[Stoney]

The key that holds barrel to the frame of my Colt can be a real bear to
remove. Anybody got an easy way to get it out. Take me through your
procedure.

[Dave Markowitz]

I use a non-marking mallet, with either a plastic or rubber head, if mine is snub. One or two taps gets it out.

[Stoney]

Dave, I use a mallet to , but the key is so tight I have to use a wooden dow when the key is flush with the right side of the gun. Do you know of a tool made to remove the key.

[Dave Markowitz]

My dad has a tool machined from aluminum, used for driving out stubborn barrel wedges. It kind of looks like a big screwdriver, but is used like a punch. He got it probably 25 years ago and I don't know where. Check out Dixie Gun Works and the Log Cabin Shop. They might have something similar.

[RON in PA]

That tool was made by a fellow blackpowder shooter over twentyfive years ago when I lived in Maryland. He made up a bunch and sold them to members of the blackpowder club we belonged to. Don't know if anything like this is available commercially. Your use of a mallet and dowel may be the most expedient solution.

[Stoney]

A tool made of any kind of metal I worry would scar the blue. Thanks for your help. I'll check out Dixie, If anybody has a tool they will.

[Jim K]

There is a tool made of brass that is specifically for pulling the key. It looks a bit like a small bottle opener and has a hook that fits under the key. I wish I knew who sells them but I don't.

Jim

[Stoney]

Jim, is it new or something you saw in the past ? .

[mcneill]

I bought such a tool several years ago from a shop called Rebel Arms in Houston (maybe Pasedena). It is brass and believe it is called a "wedge tool" or something like that. It works great and have never had any problem with scratching the bluing. I think the manufacturer may have been CVA? As you can probably tell I'm beginning to suffer from CRS.

Jim

[Dr.Rob]

Check DixieGunWorks.com

Brass will not harm a blue finish.

A tight wedge is a good thing, if it slips out you'll spend a while trying to figure out why your pistol won't fire. (btdt)

Rob

[mcneill]

I posted earlier that my "wedge tool" was manufactured by CVA. On further reflection, I believe that it was Traditions. It looks like a small, blunt cold chisel.

Jim

[Jim K]

The ones I saw were brass and had a small hammer on one end and a hook on the other. The hammer was used to tap the wedge flush, then the hook was used to draw it out from the other side. I don't know if anyone is making them now, but they worked pretty well and if used carefully didn't scar anything.

Jim

[Stoney]

Jim,brass would be the way I would like to go. I'v got a Dixie catalog on the way, with luck I can find something like you described. For now, a wood dowl will have to do.