Some of the Denix replica Civil War/Old West percussion “ball & cap” guns can fire round caps. In this vid, I’m using a 22-1055G Colt Dragoon M1849 Denix Replica Gun, and a 22-1114 Double Barrel M1881 Denix Pistol – “Street Howitzer”. Some of the Colonial-style percussion replicas can also fire round caps. The dragoon was hit-and-miss as to whether the cap would fire or not… similar to actual cap & ball misfires back in the day.
Using a Denix as a Cap Gun
A Denix replica is not a cap gun, and it should not be treated as one. The frames are cast for display and the mechanism is not designed for repeated impact, so putting caps anywhere near the hammer is a good way to jam the action and a bad way to keep the finish intact.
If you want the cap gun experience with a period look, buy an actual cap gun. The die cast frames in the cap gun section are built for the impact, the cap channel is part of the design, and the whole thing costs less than a Denix. The two categories exist for a reason, and mixing them is the most common way a good replica gets ruined.
Common questions
Can I fire caps in a Denix replica?
No. The mechanism is not built for it and the residue will damage the finish and jam the action.
What should I buy instead?
A die cast cap gun from the cap gun section, which has a proper cap channel and costs less.
Although not specifically designed as cap guns, sometimes the Denix percussion-style replicas can fire round caps… http://t.co/khUh5y7h