Non-corrosive caps

[nstgprops]

I'm no chemist, so this may seem like a silly question:

With all the constant care and above all, CLEANING of PFC model guns that is required to prevent corrosive damage to the internals and the rounds, you'd think someone would come up with a non-corrosive, phosphorus alternative to adequately cycle the action with sufficient blowback, etc. Does anyone know if there's been any development in the manufacture of non-corrosive caps?

Seems like it would be a great idea and would generally make life more enjoyable for model gun enthusiasts... Less cleaning. More firing. More fun.

nstgprops

[mark]

That would be a really cool thing to be able to shoot without cleaning these guns religiously all of the time.. Unfortunately, the fact that the modelgun "hobby" is very limited in scope limits the development of new tech like better, non (or less) corrosive caps etc. The average priming compounds have corrosive components in their basic chemical composition. Of course, these are released when the cap(s) are ignited.

Non mercuric priming compounds would be great to use, however, they are not very sensitive compared to the phosphorus. This is an important consideration due to the weak springs in the average modelgun.

[tiksom]

I'm afraid Mark hit the nail here - hobby is too small for some serious research. Most modelgun manufacturers do not exist anymore. There are very few new model releases, usually based on existing molds and cartridges. I would guess that no big money goes into development of new ideas and technologies. Market is also fairly limited to Japan, with exports being probably a minority.

There is also another potential problem - red phosphorus in form of caps is often on the list of pyrotechnic substances allowed without problems for sale and import. Changing it to another substance could require a permission for a user.

[nstgprops]

informative posts, guys -- thanks.

nstgprops