376 LEWIS'S AMERICAN SPORTSMAN. 



CAP-CHARGERS. 



Cap-chargers are seldom or never used by sportsmen, it being so 

 much more expedient to carry the caps in a side-pocket appro- 

 priated to that purpose. These chargers, however, are very inge- 

 nious and pretty instruments, and enable the shooter to tell at a 

 glance how many shots he has fired in the course of a day's ex- 

 cursion, which is often interesting and instructive. 



There are several different kinds of cap-chargers in use. Some 

 are made round, some long ; the former are the more preferable, 

 as they are more convenient, not only to carry, but to handle. 

 There is also a variety of charger invented with a dial-plate 

 attached, the indicator of which exhibits at a glance the number 

 of shots fired. 



THE NIPPLE, OR PIVOT. 



The orifice of the nipple should be large and countersunk, so 

 that the contents of the cap, when ignited, may be easily driven 

 into the chamber of the gun; when the pivot-hole or barrel is 

 large, it is far less liable to foul or choke up, which is frequently 

 the case when very small. The exterior edge should be rounded 

 off, so that the cap, when struck by the hammer, may be exploded 

 without cutting. Pivots are made either plain or with small rings 

 running around them, somewhat similar to the threading of a 



"patent gun-primers," which claim to supersede the ordinary percussion cap. 

 The peculiar features of these "gun-primers" are first, the absence of a metallic 

 coat or cover, and their uniform explosive power ; the materials being so amalga- 

 mated that no residue is left behind after detonation. The materials are composed of 

 fulminating mercury, chlorate of potash, and sulphide of antimony, the dangerous 

 properties of the ingredients being subdued or diminished by the application of 

 collodion, which is used as a cement. The primers are manufactured in various 

 shapes, and the composition is moulded into any required form, dried, and then 

 covered with a film of varnish and a bronze-powder. Thus, whatever may be the 

 shape of the pellet, it is entirely formed of detonating material, and the use of the 

 ordinary copper cap is wholly dispensed with, whilst the collodion acts as a water- 

 proof varnish, and protects the component parts from the action of moisture. 

 The invention is one which must claim the attention of the military and naval 

 authorities. 



