I have a Pietta 44 cal Navy. Sometimes when firing, the wedge shoots loose. Is there anything I can do to prevent the wedge from slipping out or is it just the nature of the beast?
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Wedge Shoots Loose
- Thread starter RDavis
- Start date
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rafterob
62 Cal.
?
Is it Brass Framed? What is your load?
It is a steel framed revolver. I am using Goex Pinnacle 3f power. The charge is around 24 grains. I use a Colt navy flask from Dixie Gunworks with a 24 grain tube. I use lubbed felt wads over the powder.
The wedge doesn't come loose every time. I shot it Saturday and it happened on the fourth reload.
The wedge doesn't come loose every time. I shot it Saturday and it happened on the fourth reload.
phoenix511
40 Cal.
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- Jul 28, 2008
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The wedge should release with some firm thumb pressure on the rounded end. Newer Pietta's seem to have wedges fitted with far too much pressure, resulting in difficult initial removal requiring brass punches and hammers.
Someone may have "tinkered" with the wedge to make removal easier by thinning the sides and/or top. The rounded edge should protrude slightly, perhaps 0.010"
You can make some adjustments by very slightly bending the wedge: hold the flat rounded end in a vise, then tap the flanged end with a brass/plastic face hammer. I don't think it makes any difference which direction you bend the wedge.
This is a trial-and-error process: tap a little, try, put it back in the vise and try some more. You won't need much of a bend to restore the friction fit. If you can see the wedge bend when you hit it, you hit too hard!
Next choice is purchase and fit a new wedge.
Best of luck!
Someone may have "tinkered" with the wedge to make removal easier by thinning the sides and/or top. The rounded edge should protrude slightly, perhaps 0.010"
You can make some adjustments by very slightly bending the wedge: hold the flat rounded end in a vise, then tap the flanged end with a brass/plastic face hammer. I don't think it makes any difference which direction you bend the wedge.
This is a trial-and-error process: tap a little, try, put it back in the vise and try some more. You won't need much of a bend to restore the friction fit. If you can see the wedge bend when you hit it, you hit too hard!
Next choice is purchase and fit a new wedge.
Best of luck!
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- Nov 5, 2011
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I would also recommend trying some 2F in that Pietta. It shoots better for me than 3F, although you might want to bump the charge a wee bit. Even a full charge of 2F seems kinder to open-top guns than 3F.
Alan
Alan
