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British Firearms (Pre. 1914) >> Breech Loading - Handguns >> Blocked nipples
http://www.lrml.org/cgi-bin/researchpress/YaBB.pl?num=1161174796

Message started by A._Roads on 10/18/06 at 1:33pm

Title: Blocked nipples
Post by A._Roads on 10/18/06 at 1:33pm

No, not a breast feeding problem! (cabbage leaves are the remedy for that though, believe it or not!)

A college of mine has informed me that the Monkey Tail pistols, bought by Portugal, had the "nipples & ears" blocked - his words - when purchased. Also that he viewed an example that was still in this state. They were drilled out by the unit armourer once issued.

I have heard of repro flintlocks being sold like this in modern times (to temporarily circumvent firearms laws) but haven't come across any comtemporary accounts of this & am intrigued as to why this may have (if the report is accurate) occurred, or if anyone else has heard of a similar practice - �any thoughts anyone? �Thanks for your time, Adrian.

Title: Re: Blocked nipples
Post by Bill_Curtis on 10/19/06 at 12:36am

I wonder if they were really blocked as the original MTs had reversed cone nipples feeding into platinum bushes with tiny, really tiny, fire channels which mated with similar bushes into the chambers. They transmit an intense jet of flame into the chamber which burns through the cartridge wall. To the uninitiated they might look blocked and would certainly not have the same impression as a normal nipple when blown through by mouth from the muzzle. Just a thought.

Title: Re: Blocked nipples
Post by A._Roads on 10/22/06 at 5:47am

Thanks Bill, thats a good point. I can't think of any reason why the pistols would have been purchased "blocked". It would have made proving difficult as well. I think you may be correct. Adrian.

Title: Re: Blocked nipples
Post by A._Roads on 11/05/06 at 6:19am

You were correct Bill, my college informs me that upon checking much more closely a very very small communication hole is present! Adrian.

Title: Re: Blocked nipples
Post by Bill_Curtis on 11/05/06 at 9:54am

Thought so !