barrel wedges

[Navy Six]

I recently stumbled on some useful information--for me at least--on barrel wedges. I have an older Pietta(1996) 51 Navy that needed a new barrel wedge. This one was battered pretty good which is surprising as I never shot heavy loads in it. Anyway, I ordered a new Pietta wedge and discovered it was smaller than the original one which did me no good. Poking through my parts supply I found two used Uberti wedges for their 51 Navy. Both of the used Ubertis were larger than both Piettas wedges and after about 60 minutes of careful filing one of the used Uberti wedges fit the Pietta perfectly. I did not take any initial measurements as both Uberti wedges were used and the original Pietta wedge was too battered. I realize this is not a universal fix for battered wedges, but it might help out someone who found themselves in the same fix I was in.  Merry Christmas everyone!

[Coffinmaker]

Navy Six,

CONGRATULATIONS!!  You have just passed "Wedgie Fitting 101."  I've lost count of the number of times I've scrounged around in my parts boxes looking for a wedge that was "too large (wide)."  I'm also wracking my widdo brain, trying to remember if I have ever has occasion to actually measure a wedge.  Nope.  Meaningless information.  I have never cared whom made the wedge so long as I could make it fit my application.  Doesn't matter.  GOOD JOB!!

[45 Dragoon]

Navy Six,
  Another option is to install a 1/4" set screw (ground flat and polished) through the end of the arbor. This gives you an adjustable front wedge bearing which will allow you to keep using your original wedge or, a wedge that will allow you to "customize" wedge placement. For instance, if you have wedge interference when holstering a particular open top, you  can adjust to allow  the wedge to be inserted further and eliminate the interference.

Mike

[Jubal Starbuck]

Thanks a heap Navy Six.  I have the same problem with an older Pietta 1860. I cut a thin brass shim which fits, but is inconvenient to keep track of when the wedge is removed and re inserted.  Tried JB Weld, but it didn't hold for me.  I will order a couple of Uberti wedges and try them.

  Regards,
 
   Jubal Starbuck

[Navy Six]

Mike, thanks for the information about the set screw. I have read your explanation of this modification before and it makes sense. So far, I haven't worked up the guts to drill a hole through the arbor !  Have too many() cap & ball guns that I shoot a lot so sooner or later I'm going to have to try this.