Universal 20 gage O/U

[Thibodeau]

For better or worse I have purchased a Universal 20 gage O/U, which having shot some clays with my son I have to admit it I like, (28" mod 2041) however...
When I crack it open to eject the shells they only partially (about an inch) come out, unlike our Berretta.
It’s an older gun (not sure of actual age or how to nail that down since the company is no longer with us, KG1 350 18818 doesn't come up with anythign on web searching), and as a none pro at gun-smithing, am wondering if this is an easy or worthwhile fix for a gun of this relative quality.
Many thanks for your opinions

[hometheaterman]

Are you sure they are supposed to come all the way out? I've shot several guns that don't have ejectors in there where after shooting you have to pull the shells out. The first time I shot one that did kick the shell all the way out it shocked me as I had never shot one like that before and wasn't expecting it.

[ArmedBear]

There are two different spec's for break-action shotguns:

Ejector (like the Beretta)
Extractor (like the Universal)

Note that all guns have extractors. When you open the Beretta, unfired shells are extracted so you can pull them out to unload. Fired shells are ejected, or kicked out with a spring mechanism.

Extractor-only guns used to be more common (my 1926-vintage side-by-side has extractors). Now they're popular with those who want to reload their hulls, or don't want to have to pick them up for other reasons. Some people even have their ejectors disabled.

Extractors can be a better choice for range use, unless you don't roll you own, and you shoot at a range where they clean up after you.:)

Extractor guns are a good deal simpler. Ejectors have to cock and fire just like firing pins, so they are much more prone to breaking than plain extractors and they make opening a fired gun more difficult.

So, ejectors can be nice for high-speed hunting, flurries at the range, etc. But extractors have advantages, too.:)

Most of the time, I'm shooting a gun with ejectors. I only have one extractor gun I use much, but like I said, it works fine. Since that gun is 83 years old, I'll take simple and trouble-free.

[oneounceload]

Sounds more likely that you have extractors, not ejectors, on that gun. If so, that's as far as they will come out - just enough for you to remove them by hand.

[Thibodeau]

Thank you all for the quick lesson and reply. points well taken

[Leaky Waders]

I'm not familiar with the unversal brand. But sometimes, people change their ejectors into extractors by messing with the springs.

Either by simply removing the springs altogether or swapping them out another spring like:

http://www.shotgunworld.com/bbs/viewtopic.php?f=53&t=145108

Also, sometimes, people will modify the ejector by grinding a piece off, or by wedging something in between the working parts. This technique has been suggested on H&R models (if you search you'll find a thread from another site relaying this message...but it didn't have great pictures so I didn't link it.)

Anyways, if your gun has factory extractors, then the shell should be easily removed by hand. That's the whole reason to have the extractor...so you don't have to chase your empty hull around town after firing.

But, if your gun has been home modified, the new extractor may only barely lift the hull from the gun.