1911 with external extractors

[bozzman3]

Whats the difference between external and Internal.I am interested in S&W 1911 but have heard they have external extractors so they are not real 1911s.Should I care?

 

[One-Time]

Only if its a Kimber, other than that external is easier to maintain and more reliable so go for it

 

[JTQ]

I think it is probably harder to maintain, but less likely to cause you problems. S&W has done an excellent job with their external extractors. They also have an excellent customer service reputation with a lifetime warrantee. Buy with confidence.

 

[9mmepiphany]

of the external extractor S&W 1911s, the Performance Center one have better extractors. for most uses the regular line 1911 extractors are fine...the PC ones are just better

 

[KenW.]

I've been carying a Kimber with an external extractor since 2003 and have never had an issue. In fact, I like it as a loaded chamber indicator.

They work well on the Hi-Power also...

True, it is not absolutely beholding to the original 1911. But then again, all manufacturers use poetic license to some degree or another. Some are even double-stack, plastic or aluminum framed, one piece guide roded, or double action!

 

[NinjaFeint]

S&W makes an awesome 1911 for the price. I don't own one but shoot them frequently at the S&W range in MA. I wouldn't worry about the extractor.

Since you are in Enfield, if you buy a S&W and join the range in Springfield (250ish for a year of unlimited indoor shooting), they will even clean and maintain the gun for you. You can also join for 140 (unlimited range use) without the cleaning/maintenance but I am sure the guys up there will help you with any issues.

 

[1KPerDay]

Good heavens.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

S&W's extractor design has been around since the 1950s. Unlike the original design which has to be tensioned (i.e., bent) perfectly and will cause all kinds of problems if it is not, this one is self regulating. It is not easily replaced "in the field," however.

... but have heard they have external extractors so they are not real 1911s.

I've heard that too.

 

[vtbluegrass]

I shoot S&W 1911's and you will not have problems with the extractor. Some people claim the design is not original but what about 1911's these days is? If you like the look of the Smith I would go for it. I don't know what the performance center price gets you but there has to be deminshing returns on investment there because the stock guns are great.

 

[Mags]

Whats the difference between external and Internal

One is ugly as hell (external) the other is more pleasing to the eyes as it is tucked in the slide.

 

[BCCL]

My Dan Wesson Patriot was the only 1911 I've had with an external one, but it functioned just fine.

 

[.45Heater]

As many have stated.... S&W has done a fine job with external extractors. No worries there.

 

[Drail]

Correctly fitted and used with a quality spring they work very well. The problems people are experiencing are quite simply poor materials and lack of quality control during assembly. You pays yer money and you takes yer chances. In any case, one that fails can be fixed.

 

[kmbrman]

External Extractors?

My Kimber Custom II has hundreds of rounds thru it and not one bobble since new. I guess it all depends on whether you have a good one or not. Always runs perfectly, never a failure to feed or extract.