I used the barrel condom this past weekend, and I will go back to using tape. I actually prefer short strips of black duct tape rather than electrical tape, but that is my preference. I found that when I pulled enough tension on the balloon to seal off the muzzle, the balloon started tearing. I also noticed that it would tear if you bumped your muzzle against a tree or put your gun barrel down in the truck. May be because my gun has a octagonal barrel, but I wasn't impressed. The little pink nipple rings that come in the same package as the barrel condoms that seal your cap are pretty neat though. I have also found that a 9mm casing will fit completely over the nipple of my sidelock, and is held in place by pressure from the hammer. A .22 Short also fits perfectly over a #11 cap. You just have to remove it when you cock your gun.