Uberti Colt models. Some take apart easy, some are hard? What's going on?

[TCoops]

I am considering buying a black powder Uberti. I've heard nothing but good things about them. I am aware, though, how difficult it can be to switch out cylinders in the old open top models. That's just part of the experience, so I'm starting to learn. Ie: expect to have to hammer out the wedge and swear at the cylinder until it comes off the arbour. This was demonstrated to me at a gun show, on what appeared to be a Uberti 1851 colt.

However a friend of mine owns a 1861 navy I think (or 1860 army, not sure) and assures me that he can swap cylinders faster than a '58 Remington. The wedge comes out under thumb pressure and the cylinder virtually falls out. And i've heard that on some forums too. That, to me, is my kind of design. I do plan to buy a bunch of cylinders to reduce downtime between reloads. A '58 Remington is one BP revolver I am considering. But I really have my heart set on an open top.

This confuses me. Some wedged models are near impossible to disassemble (i've heard of people almost breaking parts while hammering the wedges out). While some models apparently operate like a dream. Is this part of design evolution? Is it possible my friend's model was just well worn in?

Please offer me your opinion!

 

[dwave]

Well from personal experience I think it is wear. My Pietta 1851's wedge was a bear to get out the first couple of times. After I had shot the gun and had removed the wedge many times it now slides out with my thumb.

 

[Tommygunn]

A lot has to do with how new the gun is. Strangely though, I have a Uberti 1861 Navy and it's wedge was easy to get out, while my Uberti 1860 Army, and 1851 were hard.
Also have some small .31 calibers. One, the wedge can be pushed with the thumb, the other, tapping it with a plastic hammer is required.
But most did get easier with time.

 

[Old Fuff]

A lot of users don't understand the right way to disassemble an open-top.

1. Put the hammer on half-cock so that the cylinder is unlocked and can be revolved.

2. Push out the wedge. (If it's tight, push or drive it back & forth until it gets burnished and moves easier).

3. Unlatch the bullet rammer, turn the cylinder so that the rammer will push on the cylinder between the chamber, and push against the cylinder face with the rammer. Even a tight barrel will move forward so that you can take it off.

 

[Frenchie Pete]

I think that I read on this forum a thread by Gatofeo (I don't remember) saying that if we can push the wedge out with the thumb, it's too loose.
On the Navy Pietta I bought yesterday, the wedge came out after 5 mn, brand new guns out of the factory are really thight, but it's true that sometimes it's easy, and sometimes not.
But with time, shooting, it no problem any longer.

 

[colonialrob]

Wedge on Ubertis

My 1851 Navy is a bear to get the wedge out because the catch on the end of the wedge spring is very sharp. The wedge spring on my Uberti Dragoon actually has a tapered edge to the spring, much like Rifle previously suggested be done with a file, and it comes out with thumb pressure, the barrel assembly comes right off, and it is extremely quick to change out the cylinder. Colonial Rob

 

[Bad Flynch]

The wedge should not be loose, unless you desire for it to shoot loose while firing a string. A leather mallet, a plastic mallet, a plastic cleaning rod handle--all can be used to gently nudge it out.

Yes, use the loading rod to help remove the cylinder, as described. It is a very valid help.

 

[Franco2shoot]

Wedgies

Its just a guess on my part, but I really believe based on my own personal experience that MANY MANY of the reports about wedge removal problems stem from the small burr on the end of the wedge spring.

In my case I used to use a mallet to get the thing to budge. Then I read on one of the threads about the small burr that is at the tip of the wedge spring and how it should NOT be square, but actually have a small ramp-like edge. I took out a small file and de-burred the tick that's at the edge of the spring and instantly my problems went away.

It was amazing the small amount I needed to file for smooth operation. I can now tap the wedge in and out using a small piece of lead about the size of the dice you see in a Monopoly game.(Melted Tire weight into a piece of Aluminum foil and I keep it in my pocket). This makes for a tight fit but easy removal.

Go for the open Top, its a classic, wedge removal problems are overblown IMHO.

KKKKFL

 

[TCoops]

I just bought a Uberti Dragoon. There is no problem whatsoever! The wedge is firm enough but I can still break it down without tools. Its hard, but hey maybe i have very stiff thumbs Nearly new. Looks as if the last owner never made it out to the range. Feels and looks superb. I can't wait to shoot it

 

[glen walker]

wedge removal

Congradulations, Mr. Franco2Shoot! I do believe you know which end of a horse the hockey fall's out of! I had the same problem. I solved it in almost exactly the same way you mentioned above.