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squeezie_1999
Lv 7
squeezie_1999 asked in SportsOutdoor RecreationHunting · 5 years ago

How to deactivate antique percussion caps?

I collect firearms. Recently got a beautiful cased percussion pistol circa 1850 that came with a tin of original percussion caps. I believe these (mercury fulminate?) caps are unstable and possible quite dangerous to handle or store. They however are very rare and collectible. How to deactivate the explosive without destroying the cap? Soak in water? Alcohol?

3 Answers

Relevance
  • squeezie_1999
    Lv 7
    5 years ago

    salt water 3 days

  • USAFisnumber1
    Lv 7
    5 years ago

    Oil.

  • Anonymous
    5 years ago

    Soak in oil. That is what I have read about it. I shoot BP pistols and rifles.

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