Quick and Dirty Range Report: Springer 1911

[1911Tuner]

C & S Extractors

Cylinder & Slide sells a spring-steel extractor. Part # CS023.

Yep, and they work well when they're in-spec. I've run into a couple
of theirs that I couldn't get to work due to being too long, and have
heard a few reports of others. Cylinder and Slide will replace the ones
that are out of spec, but it takes a while...and they won't allow any
tuning on them, not even polishing. If a bad extractor has plier marks
or signs of polishing, it's yours, even if it's out of spec.

Brown and Wilson are made of tempered 4340 steel, and seem to have
the proper heat-treatment to make them durable and "springy" enough
to work well with a little tweaking. Most don't require much of anything
except tensioning, and I've had excellent results with both brands. I
understand that Caspian markets a very good extractor too.

If C & S gets the bugs worked out as to the dimensions, they won't be able to meet demand, as tempered spring steel is by far the best material to make an internal extractor from, IMHO.

Beware also of GI extractors, which are also spring steel, but many that
are found "New in the Wrapper" at gun shows and surplus dealers are
governemnt rejects due to being out of spec.

Cheers all!

Tuner

 

[1911Tuner]

Wilson Drop-In Caveat

Good point Archer, and I've run into this, though not on a Springfield
barrel. I've had it happen twice with Colt barrels, both USGI. I've
heard of one instance on a Springfield, but on checking, it was found
that the barrel itself was out of spec.

I normally do a little relief work on the front of the hook on all extractors,
which may explain why I haven't run into it. The work is done to increase
clearance in the extractor groove of the cartridge case.

Good points by all...A part may be a Drop-In, but it's best not to count on it,
no matter what the marketer claims. Too many variables involved.

Tuner