FAQ

Is it correct that the firing pin hits the percussion cap at the edge and not in the middle? Isn't that a defect?

Out-axis of firing pins is, of course, the intention of the construciton. The firing pin must have an "small anvil" against it, on which the explosive component of the cap leans on when the firing pin hits. This anvil is the area of the piston. If the firing pin hits to the unsupported center of the cap, the shot would not work and in most cases the cap would only bend without initiation. You can find the same functional principle for cap of classic ammunition.
 

I can't loosen the pistons. How to do it?

If thorough mechanical cleaning and use a screw release does not help, proceed as follows: Fold out the barrel block, cover it with a protective layer of cloth, paper or a piece of flat rubber or PVC to protect against damage of the surfaces. Then carefully put it all to the vise and tighten it gently. Make sure that only the barrel block in the cover is pressed and not the body of the weapon. Instead of the original short rod, out on the longer rod or, for example, a screwdriver on the piston key and carefully loosen the pistons. When reassembling the pistons into the barrel, do not forget to lightly lubricate the thread of the piston with suitable graphite grease.


Why are percussion caps always pierced by a firing pin after a shot?

The firing pin itself does not usually pierce the cap. This is best seen on a failed cap, which is usually deeply dented. When a detonator is initiated, the cap has such an explosive power that it often ruptures or bulges and stabs the active extended firing pin with such force that it almost always ruptures. This phenomenon is taken into account in the design of the weapon and is not a problem.


After shooting, I disassemble the whole weapon at the shooting range for cleaning and I always lose something. How to solve it?​

The weapon is never disassembled after shooting. Only the barrels, pistons and firing pin containers need to be cleaned. The internal mechanism of the weapon is resistant to dust from burnt dust and is not cleaned until after many hundreds of shots, when with the holes in the containers can be seen a lot of dirt or when a worse operation of the mechanism is detected. After shooting, the internal mechanism only needs to be lightly sprayed with oil fog. If it is necessary to disassemble the whole weapon, it is advisable to do it at home and to remove the components exactly according to the assembly diagram after cleaning and lubrication. Don't forget all spacers!


Is the percussion weapon powerful enough or is it just only a better "Flobert gun"?

The .45 and .50 caliber Detonics Gladiator pistols are truly powerful weapons that are able to forcefully and decisively stop an attacker at self-defense distance and cause appropriate tissue damage. Their performance is at the level of common firearms of the appropriate caliber.


Are Detonics Gladiator pistols suitable for permanent wear and are they safe? 

Yes, Gladiator pistols are directly designed for long-term and very safe carrying. They have an extensive system of safety features: Fully covered caps with directive venting, spring loaded firing pins, hidden strikers, striking spring automatically stretched shortly before the shot, long trigger travel with high trigger weight. At the same time, their use is very intuitive and simple. Apart from the trigger and the barrel lock, the pistol does not contain any external control elements. So all you have to do is aim and press the trigger twice.


Can the percussion variants of the pistols be charged for a long time? Does it fire reliably even after months of storage?

A properly loaded weapon will stand for months in a normal dry environment. For daily wear, we recommend firing or at least replacing the cap once a month. The pistons and the inside of the barrel must be completely dry and oil-free when charging.