Another Colt Newb wedge question

[mykeal]

The cylinder to forcing cone gap is controlled by the barrel wedge; the further in, the smaller the gap. That being said, however, there is no single position that works best for every gun; each needs to be taken on it's own.

 

[madcratebuilder]

The cylinder to forcing cone gap is controlled by the barrel wedge; the further in, the smaller the gap. That being said, however, there is no single position that works best for every gun; each needs to be taken on it's own.

I disagree sir. If you have a short arbor you can use the wedge to close up the barrel gap if it is excessive. If the arbor to barrel lug fit is correct and the frame length is correct then you well have the correct .007+/- barrel gap with out the wedge installed. The wedge is the secure the barrel to the arbor, nothing else.

Most c&b revolvers I have handled have a short arbor and the wedge well control the barrel gap but that does not make it correct. It does work and for many shooters it is the easiest solution.

 

[mykeal]

So I should do what - tell him the theory that doesn't work and ignore the reality that answers his question?

The question was how to adjust the gap. With the (quite rare) proper length arbor pin the method of adjustment is to either shim the frame at the locating pins on the bottom or shim/trim the arbor pin. I don't consider that a better answer.

Ed: In rereading the above it sounds flippant. I don't mean to be, so apologies if my tone is offensive.

 

[madcratebuilder]

In rereading the above it sounds flippant. I don't mean to be, so apologies if my tone is offensive.

Apologies not needed sir.

For the average user the wedge is the easiest method. My point is that proper fitting is a better method. Lets say a different method. It does involve considerable hand fitting. I sometimes forget that some people do not care to do that, I find it one of the enjoyable parts of c&b ownership. I enjoy working on them as much as shooting them, OK I'm weird.