Having trouble with cylider removal on a Pietta

[Rob]

Thought I would check here before I go to a gunsmith.

I just got a F.ILLI Pietta in 44 cal.  I am trying to remove the cylinder and cannot seem to figure out how do to it.  There is a wedge just in front of the cylinder that I think is suppose to push from the left to the right and release the cylinder, but I cannot make it move without a lot of effort.  

Any ideas?  Any ideas on where I can find a manual that might explain it?  I looked around on Pietta's website but could not find manuals.

Here is a shot of the wedge

[KillBilly]

I think when you turn the screw it begins to push the wedge out... 

[CP]

It looks like Colt’s design, if it is you do not turn that screw.  The wedge should stick out on the other side, turn the gun over and tap the wedge with a brass or hardwood rod.  It should push out.

[Rob]

I will give that a shot tonight.  I oiled it up really well this morning before I left for the day in hopes that would help.

I did beat on it with a rubber mallet, but I will look for somethign brass or hard plastic for this evening.

[Rob]

No go on the wedge.  I tried pentrating oil and beat on it with plastic mallet as hard as I dared.  did not even budge. 

I tried it both with the screw in, and out.  made no difference.

Time to look for a gunsmith I guess!

[Rob]

Just a follow up.  the gunsmith showed me how to remove it.  There is a metal tab on the wedge that you have to tap at an angle to get the wedge out.  Comes out nice and easy once you know the trick.

So I plan on shooting it soon.  I do not have a manual, but I looked in the Lyman black powder book, and it said for an 8 inch colt style revolver to use between 20 and 35 grains of FFF.  Anyone see an issue with that?

[Moose Eyes]

Glad you got the cylinder off, Rob!