1871 colt clone in 38 Colt/S&W special.

[gasmandave]

Anyone have any experience with this type of Colt clone? Does the barrel come off by taking the wedge out. The wedge on mine is stuck. This was a used pistol I picked up at my LGS.

[mike116]

Yep,  you have to get the wedge out in order to take the barrel off.   It may take a pretty good whack to get it loose.   There is no wedge spring on these models so sometimes the wedge fits really tight.   Mine is sometimes difficult to remove,  especially after a long shooting session.

[ShotgunDave]

Mine has the screw with a flat spot in it. You have to rotate the flat spot even with the wedge to get mine to move. Or just remove it. I know that's contrary to what we're taught, but on the Open Tops, sometimes it's necessary.

[gasmandave]

Thanks, my wedge won't move. I used a wooden dowel and hammer, just buggered up the dowel.

[ShotgunDave]

Hmmm, that's troublesome. Maybe soak it with a little WD-40 to help loosen it up.