Emboldened by all y'all's advice, I had at that wedge. Mission accomplished, pretty much. Darn wedge spring was ridiculously stiff, still is, but not as much. The wedge itself was binding up all over and after some filing & grinding, that problem's gone.
Problem is still with that wedge spring. It's still too stiff to easily push my thumbnail onto without getting chewed up, but when it releases, then the wedge easily pulls right out. I may have to resort to the antler, or shirt button, thimble, or something.
So now, the idea of a conversion cylinder without a loading gate sounds very practical. Hmmm....
Thanks again.
BTW, what's the purpose of the wedge screw? I don't think I've ever touched it.
BP