Description
The Thompson Center Flame Thrower Nipple, #11 Cap is a direct replacement percussion nipple designed to improve ignition reliability and speed in muzzleloading firearms. It’s a budget-friendly upgrade that replaces the factory nipple on many Thompson Center rifles and pistols, aiming to produce a hotter, more directed flame channel to the powder charge.
Key Features
- Engineered to produce a hotter, more focused flame channel for consistent ignition.
- Direct replacement for factory nipples on many Thompson Center sidelock models.
- Machined for #11 percussion caps, the most common and widely available size.
- Simple drop-in installation with basic tools—no gunsmithing required.
- Affordable performance upgrade at a price point of $10.14.
Specifications & Details
| Thread Size | Commonly 1/4″-28 for many T/C models (verify fit for your specific firearm) |
|---|---|
| Cap Size | #11 Percussion Cap |
| Material | Heat-treated steel |
| Finish | Blued or similar corrosion-resistant finish |
| Purpose | Enhanced ignition reliability for black powder and substitutes |
| Packaging | Typically sold as a single unit |
Here’s the thing—muzzleloader performance hinges on that critical spark. The Flame Thrower Nipple’s internal geometry is designed to channel the cap’s flash more efficiently into the powder chamber. This isn’t about reinventing the wheel; it’s about refining a critical link in the ignition chain for a few bucks. At just over ten dollars, it’s one of the most cost-effective tweaks you can make to a traditional sidelock. The standard thread pattern on many models, like the popular T/C Hawken or Renegade, means it often fits out of the box. Always double-check your rifle’s specific thread, but for most T/C owners, installation is a straightforward wrench job.
Who This Nipple Is For
This part is for the practical muzzleloader shooter who values reliability above all else. It’s for the hunter who’s experienced a frustrating hang fire in the field and wants to minimize that risk. It’s also a smart buy for the budget-conscious shooter maintaining an older Thompson Center rifle, looking for a simple performance boost without a major investment. If you shoot in damp Missouri weather where ignition can be finicky, a more reliable spark is just good sense.
Pros & Cons
Pros: The primary advantage is the potential for more consistent ignition, which can reduce hang fires and misfires. It’s a direct, simple swap that requires no permanent modification to your firearm. The price is low, making it a low-risk experiment. It uses standard, easy-to-find #11 caps. Finally, it’s a genuine part designed for specific T/C firearms, ensuring proper fit and thread engagement.
Cons: It’s not a magic bullet; if your main issue is old powder or poor loading technique, this won’t fix it. Performance gains can be subjective and vary with different propellants. It is a wear item and will eventually need replacement itself. For some shooters, the difference from a well-maintained factory nipple may be subtle. The product is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, ensuring you can get it, but you’ll need to weigh the cost against the perceived benefit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will this fit my Thompson Center Impact or other in-line muzzleloader?
A: No, the Flame Thrower Nipple is designed for traditional sidelock percussion rifles and pistols, like the T/C Hawken, Renegade, or Cherokee. In-line models use completely different breech plug and ignition systems.
Q: Is this compatible with musket caps?
A: This specific model is machined exclusively for standard #11 percussion caps. Using a musket cap would not seat properly and would be dangerous. You must use the cap size the nipple is designed for.
Q: How often should I replace my percussion nipple?
A: It’s a good practice to inspect the nipple regularly for wear, corrosion, or a widened flash hole. Many shooters replace it as preventative maintenance every few seasons or several hundred shots, especially given the affordable $10.14 replacement cost compared to the frustration of a failure.
Look, for the price of a couple boxes of primers, the Thompson Center Flame Thrower Nipple offers a straightforward path to potentially better ignition in your traditional muzzleloader. It’s a focused solution for a specific problem. If you’re looking to eke out a bit more reliability from your sidelock on a budget, this is a logical place to start. Check its compatibility with your specific T/C model and consider adding one to your next parts order.
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