[Mausermike]

I'd love to shoot this thing tomorrow on my day off, but seeing as its covered in packing grease with a stuck wedge, I need some help here.

How on earth do I get the wedge out of this new Pietta 1851? I've taken apart a few of these types of open top black powder Colts before but this wedge is stuck in there good.

I've read in the archives about a hooked wedge spring on some Piettas. With all the force I can muster on a plastic punch, I can compress that spring but how can I whack the wedge at the same time?

[Rebel Dave]

Mike
I use a craftsman "double ended plastic mallet" on all my wedges. I just turn the wedge screw 1/2 turn, and tap out the wedge. It might take a little persuasion. The mallet is the small one. Evidentley it has been driven in too far.Does the cylinder rotate freely,???.

Rebel Dave (still unreconstucted)

[Mausermike]

I thought that wedge retaining screw was supposed to be left alone?

The problem is the wedge is flush against the right side. I can't see how hammering is going to get it to move. My plastic punches are a bit on the big side. I have brass punches but I just know they will slip and I will ruin the gun.

[Tommygunn]

I've used brass punches in this situation. You need to steady the gun somehow. Try light taps and work up from that.

[scrat]

ok screw on the left. The wedge is flush on the right. Then you need to take a screwdriver large flat blade. on the right and just give it a hard Whack. The first time may take some persuasion. If it still wont budge. Take a screw driver place it between the top of the revolver cylinder and the barrel and pry it downward just a small hair. Then try whacking out the wedge again. Could be that its really really tight. prying the cylinder has always worked for me.

[Im283]

dumb question, but have you taken anything and just wacked directly on the non screw side of the wedge?

Thats how I always get them out, usually a wooden screw driver handle does the trick.
My newest gun took a wack with the mallet to get it out. But skip the punch and hit the wedge directly. It should loosen it up. Maybe even tap it in a little to break whatever is got a hold of it.

[Mausermike]

Not a dumb question - that's what I've been doing.

Finally got it. Brass punch but I got a much bigger hammer and she came out without too much fanfare. It was flush with the side of the revolver, so it took a small punch and a lot of care.

Doing a complete stripdown. Its just coated in oil and grease, so that will have to go and be replaced with Olio Olivo and Crisco ;) Will post photos soon.