1911 Extractor Lumps - What are they For?

WhiteFox · July 10, 2001, 11:47 PM

Why does the 1911 extractor have 2 lumps at its mid-point? At least one author suggests grinding them off, since they prevent the part from working like a spring along its entire length. Any comments on this? Thanks!
-WhiteFox

Archie · July 11, 2001, 03:22 AM

that make it spring.

When you put the extractor into the channel, it should bind slightly. That's the tention being loaded to keep the claw inboard, around the rim.

If you want to try removing them, go ahead. Buy a replacement first, it'll save you some time.

By the way, the Wilson extractor is a good reliable aftermarket extractor. Others may be good too, but I've used Wilsons.

JMBrowning · July 11, 2001, 10:05 PM

Exactly,Archie.Those are the supports for the extractor leaf.Most extractors are cast,so they don't do much springing.Many of the aftermarket units are made of spring steel,so they're usually more long-lived.

WhiteFox · July 11, 2001, 11:00 PM

Well, if you remove the lumps at the midpoint and tension the extractor correctly, will the firing pin stop provide the support necessary for the extractor to work as a spring?

**James K** · July 12, 2001, 11:04 AM

Well, the sprung part of the extractor will be longer, which will mean the spring tension will be less. Since low extractor spring tension is a major cause of ejection problems, reducing it would cause trouble. If you are having problems, I don't think that "fix" will cure them. If not, I would leave things well enough alone unless, as suggested, you buy a replacement first.

Jim

JMBrowning · July 12, 2001, 02:25 PM

There wouldn't be any way to tension it properly,because you would have removed the support from which to tension it.

July 10, 2001, 11:47 PM	#1
WhiteFox Junior Member Join Date: July 10, 2001 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 10	1911 Extractor Lumps - What are they For? Why does the 1911 extractor have 2 lumps at its mid-point? At least one author suggests grinding them off, since they prevent the part from working like a spring along its entire length. Any comments on this? Thanks! -WhiteFox

July 11, 2001, 03:22 AM	#2
Archie Senior Member Join Date: May 27, 2000 Location: Hastings, Nebrasksa - the Heartland! Posts: 2,017	Those lumps are the pivots that make it spring. When you put the extractor into the channel, it should bind slightly. That's the tention being loaded to keep the claw inboard, around the rim. If you want to try removing them, go ahead. Buy a replacement first, it'll save you some time. By the way, the Wilson extractor is a good reliable aftermarket extractor. Others may be good too, but I've used Wilsons. __________________ There ain't no free lunch, except Jesus. Archie Check out updated journal at http://oldmanmontgomery.wordpress.com/

July 11, 2001, 11:00 PM	#4
WhiteFox Junior Member Join Date: July 10, 2001 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 10	Extractor Lumps Well, if you remove the lumps at the midpoint and tension the extractor correctly, will the firing pin stop provide the support necessary for the extractor to work as a spring?

July 12, 2001, 11:04 AM	#5
James K Staff Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 16,435	Well, the sprung part of the extractor will be longer, which will mean the spring tension will be less. Since low extractor spring tension is a major cause of ejection problems, reducing it would cause trouble. If you are having problems, I don't think that "fix" will cure them. If not, I would leave things well enough alone unless, as suggested, you buy a replacement first. Jim __________________ Jim K

July 11, 2001, 10:05 PM	#3
JMBrowning Junior member Join Date: November 3, 2000 Location: Jonesboro,GA Posts: 92	Exactly,Archie.Those are the supports for the extractor leaf.Most extractors are cast,so they don't do much springing.Many of the aftermarket units are made of spring steel,so they're usually more long-lived.

July 12, 2001, 02:25 PM	#6
JMBrowning Junior member Join Date: November 3, 2000 Location: Jonesboro,GA Posts: 92	There wouldn't be any way to tension it properly,because you would have removed the support from which to tension it.