Colt 1851 Navy

[MIDLIFEVETTE]

Can anyone tell me what the purpose of the Wedge Screw is on my Pietta Colt 1851 Navy revolver.  I've read about removing the wedge to take the cylinder out, but no where have I found any reference to the wedge screw.  Thanks,  Ken

[Pettifogger]

There is a spring in the wedge with a hook on the end.  The wedge screw is supposed to help keep the wedge from falling out and getting lost.  (A bad thing in combat.)  When you get ready to remove the barrel tap the wedge to loosen it and then pull it to the left until the hook catches the screw.  The wedge is then far enough out of the barrel to remove the barrel.  If the wedge falls out, no big deal.  The hooks on a lot of the modern wedges aren't formed correctly.

[MIDLIFEVETTE]

Thanks,  I just got this revolver today and trying to learn all I can about it before I start shooting it.  Ken

[MIDLIFEVETTE]

another question;  Do all colt 1851 Navy revolvers have the engraved naval scene on the cylinder?  Mine does not.  Does that mean my cylinder has been replaced?  Thanks,  Ken

[Montana Slim]

Adusting the wedge screw will also allow it to  act as a "stop", to control depth when seating the wedge, too. Ideally, the buld on the end of the wedge spring should just protrude past the barrel & help lock the wedge from backing out.

Regards,
Slim

[Pettifogger]

another question;  Do all colt 1851 Navy revolvers have the engraved naval scene on the cylinder?  Mine does not.  Does that mean my cylinder has been replaced?  Thanks,  Ken

Yours doesn't, so that must mean they all don't have it.     Is yours a brass frame or a .44?  The cheaper versions save money by not putting on the engraving.

[Mako]

Midlife,
Looking form the top your wedge spring should just engage the other side of the barrel where it comes out as shown below:

http://i627.photobucket.com/albums/tt358/Mako_CAS/Navy%20Model/TopWedge.jpg

When the wedge is pushed out it should still engage the slot as shown below:

http://i627.photobucket.com/albums/tt358/Mako_CAS/Navy%20Model/TopWedgeOut.jpg

The retaining lip of the wedge spring engages the wedge retaining screw as shown below:

http://i627.photobucket.com/albums/tt358/Mako_CAS/Navy%20Model/Retained.jpg

The designed purpose of the screw is only to stop the wedge from falling out and getting lost.

Regards,
Mako

[MIDLIFEVETTE]

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you

[Blackpowder Burn]

Mako, I never cease to be amazed by the detail of your drawings.  Have you ever thought of writing a book, on the order of "Black Powder for Dummies"?  Your knowledge plus the drawings would be invaluable.

[Montana Slim]

Note that most repro revolvers have a radiused edge to the spring. I file this edge to make a sharper feature, which then improves retention against the barrel.

Slim

[Mako]

Note that most repro revolvers have a radiused edge to the spring. I file this edge to make a sharper feature, which then improves retention against the barrel.

Slim

The originals are radiused as well...

[Drayton Calhoun]

another question;  Do all colt 1851 Navy revolvers have the engraved naval scene on the cylinder?  Mine does not.  Does that mean my cylinder has been replaced?  Thanks,  Ken

Also, some Confederate copies have smooth cylinders, Griswold and Gunnison, Leech Rigdon.