved.
So, why did Colt make their nipples so small? Didn't they try them out with caps that are commercially available before giving the go ahead to make them that size?
![737735]( "737735")
Ten yard, off hand, standing, six shot group:
![737736]( "737736")
PS The .375" balls I brought with me were a bit small, and formed no lead ring. I will need to order some true .38" balls for it.
So, what's the deal here? What other sizes are there? Does someone make No. 9 caps? Why did Colt make their nipples to fit No. 9 caps when I don't even think anyone makes them that small? Are Remington No. 10 caps a little smaller than CCI No. 10 caps?
Of course, I could just order some replacement nipples (such as from SlixShot) that are correctly sized to No. 10 or No. 11 (SlixShot sizes to No. 11), but when you have an original Colt, you kind of want to stick with what came with it. And, after pinching each cap, the gun ran super smoothly and reliably, so it has the potential to be a fun shooting gun if this issue can be resolved.
So, why did Colt make their nipples so small? Didn't they try them out with caps that are commercially available before giving the go ahead to make them that size?
Ten yard, off hand, standing, six shot group:
PS The .375" balls I brought with me were a bit small, and formed no lead ring. I will need to order some true .38" balls for it.
