1911 Extractor Question

[Husker95]

Can anyone recommend a high-quality replacement 1911 extractor that will need as little tuning as possible to run?

I have a full-size SA Loaded 45 (vintage 1999) that I love and have shot the hell out of. This week (at a match no less) it started FTEing by leaving the spent round in the chamber. Up to this point it has run like a champ for most of its life. This is the original factory extractor and I think its just tired and worn out. I know I need a new one and am just interested in folk’s experience. Am thinking EGW….

Husker

[KS63]

Wilson Combat Bullet Proof and EGW are no brainers. Ed Brown is also very good. All may require tuning for your gun.

[BPTactical]

Ed Brown Hardcore.

[SideShow Bob]

Ed Brown Hardcore.

Listen to this as if it came from JMB himself. Bert at BP knows 1911s.

[Husker95]

Thanks all- I appreciate the input.

Bert, do I need that fancy extractor bending tool from Midway to tune a EB? How much bendy does a new one usually take to function right?

Husker

[BPTactical]

Before you replace the extractor make sure the bore for the extractor is clean and free of carbon etc. The extractor has to flex a bit in there and if too much crud in there it can prevent the extractor from flexing correctly.


For occasional needs you don't need an extractor adjusting tool. Set the tension when it is new and unless you have issues with it, leave it alone. If you need to adjust the tension just pull the extractor about 1/2 way out the back of the slide and use both thumbs to tweak it in the appropriate direction.
You want about 4-5 pounds tension on the rim of the cartridge and a good test is to take the stripped slide with only the extractor and firing pin stop in place. Slide a cartridge under the extractor.
It should stay in place as you gently shake the slide in any direction but pop out easily with thumb pressure.
An extractor that is too loose is easily apparent, if too tight the pistol will not chamber reliably, stopping short of locking up completely. Here is where a lot of guys get into trouble, they overlook the obvious and start polishing ramps(incorrectly most often), polishing lugs etc.
An extractor too tight has cause more than a few kitchen GumSmiffs to ruin a perfectly good 1911.
The rim of the cartridge slides up under the hook on the extractor as it comes up out of the magazine on a 1911.
Make sure the "groove" right behind the hook is smooth and radiused slightly on the bottom side.

Also-if you want to load a single round on a 1911, do so from the magazine. Putting a round in the chamber and then dropping the slide is very rough on the extractor, it causes the extractor to jump OVER the rim of the cartridge which it was not designed to do.
Your extractor will thank you.

[Hoser]

The extractor like Browning designed it is ok.

If you want a 1911 extractor that works and does not need constant tweaking, get an AFTEC and dont look back.

[Big E3]

There are a lot of videos on the net to show you how the adjust your extractor. Do what Bert says and don't be afraid it's not real complicated. Ed Brown makes good stuff for 1911's extractors included. I found a little diagram that gives you an idea on shaping and polishing the extractor before you adjust it.

45251

[BPTactical]

There are a lot of videos on the net to show you how the adjust your extractor. Do what Bert says and don't be afraid it's not real complicated. Ed Brown makes good stuff for 1911's extractors included. I found a little diagram that gives you an idea on shaping and polishing the extractor before you adjust it.

45251


Good illustration. The only place the extractor should contact the casing is the rim, you don't want the point of the hook to touch the case.
That is where the "engagement area" noted in the illustration comes in to play.

[jmg8550]

Isn't that something Springfield will fix under warranty?

[Husker95]

Isn't that something Springfield will fix under warranty?

No, its 15 years old and not much left that is original. Also, I am sure it would fall under normal wear and tear.

[BPTactical]

Isn't that something Springfield will fix under warranty?

Wouldn't be worth it IMHO. It would cost just as much to ship it as it would be to deal with it here.

[Husker95]

Thanks all for the advice. Lots of experience out there and i appreciate all the input. Decided to go with an EGW, as most of the rest of my internals are from them, and made the order with Midway today. Will post if i need any more advice getting it up and running.

Husker