Adjusting Extractor

[gharsh]

I have a Springfield Milspec that needs to have an extractor tuned. I have had extracting problems with it last night at the range and wanted guidance on the correct way to adjust this thing. Is it just a matter of bending the thing until it will hold a case against the breech face? Should the case be flat against the breech face or not?

Thanks.

P.S. I do not have any specialty tools. Can this be done by hand or with a pair of pliers? How about the use of a vice?

 

[BluesBear]

1911Tuner will be here soon to show you the light.

This is one of his specialities.

 

[gharsh]

1911 Tuner was the one that gave me the right direction in diagnosing the problem to begin with. I was looking for the other thread and could not find it anywhere so I started this one.

The problem that I found was that when I place a casing against the breech face it fell right out. The extractor did/does not hole anything. Last night at the range, I had many FTE, a couple the slide came back and the empty was still in the barrel. When I made it home I tested the extractor and found that the casing just slides through. The hook is still there and the length seems to be the same as the extractor on my other 1911, but there is not tension on the case.

I know that the extractor needs to be bent to put pressure on the case, but I'm not sure the correct procedure to do this or what tools to use.

Thanks.

 

[bountyhunter]

Weigand makes some gauges for measuring tension and also a jig for precisely bending an extractor.

I use a small vise with plastic jaws to bend mine. Some people just slide the extractor half way into the slide tunnel it fits into and then bend it from there.

Generally, you want to bend it in the area just ahead of the middle "knuckle". The extractor needs to be tight enough that when it is installed with no case under the rim, it is not loose enough to "clock" which is rotate. Weigand says 24 to 28 ounces of tension is right, I have found about 16 - 20 is better for my guns. None of mine will start slipping the rim until the tension gets below about 8 ounces.

You also need to make sure the hook inner eges are sharp and hold well against the brass. The extractor needs to ride against the flat of the rim, the tip should not be digging into the case groove ahead of the rim.