M700 Extractor Busted

[Demonical]

I have a M700 Classic in .300H&H. The extractor broke... it won't extract.

Who to contact?

 

[RePete]

Try David Henry in Bentley.

 

[nitro-express]

I had one break in a 788, I just ordered replacements from Brownells and replaced it myself. Mine was the rivet type, same as the old style 700. Newer style is just a slip in part. The rivet is small, so use a tiny bit when you drill out the old one, a little smaller than the one I used.

Order 2, sometimes the first one breaks.

 

[tiriaq]

It is necessary to drill off the riveted head on the outside; then the rest of the rivet can be driven through, freeing the extractor.
You will need a little anvil to support the rivet head in place while upsetting the outer end. The extractor may need adjustment before riveting in place. It is good to have extra rivets on hand, just in case the first attempt does not go well.
Remove the ejector while replacing the rivet.
It only takes a few minutes, but can be finicky.
If you aren't sure about doing it yourself, have an experienced gunsmith do it.

 

[Longwalker]

Just a suggestion but this may be an opportunity to upgrade your rifles extractor to the much stronger and more reliable Sako type. many gunsmiths will provide this changeover, and it is a reliable long term fix.

 

[tiriaq]

Keep in mind that installing a Sako type extractor will compromise the outstanding safety breeching built into the 700 design. You'll never notice unless you have a catastrophic case failure.

 

[The Outsider]

Are you sure it's broke?

Remington 700 extractors are notorious for not extracting because small pieces of brass get in behind it.

If that's the case, you might need to simply clean it with a Q-tip and solvent.

 

[guntech]

Just a suggestion but this may be an opportunity to upgrade your rifles extractor to the much stronger and more reliable Sako type. many gunsmiths will provide this changeover, and it is a reliable long term fix.

As far as I am concerned any alteration done to a 700 extractor system (Sako style or M16 alteration) is a definite down grade.

Originally the conversion was done to accommodate the PPC case on a 700 action... Why only part of the Sako extractor system was used I don't know. Perhaps the idea that the Sako "bolt guide" was actually a safety device escaped those who pioneered the conversion, or the fact that catastrophic case failures are rather rare.

The problem I have today with those conversions is very few of the owners know what they are getting into... perhaps many of those doing the conversion don't realize it either. I simply wish if you are thinking about having the conversion done you have the facts before hand.

The design of the Model 700 action is superior to any other mass-produced 2 lug bolt action ever made , and that by installing only part of the extractor system from a Sako (2 locking lug action) completely compromises that design. The alteration does not make it happen. But the alteration is completely unsafe when it happens. We are talking about a catastrophic case failure. They do not occur on a regular basis. (In the US there have been serious injuries and at least one death associated with this conversion).

A Sako extractor is safe in a two lug Sako so why shouldn't it be safe in a two lug Remington? ... Because when people install the Sako extractor in a Remington they do not install the Sako bolt guide, which is the safety design incorporated in the Sako. That bolt guide is there to protect the shooter and anyone close to the shooter if a case fails drastically. I do not understand why anyone would knowingly install only part of the Sako system. If the Sako extractor and the Sako bolt guide were installed then the Remington would be as safe as a Sako. Not as strong and safe as the Remington was before alteration but safe.

The alteration also causes brass to be ejected up into the scope, often marking the scope and sometimes with the brass failing to eject out of the action.

Here is a picture of how well the Sako "bolt guide" deflected/prevented debris from exiting down the bolt raceway...

 

[Donny Fenn1]

Thanks Dennis for posting that again trying to debunk the Sako myth.

 

[David Henry]

I'm with Dennis on this one, I have saved a few Remington bolts by installing the Sako extractor. The circumstances were such that a ruptured case had forced gas back to deform the walls on the bolt head that support the original Remington extractor so replacement with factory parts was not an option. For the countless millions of Remington style extractors in use today I'd say they have a pretty proven track record. I would also suggest to the O.P. that he should have the job done by a professional or at least someone who has performed the task a few times before and has the correct tooling to support the extractor and seat the rivet. D.H.