Extractor installation problem

[hlh1]

I have a Series 80 Colt Commander that seems to be having extractor problems, so I bought a "Cylinder & Slide" extractor to replace my aging one. I ran into a problem though, my Colt firing pin stop is a bit fat for the new extractor and won't slide in. Should I file out the extractor grove to allow the pin stop to fit? What should I do?

[robot1911]

Modify the FP stop to fit the extractor.

Bob

[hlh1]

Modify the FP stop to fit the extractor.

Bob

And not the other way around? ok.

[robot1911]

Yes. Most extractors are manufactured to the correct dimensions, while the firing pin stops vary...a lot. And, the extractor is spring steel, hopefully, and more difficult to fit.
Besides, one should always work on the least expensive part...just in case!

Bob

[hlh1]

I guess I file both sides evenly, on the firing pin stop, on the extractor side?

[gbw]

Just another opinion, I'd do the extractor (carefully, both sides of the groove).

That way you can keep a snug fit on for the fp stop both in the slide and the extractor . If you cut the fp stop it will become sloppy(er) in the slide.

[robot1911]

I guess I file both sides evenly, on the firing pin stop, on the extractor side?

Nope. I'd test-fit the stop after marking it to see where it was binding. Then file only that section, whether it's the side or top...doesn't matter. The stop is probably already loose in the slide so fitting it to the extractor can only help the fit in the slide.

So now you have 2 opinions...flip a coin??

Bob

[hlh1]

My original opinion was to file the extractor so that I could reuse the original Colt extractor if needed.

[robot1911]

That's a good idea and nothing wrong with doing it that way.

Bob

[gbw]

"...The stop is probably already loose in the slide so fitting it to the extractor can only help the fit in the slide."

You're the expert, and I'm curious and trying to visualize this - how can filing a stop that already fits ever make it fit better?

[robot1911]

Right now the stop is probably a bit loose, therefore, a snug fit with the extractor slot can only help it. I'd only file one side of the stop...the one that goes in the extractor slot.
If fitting a New stop, I'd file each side evenly in order to maintain the firing pin hole in the center...there's not much clearance there.

Bob

[gbw]

I Understand. I was assuming that the extractor slot was too narrow - didn't realize that it was not deep enough. Thank you.

[hlh1]

I Understand. I was assuming that the extractor slot was too narrow - didn't realize that it was not deep enough. Thank you.

Actually, that's the case, the new extractor slot is too narrow for my existing stop.

[RickB]

I would check the protrusion of the extractor from the breechface, before filing the slot in the extractor (if making the slot wider is the goal). A lot of extractors are "too long", even if they are within spec, and if you can "shorten" it a bit by removing the material from the front part of the slot, effectively drawing the hook closer to the breechface in the process, you should see an improvement in fit and function. George Smith at EGW suggests about .075" protrusion for a .45; one of mine is closer to .090".

[niemi24s]

FWIW, a USGI M1911A1's extractor hook (aft surface) will be 0.085 +/- 0.007 inch forward of the breech face. This figure includes the tolerances for each individual part and the fore-aft slop between the slide, firing pin stop & extractor.

[John]

One can also order a new firing pin stop. Not terribly expensive you know!

And try putting it first in the extractor slot with the parts outside the gun, if it is too thick, you will see it. If it fits when the extractor is out and won't fit when it is in, then most probably it's the sideways width that is too much. File both sides and always make sure the firing pin is centered in its hole.

[David Rose]

Boy! You guys are all soundin' backards to me! Probably just my age and temperament showing. :D

But if a part fits (firing pin is centered), then you squeeze it to one side and it no longer does, wouldn't you want to trim off the "squeezy" side? That would be the extractor side as that is what is pushing it to the left.

David, the cornfused

One can also order a new firing pin stop. Not terribly expensive you know!

And try putting it first in the extractor slot with the parts outside the gun, if it is too thick, you will see it. If it fits when the extractor is out and won't fit when it is in, then most probably it's the sideways width that is too much. File both sides and always make sure the firing pin is centered in its hole.

[hlh1]

It amazes me how complicated these little parts are...