Abstract: A rapid change nozzle apparatus includes a nozzle member and a seat or base member wherein the nozzle member may be quickly and easily manually selectively connected with and/or detached from the seat or base member in order for maintenance personnel or operators of an associated welding system to conveniently replace the nozzle as necessary or desired without significant down-time impact relative to the underlying welding processes. The nozzle member is supported relative to the base or seat member by a set of pin members extending from the base member and received in longitudinal and circumferential grooved in the nozzle member body, and by the biasing influence of a spring member disposed between the nozzle member and the base member whereby the spring urges the nozzle member into relative separation from the base member and into contact with the locating pin members.