Snapping Caps

[Claude Bauer]

I always thought snapping caps was a reenactorism used to check muskets before loading and after use in the field to make sure they are clear. Apparently, they did it back in the day too. From the regimental history of the 12th New Hampshire during the march to Chancellorsville:

From the Facebook page of the 3rd US Regular Inf. Co. F

Facebook

www.facebook.com

 

[Mrs. V]

Saw this done at Burton. Just thought it was a salute of some sort.

 

[DixieRifles]

I have seen a "company" fire a volley of caps at a reenactment---maybe at one that I took part in many years ago. Just as if they were firing a volley with their barrels raised at an angle, they fired that way with caps. I seem to recall that it was a method to clear their gun one last time after the "fighting" was over.

 

[Claude Bauer]

I have seen a "company" fire a volley of caps at a reenactment---maybe at one that I took part in many years ago. Just as if they were firing a volley with their barrels raised at an angle, they fired that way with caps. I seem to recall that it was a method to clear their gun one last time after the "fighting" was over.

Right--that's the purpose, to make sure there's not an unfired round or something else down there. On several occasions I've seen a musket go off when they're doing this after the event--someone thought they had fired them all, but still had one loaded. If that happens, they usually make everyone recap and fire again just to make sure the guns are clear.

If you're doing anything with the NPS, they also usually make you cap off before the firing demo. But instead of aiming it upwards at a high elevation, you point it downwards at a blade of grass. If the force of the air made by the fired cap can make the blade of grass move, you know there's not a round in there and there are no obstructions in the barrel.

 

[Noonanda]

Right--that's the purpose, to make sure there's not an unfired round or something else down there. On several occasions I've seen a musket go off when they're doing this after the event--someone thought they had fired them all, but still had one loaded. If that happens, they usually make everyone recap and fire again just to make sure the guns are clear.

If you're doing anything with the NPS, they also usually make you cap off before the firing demo. But instead of aiming it upwards at a high elevation, you point it downwards at a blade of grass. If the force of the air made by the fired cap can make the blade of grass move, you know there's not a round in there and there are no obstructions in the barrel.

Saw it happen at a shooting competition. Prior to loading you snap caps, at least one if not 2. we are snapping them and hear Boom, guy had a load still in his musket, probably from hunting season or sighting in.

 

[Claude Bauer]

Saw this done at Burton. Just thought it was a salute of some sort.

That's understandable. That's probably what a lot of people think is going on. Some of us jokingly refer to this as "duck hunting." In all likelihood, that's what the reenactors below are doing.

 

[Albert Sailhorst]

When I reenact as infantry (I do artillery, but have done infantry on several occasions, including 4 150th events), we form companies, open ranks, and every rifle is inspected by an officer, then we individually pop a cap at the ground. After the battle, we re-form, and pop caps again, using the "Duck Hunting" method previously described. Safety is of utmost importance, so weapons are inspected prior to battle and cleared after.

 

[poorjack]

Yes, back in the War, they did "snap caps" to clear the guns. Each pack of ammunition contained 2 extras.

These days in North South Skirmish Association competition shooting, we snap caps prior to loading. We load live rounds and at the sound of the horn the rattle of musketry starts. Shooting will go on till either your unit clears it's target array or the cease fire sounds. Part of the safety drill is for each competitor to snap two caps while being watched by the safety officer. One from the shoulder and one into the ground. Before doing so, all competitors will be ordered by their safety officers to "dump" the "hot ones" into the backstop. Penalties for shooting one last time on the array.

 

[Jantzen64]

I always thought snapping caps was a reenactorism used to check muskets before loading and after use in the field to make sure they are clear. Apparently, they did it back in the day too. From the regimental history of the 12th New Hampshire during the march to Chancellorsville:

View attachment 426845

From the Facebook page of the 3rd US Regular Inf. Co. F

Facebook

www.facebook.com

Excellent find!