1851 Navy .44 barrel wedge....

[Will Dearborn]

Howdy, pards.

I need a new 1851 Navy barrel wedge.  I have an older, defarbed, reblued, regripped navy.  I just gor hold of a brand new Navy and noticed that my barrel wedge sticks WAY out on the right side, while the new one doesn't protrude at all.  There seems to be excessive wear on my wedge and looks like it's been mauled at some point.

Where can I find a new wedge?  And is it a drop in thing... or am I going to have to take it to my gunsmith?  His name is Mr. Dremel, btw.



Thanks.

Long days and pleasant nights,
Will

[Pettifogger]

For a new wedge go to http://www.vtigunparts.com/.  The "wedge" is designed to go in further as it wears, that's why it's wedge shaped.  Should drop right in.  If it doesn't go through until at least the tip of the wedge spring is sticking out on the opposite side, take a fine tooth file or stone and carefully stone one side.  Don't use a dremel, you want to keep the sides of the wedge flat.  All of mine are fitted so that they can be pushed out with thumb pressure.  You don't want to have to hammer them in or out.  (Sometimes a light tap is needed to knock them loose after shooting, but you don't want to have to beat on them.)

[Will Dearborn]

Thank you very much.  Part of the problem is that it's worn so much from the previous owner that, while I was inspecting it tonight, it broke.  I looked at the break under a magnifing glass and can see that it's been ready to break for a while.  I'll send to that company for a new one.

I appreciate the rapid reply.

Long days and pleasant nights,
Will