Question on Kimber Extractors

[dsm]

I have a Kimber Team Match II with an external extractor. Now, if I send it back to Kimber, will they replace the entire slide in order to convert to an internal extractor?

 

[EddieNFL]

Last I heard, only if it is causing malfunctions.

 

[Kruzr]

The Team Match always had an external and it was of a different design than the ones they kept trying in the rest of the guns. The new ones are internal but they kept with the external on the TM for a year after they went back on the other models.

 

[Zerodefect]

I've fixed alot of Kimber problems, but never the extractor. I wouldn't worry about it and go enjoy your 1911. But get better Wilson mags and springs.

I think it's actually a good design. Similar to many modern pistol extractors.

It got a bad rap because of Kimbers other QC problems. The amount of external extractor complaints is about the same as internal extractor complaints from Springfield for example (IME at least).

 

[dsm]

Thanks guys, so far no problems. Shooting excellent!!

 

[Rxster]

When I called they wouldn't replace it. When I replaced other springs I went ahead and got another one from Wolff springs. No problems before or after, but it did make me feel better. Ounce of prevention and all. Really flings brass now.

 

[drbeans]

I have a Custom II that originally had an external extractor. It had occasional extraction issues. I called Kimber asking about this same thing, they said run 500 rounds through it (break in period) and let us know. So I did, called them back, and they had me ship it back to them. When it was returned to me 3 weeks later, new slide with an internal extractor. Guess what, still had extraction problems. I replaced the extractor with a Wilson bullet proof, and replaced the recoil and firing pin spring with Wolffs. Now, finally, it runs perfect.

The whole external extractor thing is potentially arguable. I like having a 1911 that is as close to the original design as possible, and that has universal parts. I know how to tune a 1911 extractor. I had no idea what to do with the external one.