Nipple For A Model 1842 "H.Aston" Single-Shot Pistol

[conductor]

I have an Aston Model 1842 and need a couple of new nipples for it. I contacted Track of the Wolf, and they weren't sure, but thought it might need a 5/16 X 24 threaded nipple. I also contacted Dixie Gun Works, but got no reply from them.

Anybody here have any info on what the correct size nipple I need for this gun?

[Jim_Burgess_2078V]

I replaced the cone on my Johnson M1842 pistol with a stainless steel cone of standard musket size which I believe is 5/16x24.

Jim Burgess
15th CVI

[Bob Gorsky 10483]

yes it is a 5/16" X 24" thread Jim is correct, Bob

[conductor]

I went to our local "has everything" hardware store (Nichol's Hardware in Purcellville, VA) and bought one 5/16 X 24 nut for 35 cents. It fits the existing nipple perfectly. I tried to screw a standard musket nipple from my 1861 Special musket into the nut I bought, but it would not fit. Neither would that nipple fit into the 1842 Aston.

[John Bly]

That's a good tip for anyone with a Springfield, Zouave, Mississippi or similar musket. Buy a standard 5/16 x 24 nut at a hardware store to use as a gauge when shopping for new nipples at Nat'ls. Sometimes they get mixed up in the trays because folks forget where they picked one up and place it back in the wrong tray.

[John Holland]

Conductor - Is your 1861 Special Model Musket a reproduction?

[Bruce Cobb 1723V]

You always need to consider the length of the thread under the nipples shoulder too. I am not sure, but think the lengths are different between a pistol and musket. Something to think about.

[conductor]

Conductor - Is your 1861 Special Model Musket a reproduction?

Its' an original. I talked to Bobby Hoyt about it, and he told me that original nipples are just a few thousandths larger than the 5/16th repro nipples.

Also, I ordered a couple repro nipples from Dixie. They should be here tomorrow or the next day. I'll see if they fit and will post the result.