Cylinder-Arbor 72 OT & wedge????

[Slamfire]

I know thiis is been ask & ask, but if i don't get it right,,,,bad things can happen.The arbor hole ( measured at the outer edge aginst the wall not the center) is 1.142 . I held the cyl .back and measured from the end of the gas ring to the end of the arbor,it is 1.063 ( i rechecked my measurements 2-3 times).  1.142 - 1.063= .079 diff. ( don't know what .mm ).I understand why the arbor must reach the end of the arbor hole,but now the wedge slot is too narrow,if i try to put the wedge in any at all the barrel binds the cyl. I have been reading the early post as far back as 09', up to here i think i know what to do "BUT",help me be sure. THE problem is i'v pulled off the 71/2,& am puting on a new 51/2,,,,and man this is the one for me. Thanks All



  Hootmix.

[Flint]

Are you saying that the 5-1/2 inch barrel is too shallow for your arbor pin?  I don't quite understand your description.  If the original barrel fits, but needs a spacer, you can do it several different ways.  If the hole inthe 5-1/2 incher is too shallow, you can shorten the arbor, then make a spacer for the other barrel.

I have made spacers, and did it several ways.  1: drill and tap the end of the arbor for a set screw to adjust the length to bottom out in the hole, use blue locktite.  2:  simply made brass washers on the lathe to insert, thickness measured to fill the gap.  3:  Made some as Pettifogger suggested  using Dillon shellplate buttons with the head cut to the right thickness and the arbor drilled for the stem.  any of these could be soldered or JB Welded in place.

You want the barrel lug and the frame face to just barely touch and not go past contact, check by rotating the barrel so the lug can go past the frame to the side.  If all is right, the cylinder gas ring will not get clamped and the cylinder will be free to turn.

[Slamfire]

MR. Flint,thank you ( the light finally came on), i'v been reading all the post i could on here.but what you just said made the light come on," i respaced the end of the arbor ,( Thanks to MR. Coffinmaker & the ss washers) and twisted the barrel on the arbor until it JUST  TOUCHED the end  and NOT go past contact. So what is the correct amount of head space w/ the hammer down ( 72 OT)cyl., free.? I believe that will leave only the wedge to shave down( file or grind),is that about correct?




Hootmix.

[Coffinmaker]

You might be describing one, or all of the "play" dimensions.  Head space is measured between the cartridge rim and breach face of the frame.  Best way to measure is with an automotive feeler gage.  Optimum head space is .006 +/- .001
End shake is measured at the front of the gas ring between the back of the barrel.  Should be an even .001 or .002
Barrel to cylinder gap is measured between the barrel breach and cylinder face.  Should be an even .005 +/-   .001

Once barrel to arbor fit is correct, all of the others usually fall into place.  Once the barrel/Arbor fit is correct, your wedge may fit just fine with a gentile tap.  The wedge needs to be nice and snug.  Not driven home with a mallot.  If you need to reduce the wedge, remove material from the cylinder side of the wedge.  Go slow and test fit often.  If you screw it up, wedges aren't that expensive.

Welcome to setting up an Open Top

Coffinmaker

[Slamfire]

 Coffinmaker,thank you for your input and time. So far my measurements are the same as you just described. The wedge however is just bearly pushed in and a long way from where the screw will fit the slot.  We cut the wedge to the cyl., side,,,because it is flat on that side is that correct?  And i ( us'ns,we all) thank all  ( youn's) for your direction's  and understanding .

Man i'm feel'n better already.



Hootmix.

[Abilene]

You can also back the wedge screw out one or even two turns and it will still function and the wedge doesn't have to go in quite as far.

[Coffinmaker]

Yes.  If you need to remove some material from the wedge, remove it from the flat side.  Clamp a file to your work surface and run the wedge over the file.  Test fit often.  Optimum is when the wedge seats snugly with HEAVY thumb pressure and the retaining screw will seat.  Remember to run the wedge over the file so you can keep it square and flat.

Coffinmaker

[Slamfire]

wELL,, GANG,, after all the input & advice ( go slow,fit often,remove a little at a time,,etc., etc.,) CRAP,,CRAP,,CRAP,. Now i'v got to make another rig ( holster,belt loops) to fit this great shooting ,fine gun . I JUST DID 50 RDS. with out stoping ,,nada, zilch,not a hitch ,,,,,smooooooth,oh yea,,oh yea uh hum .           THANK  YOU ALL!!!!!!!





   Hootmix.

[Coffinmaker]

He, he, you ain't getting off that easy.  Now go get another one and start over 

Coffinmaker

[Slamfire]

 I think we better let my "swelled head " go down first.






  Mr. HOOTMIX.