Percussion Revolvers

[RonJ]

I have one that has no visible gap between the barrel and the cylinder. Needless to say the cylinder drags and it's hard to cock. Given the nature of black powder, does the gap need to be narrower than a cartridge revolver? Using a feeler gauge, what would you recommend? Thanks!

 

[poordevil]

If it is a Colt or Colt replica, the barrel wedge can be backed out some, allowing the cylinder to gain some space.

The deeper the wedge is, the tighter the cylinder-barrel. A wedge not forced in so far will make for a looser fit.

 

[RonJ]

Thanks Poordevil, I whacked the wedge a couple of times with a wooden handled screw driver. Bingo! Slick as snot on a door knob! Thank you very much!

 

[Raider]

I have seen cases where the barrel retainer, thats the wedge shaped piece that goes through the lower part of the barrel and through the long cylinder pin and holds the barrel onto the frame; it can be jammed in so far that it forces the barrel tight against the cylinder causing zero barrel/cylinder gap. This may be your problem. Generally moving the retainer/wedge out a tiny bit allows a proper gap. I don't have my percussion revolver handy to measure but probably the b/c gap on a modern revolver would be a proper place to start.

Hope I haven't confused you. Somebody with more experience than I can probably help you more. Good luck.

Charlie

 

[RonJ]

Hi Charlie, I understand perfectly. The wedge in my new Walker is so wide that just pushing it in far enough to let the spring pop up pushes the barrel against the cylinder. I took a file to the edge and now it works perfectly and still has enough room for wear.
Thank you!