stupid question

How do I get the barrel off a colt-type BP revolver? Tried pushing the wedge out on several of my guns, but no luck, and I'm reluctant to force it or start beating on it with a rubber mallet. I'm sorry to admit I've never taken one apart in cleaning after the 30+ shots I've actually fired through my guns in 10 years of ownership.

I would have to imagine it is normally supposed to be quick/easy and I am doing something wrong (especially since people reload by swapping cylinders).

The wedge does not have to come all of the way out of the barrel. Just far enough to clear the cylinder arbor.

With the wedge hanging out the left side of the gun (where it is retained by the little spring down inside of it) put your pistol at half cock.

Rotate the cylinder until the metal between the chambers lines up with the loading ram.

Lower the loading lever and push it down.
This will cause the ram to push against the cylinder between the chambers and it will jack the barrel off of the cylinder arbor.

If your gun doesn't have a loading lever, check out the post about removing the barrel from the Colt 1848 pistol.

If you've never had the gun apart. You'll have to tap the wedge out. Not all the way out as Zonie said, but all the way to the side. You can use a hammer and brass punch. You won't hurt anything.

Thanks for the replies... much easier than I had been making it for myself. A tap with a hammer and wood dowel was all that was needed.