What are these used for ?

[MidnightMinstrel]

Came across these Snap Cap thingies while mooching around some gun web sites.

http://www.avalon-guns.com/avalon/Napier-Brass-Snap-Caps.html

What are they actually used for?

 

[RobertBeard]

The theory is that you should not fire a gun whilst it is empty or has no shell/cartridge in it as the firing pin might break from the vibration of not having a cartridge to hit.

Also it is also thought that the springs pent up in a cocked gun should be released before the gun is put away until the next shoot so you use snap caps to enable you to fire the trigger and release the springs and thus store the gun in a relaxed state.

Many people don't approve of snap caps as you might inadvertently leave live shells in the gun instead of safe snap caps.

Its up to you.  Probably best to avoid snap caps if you shoot regularly and don't need to release the trigger springs but if storing long term then it might be worth using snap caps to take the pressure off the springs. 

 

[Fuzrat]

Toothpick holders on the discerning game shooting lunch table  

 

[MidnightMinstrel]

Oh, I see..thanks Robert, erm...couldn't someone just use couple of spent cartridges instead? Or am I about to be cast into the bowels of the 'Fiery Furness' for even suggesting such a thing?.....oh, and does the Gun automatically Cock once you take out the spent cartridges and close the gun up again then?

 

[MidnightMinstrel]

Toothpick holders on the discerning game shooting lunch table  

. ..how very.....'Posh'...

 

[Fuzrat]

Definitely not used shells, what if they are accidently not used plus if you use old shells after a few strikes the pins will go through the primer.

My view, snap caps are only useful for timing ejectors, otherwise, with modern guns and modern manufactured springs, keep your tenner in your pocket

 

[MidnightMinstrel]

Definitely not used shells, what if they are accidently not used plus if you use old shells after a few strikes the pins will go through the primer.
 
My view, snap caps are only useful for timing ejectors, otherwise, with modern guns and modern manufactured springs, keep your tenner in your pocket

I'll bare this in mind when I get my gun...there are all kinds of things out there under the Gun Care label. When your a newbie its difficult to know what is actually essential and what isn't tbh. Thats way forums like this are such a valuable resource to us.

 

[Tim]

If you do buy them - don't buy the plastic ones as they will most likely break.

 

[Les53]

Call me old fashioned if you like, but I STILL use those things, it's beconme a sort of habit I guess! :smile:

 

[glb868]

.oh, and does the Gun automatically Cock once you take out the spent cartridges and close the gun up again then?

Yes, but you'd store the gun with the snapcaps inside, so no.

 

[Will Hewland]

You just don't need snap caps for storage reasons, i.e. to relieve springs:

Break the gun down, hold a penny over the first firing pin (hole) and pull the trigger. Tap the stock or switch (to cock second trigger). Hold penny over second pin and fire again.

Reassemble gun and place in cabinet.

 

[Darkside]

Do you jack your car up at night to relieve the suspension springs...

 

[Les53]

Do you jack your car up at night to relieve the suspension springs...

Doesn't everyone Darky?  :laugh:

 

[Andy S]

Doesn't everyone Darky?  :laugh:

I'm just about to slacken off the valves spring tension for tonight, as I'm not using the car for a few weeks :biggrin: :sarcastic:

 

[MidnightMinstrel]

I do slacken the strings down a bit on my Gibson if I go away on holiday or something, but Guitars, Cars, Guns...all different beasts aren't they ? From what I can gather from what you all say here, Snap Caps aren't really necessary, that correct?

 

[SIMON-B]

I have always used snap caps when putting my gun in the cabinet, never had a broken spring or firing pin, could just be luck?. Have to agree that the plastic ones are pants.

 

[Will Hewland]

I do slacken the strings down a bit on my Gibson if I go away on holiday or something, but Guitars, Cars, Guns...all different beasts aren't they ? From what I can gather from what you all say here, Snap Caps aren't really necessary, that correct?

See post 11

 

[Jimmy B]

Always "ease springs", you do in military and I did in the Police. A habit I'm happy to keep.

 

[Will Hewland]

It is a fact that a spring will function for longer if relieved of compression during its life. Does it really make a difference in a gun? The answer is yes, but perhaps not enough to make a difference to anybody.

If you are going to store a gun for a long time between uses, I recommend post 11.