New Graco Pipe - Metal Insert?

[Wellington]

Hey guys, I just got my new Graco sandblasted pipe in the mail. Its vintage stock from about 30 years ago, some supplier for pipesandcigars apparently found some. I absolutely love it, I think its gonna be my main gun. But something that through me off is when I took the stem out and there was this long very pointy metal insert. It slides right into the stem, and it has a groove in it for airflow. What the heck is the point of this? To prevent tobacco particles from slipping through the stem? I smoked a third bowl last night in it and left the metal insert in. Seemed to smoke good but it had a bit of a whistle because of it. I think I'll just not use the insert, but I was wondering what the purpose is of this.
I'm sorry for lack of pictures, I don't have a digital camera, just an old GAF 30mm, haha. Though my computer has a webcam I can take pictures with . . . i'll give it a shot.
Ok I can't figure out how to attach pictures to my post . . .

 

[irishsmoker]

That's called a stinger. It's to prevent moisture from getting into your mouth while you smoke! You can remove it most smokers do! Bit if you like it leave it in! Happy puffing!

 

[irishsmoker]

And the easiest way too attach pics is to load them to photo bucket then copy the IMG codes and paste it in you post!

 

[captainprophesy]

what Irish said... on both accounts.
boy I sure contributed to this post :P

 

[Wellington]

Thanks a lot guys, haha

 

[Wellington]

I guess the pictures don't matter anymore.

 

[captainprophesy]

I guess the pictures don't matter anymore.

Pictures always matter here. :P BTW... thats a very nice looking pipe. Enjoy ::

 

[portascat]

That ain't a stinger, that is a brain probe.

 

[tbradsim1]

That's a weapon. The old cajun

 

[dlattim]

What a great idea. A defensive pipe! Kind of like a cane with a gun in it. Always be prepared!

As for pics it's been said here many times, "didn't happen with out a pic".

Who loves pictures? Wee DOOO!