745 extractor "hack attack"

[model 649]

Three weeks ago I picked up a suspiciously inexpensive Smith 745. It looked great and a counter top field strip revealed no obvious problems. I have discovered why it was priced so well. The gun fails to extract every 3rd or 4th round. When I found this, I thought, "no big deal", probably just needs a spring. I replaced the spring, tried it again and the problem persisted. Further inspection revealed what's really going on. As far as I can tell, someone either replaced the extractor or hacked the original and they fitted it by removing just about all of the "depth-setting" metal pad on the inside of the hook's arm. I would guess they were going for "maximum engagement"? The top of the hook runs into the case web and is getting bounced away upon firing. I have re-worked the hook's tip and now it's failing around every 10th round or so cause it still ain't right, but I will go a little more and try it. I ordered a new one from Numrich, but they are back-ordered till September (thats why I'm working on it).When I fitted a new one in my 10mm, I matched it to the original thickness before installing and it works to this day (some people...). Anyone know where else I might find a new or mildly used (not abused) extractor? It seems Numrich is the only game in town (Smith is out, too). I'd really like to get this gun on the pin-line as the rounds it does fire go into one hole at 12 yards (what a teaser!). Plus, I'll have two pin-guns to alternate in the weekly matches .
Thanks folks,
Josh

 

[DT Guy]

Depending on the cross-section and material needed, a good home machinist could probably make one. Simpler ones could be done on a mini-mill.


Larry

 

[model 649]

Thanks for the reply, Larry. I did do a bit more shaping on the hook and today it failed only twice for a hundred shots. Still bad in a match but a darn sight better than it was. I guess I'll leave well enough alone for now and wait on a new or newer part. Don't have any friends with machines here.
Josh

 

[JoeHatley]

You might try calling Jack First Gun Shop

www.jackfirstgun.com Parts: (605) 343-9544

or

www.cylinder-slide.com

Good Luck...

Joe

 

[model 649]

Thanks for the tip, Joe.
Jack First does have one in stock but won't sell it to an individual. "Its a factory fitted part, so we only sell it to 'smiths or dealers". Can you believe that? I explained that I have fitted these before on other guns but no go. Smith and Wesson is like that, too (if they had one, that is). I wonder if this is "liability paranoia" at work? Numrich will sell them to me (but its on backorder till Sept.). This really bites! What's next, no more 1911 parts???
Josh

 

[model 649]

Good news, I talked to the dealer I bought the gun from and he told me they warrant their used guns! Part is on the way. I've bought a couple guns at ,http://www.shootersservice.com/ but this was the first used gun from them.
It won't be the last I can assure you . I should have gone there first (but sometimes I can be an idiot).
Josh