How can you tell if you have too much extractor tension?

[.45FMJoe]

I searched, I read stickies, I read the extractor tension article from Wilson. I cannot tell how you know if you have too much tension. I have the too little tension bit down, but how about too much?

Short of purchasing the gauge and a trigger pull scale from Brownells, of course... Thanks.

[Sniper350]

Well, without a gauge ........ I would think the signs of malfunctions would be your indicator. One such common sign is the pistol not closing completely, often stopping 1/8" out of lock-up. A novice will grab a stronger recoil spring to try and help the Slide to close with much greater force. But in reality ........the over tensioned extractor is slowing the Slide down during the loading phase and preventing full lock-up.

A loaded round should "SAG" under the extractor .............and not be held tight to the breacface like it is welded there. That's the gauge I try to use and it has worked well for me in most cases.

JF.

[John]

A loaded round should "SAG" under the extractor .............and not be held tight to the breacface like it is welded there.

And the loaded round should drop, if the slide with the round under the extractor is vividly shaken.

[.45FMJoe]

So if a loaded round pretty much sits there like it's at attention, and really doesn't move much with vigorous shaking, I probably have a bit too much tension, eh? ;)

[John]

Yeap!

[tenx]

In addition, if you see rim mangling or bits of brass in the gun, the extractor is shaving the brass rather than just holding the rim. That is too much tension.

[.45FMJoe]

Oh yeah, lots of rim mangling. :sd:

I have 2 guns to adjust tonight, both are factory set extractors. Oh well, I enjoy a little tweaking. :D

Oh, and the outer edge of the extractor claw on both my carry guns are clearly touching the case, guess I'll have to relieve them a tad.

ETA - Thanks for all the help guys. :)

[SAWBONES]

I use the Weigand extractor tension adjusting tool and associated gauges. Can't go wrong.

[sk8n3rd]

When I slide a round up under the extractor, I can shake the slide really hard and the round won't fall out. It will shake and gently tap up against the slide but it never falls all the way out.

I've been having malfunctions and now I'm wondering if too much tension from that extractor is the cause.

[tenx]

sk8n3rd, sounds like too much tension. You should be able to slowly rotate the slide and the round should not fall out. Heavy shaking should make it fall out.

You might describe the malfunctions in detail in a new thread. There is a lot of knowledge here to help. They have helped me a lot.

[sk8n3rd]

I had that exact same idea and did just that. Thanks Joe.

http://forum.m1911.org/showthread.php?p=462508#post462508