OMAS 361 slip-cap question

[fountainpenkid]

I thought I'd try a 361 to replace the Parker "51" as a more satisfying pocket carry (a nonstarter for some, I know), so I naturally found an example with the slip-cap. I thought the cap action would feel similar to an Aurora 88, which is to say, not as precise as the "51" but functional and smooth enough. Instead it is a horrible affair--scratchy and jerky--and it doesn't seat properly (it never feels "bottomed out" and wiggles from side to side). I can't find any pictures online of the inside of the cap to see if mine is missing a clutch or something. There is some wear on the barrel ring but I've seen pictures of other purportedly functional examples with a similar amount of wear (seems to be gold-plated and brassed), which makes me think that is probably not the issue either. Were these just poorly designed?

[ralfstc]

Hi,

Which model of 360 is it? I have some recent experience with a Mezzo I'd be happy to share!

Ralf

[fountainpenkid]

Hi,

Which model of 360 is it? I have some recent experience with a Mezzo I'd be happy to share!

Ralf
This is a 361 from the 1950s, not a 360. I don’t know the model name actually…

[catbert]

My 361/C caps with a positive click. It’s not simple friction on the barrel ring like a vintage Aurora 88 but a definite stop. There’s a slotted ring inside the cap, roughly level with the end of the clip.

Similar to a Lamy Aion, it’s possible to rotate the closed cap and it has a very slight wiggle rather than feeling rock solid like an Aurora 88 or a Parker 51. I’ve handled other slip-cap 361s (and a 556) with similar characteristics.

It feels like a reliable mechanism to me. Maybe you got a damaged one?

75402

75403

75404

[fountainpenkid]

Thank you so much—that is extremely useful. Mine is missing that notched insert; glad to know that it was designed nicely (I wouldn’t expect anything less from OMAS). I’ll look into whether that can be replaced and report back.

[fountainpenkid]

So I got a new cap, and as you describe, it produces a very affirmative click—so affirmative that it takes a surprising amount of force to put on and even more to remove. It’s secure, but not particularly pleasant—is something still wrong?

[catbert]

I’m sorry to hear that.

Capping on my 361/C is positive and audible. The effort required feels roughly comparable to a Kakuno or a Preppy, though the OMAS action is crisper — certainly not what I would call unpleasant.

Thinking about variations due to manufacturing and/or time, I tried swapping caps with a 361/R to see if there would be extra resistance. Both worked fine.

So, you may be right that something’s still wrong. :(