Loosen the wedge screw?

[jphendren]

Does the wedge on C&B Colt's need to be loosened for the wedge to be moved in order to take the gun down for cleaning? If so, how much does it need to be backed out?

 

[dogrunner]

To the best of my knowledge that screw serves only as a retainer for the wedge. I have a '51 repro and avoid removing the wedge when I clean it, rather I move it as far left as possible, treat the bbl assembly with boiling water to dry and lube.....you remove that wedge in my experience and you wind up marring parts..

 

[jphendren]

So you do NOT need to loosen the screw in order to move the wedge? I now know that the wedge does not need to come out, but am unclear as to whether the screw needs to be moved in order for the wedge to move.

 

[Tommygunn]

You should not have to move the screw. To take down the gun you move the wedge far to the left, a lip on the edge of the spring on top of the wedge is retained by the screw, and then you remove the barrel.

 

[jphendren]

Thanks, that is what I wanted to know.