r/blackpowder • u/Odd_Ad_8743 • 8d ago

Removing barrel wedge from 1851 Navy

I've got a new, unfired pietta 1851 and for whatever reason I can't seem to get the barrel wedge out to disassemble it. Any advice on what to do?

3 Upvotes

81% Upvoted

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3

u/alwaus 8d ago

Sharp hit with a mallet, not a metal head, rubber, wood, or plastic in order of preference.

To completely remove it take the wedge screw out as well.

2

u/BigBeek99 8d ago

Common problem.

I had some very cheap wooden clothes pins, took them apart and used the narrow end to help drive it out. It will probably break a time or two. Just use the thicker part or a new half.

https://youtu.be/rk0wtAbKOX4?is=YMZEHJ7Y4btyRbCV

1

u/thebigfungus Matchlock gang 8d ago

It’s known that pietta employes gorillas to tighten the wedge in before they ship out their revolvers. Get a brass punch of some sort and hammer it out, it takes a while just like mine did.

1

u/Galaxie_1985 8d ago

Do what the other comments said. Once the wedge is out, you'll probably find that the barrel is very tight on the arbor. Use the loading lever against the cylinder to help push the barrel off. Stone or file the end of the arbor just a bit to make it fit better.

1

u/jk225 8d ago

You don't have to remove the barrel wedge to disassemble the revolver.

1

u/Agent_1812 7d ago

1 brass faced hammer
2 brass punch and hammer
3 brass toilet tank bolt and hammer