Browning Buckmark Extractor Question

[marb4]

In looking at the way my Browning Buckmark holds rounds with the extractor I noticed that there is a gap between the actual rim of the case and the point of the extractor hook when the case is placed directly on the bolt face. Is this gap normal? With the case pressed against the bolt face and the point of the hook touching the side of the case I can shake the bolt and the round will stay in place. If I pull the case out so that the hook of the extractor is touching the inside edge of the rim the round can wiggle off pretty easily. I guess I'm asking if the pic below is "normal" for a Buckmark?

 

[rcmodel]

I don't know if it's normal for a Buckmark or not.
But it is normal for most handguns.

There has to be extractor hook rim clearance to allow the rounds rim to feed up under the hook at an angle when it comes out of the magazine. If it were a tight fit when the round is flat against the breach-face, it would bind up at an angle before it could get there in the first place.

The empty case is held tight against the breach face and opens the bolt by residual bore pressure & recoil when it comes out of the chamber.

The hooks function is simply to give the ejector a pivot point to throw the empty out of the gun when the case hits it.

It doesn't actually yank the case, kicking & screaming out of the chamber.

I guess the most importent question is, do you have extraction or ejection problems with the gun?
If you don't, it must be O.K.!

rc

 

[marb4]

Actually this gun is probably the most dependable semi auto I've owned. Thats saying something for a 22. I was curious because last night I did a complete tear down and cleaning and, being the curious person I am, noticed the gap. Your explanation makes perfect sense. And yea I know - if it aint broke dont fix it!

 

[rcmodel]

I should have also mentioned that if it bound up on the rim during feeding, it could easily set off a rimfire primer.

That would lead to: A Series of Unfortunate Events.

The gun would fire the round while out of battery, blowing brass fragments all over the place.

All things considered, loose like yours is probably a very good thing!

rc