1861 Navy Barrel Wedge Spring question

[Mictlanero]

Barrel wedge came out ok - can be replaced pretty much with finger pressure - but to poke it through to other side so the wedge spring catches the other side of the barrel i need to use a small plastic mallet.

However, the wedge comes entirely out of the pistol on the side that it goes into the barrel because the wedge spring is depressed mostly down - it seems simple enough to just band it back a bit so it catches better on the screw wedge stop - this is my plan.

But first.... i wanted to make sure there is no special way or shape to bend it - or heat it up first or some arcane gunsmithing trick?

Thanks

 

[Hellgate]

I've never heated one up. All I have done is to pound them a little flatter to take the curve down a bit and shaped the tip so it would not hook the opposite side of the barrel so strongly.

 

[J-Bar]

It is not necessary for the wedge to be inserted so far that the spring "catches" on the far side. In fact, if it goes that far in you may be needing a new wedge pretty soon.

The spring is there to prevent losing the wedge totally when it is withdrawn...it is supposed to catch on the screw head on the left side of the barrel and not get lost in the dirt. The wedge only has to be inserted far enough to secure the barrel to the frame and not wiggle free. Finger pressure or a light tap with something like a screwdriver handle should seat the wedge firmly enough. It should not require a hammer.

So If I am understanding your question, the reason the spring is not catching on the screw is because it is being driven in too far in the first place. Just flexing the spring up a tad with your finger tip and not driving it in so far should get you where you want to be.

 

[BHP FAN]

J-bar is right. you should be able to just 'tap' the wedge in on a cowboy boot heel, or with strong thumb pressure.

 

[Mictlanero]

hey thanks for the help!

 

[BHP FAN]

there are some pretty good folks on here. I really enjoy visiting this site!