My Kimber 1911 is broken

[Ditchtiger]

After 6 years of use the extractor broke today. Have never loaded into the chamber, only fed it from the mag, so lets not go there. Anyway, I think this will be considered a wear item and will not be replaced free from Kimber. So what should I replace it with? Kimber stock, Wolff, or who?

 

[Glockfan.45]

Was it an external extractor?

 

[Ditchtiger]

NO, this was made before the external extractors

 

[Glockfan.45]

Just wondering as I always viewed external extractors as just being a malfunction waiting to happen. I would go with wolf as I have head many good things about them.

 

[1911Tuner]

Extractor

Quote:

>After 6 years of use the extractor broke today. Have never loaded into the chamber, only fed it from the mag, so lets not go there.<
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Doesn't mean that the gun wasn't doin' it for ya. The last round is susceptible to getting ahead of the extractor if it's not adequately controlled. Kimber...while getting the blame/credit for much of the MIM influence...has always used some pretty good extractors. No real reason for'em to break unless they're forced to climb the rims. Whenever a good extractor breaks...even in a high-mileage gun...I look to the magazine first.

 

[Ditchtiger]

I am using Wilson magazines.

 

[1911Tuner]

re:

>>I am using Wilson magazines.<<
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Uh huh...Uh huh...

 

[vesmcd]

Since none of the experts have bothered to answer your question,I will. I have had excelent results with either Wilson or Ed Brown extractors. Never had one break in 17 years of building IPSC guns(all calibers) for myself or other shooters, regardless of the type of mag used.

 

[Sunray]

Contact Kimber first. You may be surprised. The firearms manufacturing industry tends to stand behind their products like no other.
[email protected]
(800) 880-2418

 

[Will Fennell]

Wilson Mags

Ditchtiger,
I understand that you are using brand name, qiuality mags[I use WILSON mags for several of my 1911's also], but what I think 'Tuner is getting at is that mags may still be your problem. Wilson Mags[ espeially in their 8 round format] are notorious for their springs loosing tension fairly soon.....when was the last time you changed out your old mag springs and replaced them with fresh ones?

If its been awhile, check your springs.....I bet you will find that compared to a new Wilson Mag, you will see that your spring have VERy weak springs......this can cause lotsa problem during the feeding cycle.....and it can let the last round get ahead of the extractor, and make the hook snap over the rim. Thus, excessive wear on your extractor hook. The last extractor I broke....this was the issue.

I like Wilson Bulletproof extractors, but I'm also impressed with the new ones from EGW. Good luck!

 

[WmCC]

Ditchtiger,

Concur with Tuner and the other responders. I've been running five (5) first generation Kimbers, among others, with Wilson mags for a number of years with no issues of any kind. Properly tensioned, the Kimber extractor is excellent and appears to be as durable as most others. With regard to the mags, I do prefer the Wilson seven round follower to the eight round version and insist on strong springs. Life is good!

Call Kimber, I'm sure that they will ship a replacement extractor to you the same day, gratis.

 

[DogBonz]

I like Ed Brown Products

Although, any of the high quality makers should be about equal. Also, I have a WWII Colt, that, as far as I can tell still has the origional extractor in it and has never failed to extract a case. So, maybe there is something to be said for Colt's spring steel.

 

[1911Tuner]

Extractors

A push-feed/snapover will cause even the best extractor to fail sooner or later, and replacing it doesn't correct the real problem. I like for extractors to hold up for 50 or 60 thousand rounds...and more...and if the gun is functioning correctly, there's no reason for the extractor to need attention much beyond periodic cleaning.

...And that's all I got to say 'bout that.

 

[Kruzr]

...And that's all I got to say 'bout that.

What?? Not even a mention of the word...............dimple?

 

[1911Tuner]

Mention

>>What?? Not even a mention of the word...............dimple?<<
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Nope. Simon Bolivar gave up on tryin' to plow a rut in water...and so has me.

 

[Ditchtiger]

Oops!

Now that it has been brought up the mags are a few years old with the original springs. Can't I just stretch the springs to make them new again?( I'M KIDDING) Thanks for the reminder, I'll send off for a batch of new mag. springs before using a new extractor. Have already changed out the springs in the pistol several times over, the magazine springs totally slipped my mind.Thanks again everyone.

 

[EllisWyatt]

To the original question, an aftermarket extractor will require fitting. Maybe a little, maybe a lot. A replacement from Kimber -- free or not -- will likely drop right in.

They will even install and function check it for you, if you're willing to ship the pistol to them.

 

[Kruzr]

To the original question, an aftermarket extractor will require fitting. Maybe a little, maybe a lot. A replacement from Kimber -- free or not -- will likely drop right in.

That's what they seem to do at the factory. Works good about 80% of the time too.

 

[Ditchtiger]

Up and running!

Kimber sent a new extractor, bought 15 new mag. springs. Fired off several hundred rounds with no problems at all. Thanks for the advice.