Parts of Percussion Guns

Percussion guns are firearms that fire via percussion cap and black powder, and are more efficient than flintlock guns. Black powder was invented centuries ago, and black powder rifles and pistols are still being manufactured today. There are several essential parts to a percussion-style black powder firearm that allow the gun to fire.

  1. Percussion Cap

    • Without a percussion cap, a black powder gun cannot fire. A percussion cap is a small metal cylindrical cap that fits on the nipple of a percussion gun. A firing compound inside the cap ignites when struck. When the cap ignites, a small fiery explosion travels through the nipple and into the chamber. The black powder ignites and propels all projectiles out of the barrel.

    Hammer

    • The hammer is used to strike the percussion cap and is used to cock the gun. When the hammer is cocked backwards and into the firing position, the trigger must be pulled before the hammer falls and strikes the cap. Hammers can be used as a safety mechanism in some firearms when half cocked. If the firearm is bumped while the hammer is resting on the cap or in the firing position, an accidental misfire could occur.

    Trigger

    • Triggers on firearms are designed for a finger to pull. Once pulled, the trigger slacks and allows the hammer to fall onto the percussion cap. The hammer must be cocked before the trigger can be pulled. Trigger pull is the amount of pressure that must be applied to the trigger before the hammer falls. All firearms have different triggers with varying amounts of trigger pull.

    Nipple

    • The nipple is a small metal conical cylinder located on top of rifles and within the cylinder of revolvers. The nipple of a block powder gun allows the explosion from the percussion cap to travel into the barrel and ignite the gunpowder. Residue from exploded caps clog the passageway between the nipple and gun powder and must be cleaned out regularly. Otherwise, misfires will occur with only the cap exploding.