A gas cylinder quick release device has an upper bearing plate, and a lower annular collar arranged below the upper bearing plate on an axis common to the upper bearing plate and the lower annular collar. A handle is mounted to move between a first position and a second position. Movement of the handle from the first position to the second position imparts axial displacement of the upper bearing plate and the lower annular collar away from each other along the axis. The lower annular collar moves downward along the axis when the lower annular collar is axially displaced away from the upper bearing plate.