M1 Carbine lost Extractor

[WALKERs210]

Today while shooting my M1 Carbine with my grandson I saw him do a quick flinch but nothing that indicated any problem. He was ready for next shot but it failed to fire and my first thought was he had run the mag dry. But the shell was in chamber and I reset to see what was going on. Again it failed to fire and would not extract or eject , after a quick examination of carbine I could see that the extractor was missing. When I got back home I disassembled and found that the extractor and the ejector was missing, I still had springs in place so got lucky in that aspect. Looking at a blown up diagram of the bolt it looks like the extractor how it passes thru the bolt hold firing pin and ejector in place, but I don't see exactly what held the extractor in place. All in all its not a major issue, I will either take it to gunsmith for repair or if parts are worn to much I will buy a new bolt. Just wanted thoughts about what could have let go. (also glad it quit running that 11yr old was kicking my tail on targets)

 

[rcmodel]

Most likely cause is a blown case head blew it off.

Check the chamber for the front 2/3s of a broken case stuck in it.

rc

 

[WALKERs210]

No broken shell, all brass I picked up showed normal expansion and I even dropped in brass just to make sure of that. It will be in the gunsmith's shop before noon Monday

 

[rcmodel]

Just one of those things then I suppose.

Maybe it just broke and the leg that holds things in fell out, some unknown way.

Have the GS really check the extractor leg hole in the bolt for oblong wear, cracks, or other.

rc

 

[WALKERs210]

Yes intended to do that, was thinking about just ordering a complete bolt

 

[1KPerDay]

Just get replacements and put them in yourself... It's pretty straightforward.

 

[WALKERs210]

I had given thought of doing it myself, while I am not a certified Gunsmith, I have always had mechanical abilities. Took it to my friend's gunshop 1st because I trust him 200%, 2nd I do what I can to keep their business going even if it requires me spending a little extra cash just to help keep the door open. Too many time they have giving me answers and advise for free and the people there are just down to earth good ole boys.