Results 1 to 7 of 7

Thread: OMAS 361 slip-cap question

  1. #1
    Senior Member fountainpenkid's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
    Location
    Nouvelle Angleterre
    Posts
    3,675
    Thanks
    3,483
    Thanked 1,222 Times in 598 Posts
    Rep Power
    18

    Default OMAS 361 slip-cap question

    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?
    Will
    If my p.m box is full, feel free to email me at dabantur@gmail.com.

  2. #2
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Jun 2014
    Posts
    139
    Thanks
    14
    Thanked 43 Times in 19 Posts
    Rep Power
    10

    Default Re: OMAS 361 slip-cap question

    Hi,

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

    Ralf

  3. #3
    Senior Member fountainpenkid's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
    Location
    Nouvelle Angleterre
    Posts
    3,675
    Thanks
    3,483
    Thanked 1,222 Times in 598 Posts
    Rep Power
    18

    Default Re: OMAS 361 slip-cap question

    Quote Originally Posted by ralfstc View Post
    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…
    Will
    If my p.m box is full, feel free to email me at dabantur@gmail.com.

  4. #4
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Nov 2014
    Posts
    1,715
    Thanks
    4,748
    Thanked 4,653 Times in 1,132 Posts
    Rep Power
    12

    Default Re: OMAS 361 slip-cap question

    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?

    Omas 361-1.jpg

    Omas 361-2.jpg

    Omas 361-3.jpg

  5. The Following User Says Thank You to catbert For This Useful Post:

    fountainpenkid (February 8th, 2023)

  6. #5
    Senior Member fountainpenkid's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
    Location
    Nouvelle Angleterre
    Posts
    3,675
    Thanks
    3,483
    Thanked 1,222 Times in 598 Posts
    Rep Power
    18

    Default Re: OMAS 361 slip-cap question

    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.
    Will
    If my p.m box is full, feel free to email me at dabantur@gmail.com.

  7. The Following User Says Thank You to fountainpenkid For This Useful Post:

    catbert (February 8th, 2023)

  8. #6
    Senior Member fountainpenkid's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
    Location
    Nouvelle Angleterre
    Posts
    3,675
    Thanks
    3,483
    Thanked 1,222 Times in 598 Posts
    Rep Power
    18

    Default Re: OMAS 361 slip-cap question

    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?
    Will
    If my p.m box is full, feel free to email me at dabantur@gmail.com.

  9. #7
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Nov 2014
    Posts
    1,715
    Thanks
    4,748
    Thanked 4,653 Times in 1,132 Posts
    Rep Power
    12

    Default Re: OMAS 361 slip-cap question

    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.

  10. The Following User Says Thank You to catbert For This Useful Post:

    fountainpenkid (February 26th, 2023)

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •