tuning a colt model 80 1911 extractor

[TightGroup]

Well brass is hitting me in the head


From what I have gathered it seems that the extractor/ejector would need tuning

Thats where I need help. Even while reading some articles I still do not seem to understand what is really causing this problem.

Every article talks about filing, polishing, twisting and bending, but I cannot see the why behind it.

So here I am in the hands of the CGN 1911 gurus, could you please explain what is really happening.

Thanks

TG

 

[Rod B]

The extractor pulls the fired case out of the chamber. As the slide comes back the empty cartridge contacts the ejector & is bumped out of the ejection port in the slide.

Changing the angle & length of the ejector can effect the angle that the fired cases are ejected at.

Since the fired cases are ejecting I would think your problem is with the ejector, not the extracor.

 

[marlin60]

Extractors are pretty cheap, but I am considering investing in one of these.

From what I am reading, extractors (and proper tuning of them) is a common issue/problem with 1911.

I wouldn't even get the gauge or removal tool..just proceed carefully in stages until you get a feel for it.

w w w .brownells.com/aspx/ns/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=16110&title=1911+AUTO+EXTRACTOR+TENSIONING+TOOL

 

[jed]

I am also new to semi autos but doesn't the recoil spring influence the speed and direction of brass as well? I also agree that the ejector not the extractor is the problem but would a lighter spring help?

 

[45ACPKING]

you have to see where on the case rim your extractor is grabbing the casing to identify it as an extracotr issue. get some dummy rounds, using a black felt pen cover the case rim and base in black on each dummy round. mine came in a pack of 5. I make a scribe mark running down the side of the case from front to back.... place them in the magazine with the scribe mark facing up/center, then cycle these through your pistol in a smooth continuos motion.... all 5.
then pick em up and check for extractor marks on the case rim. if the marks are 90 degrees or more from the scribe mark..... this may be an extractor issue. the extractor is grabbing the case too low.... which is fixed my removing material carefully from the bottom edge of the extractor claw... very hard to describe this here.

if the extractor marks are less than 90 degrees and closer to 40 to 60 degrees..... this may well be a case where you need a longer ejector. I use nothing but extended ejectors...

bear in mind though..... i am not in any way a pistol smith...... but i have tuned many a 1911 extractor/ejector and am intimately familiar with fitting and tuning the 1911 in general.