Help with extractor.......

[FrankM]

I recently purchased a STI Spartan and a STI Lawman, while trying to clean them I am unable to get the extractors out of either one of them. I have followed the instructions and have pushed the tip toward the breech side of the slide and still doesn't want to release.
Any ideas?

Thanks for the help!

[Joni Lynn]

Sometimes the extractor has enough bend in it to creat tension that it requires a fair amount of pressure to the outside of the slide to let it move rearward. Removing the firing pin stop is a given of course.
On any gun with a firing pin safety it must be activated as well.

[FrankM]

I tried the pressure but afraid I'm gonna bend it out of whack somehow. May just hafta take it to a PRO around here somewhere...
Thanks

[kcshooter]

I've used a small screwdriver and levered it against the back of the slide with the tip in the firing pin stop channel on particularly difficult ones before. Never had one able to resist that method for long.

[Joshua M. Smith]

Ok, stupid question:

You did drop the firing pin retaining plate first, correct?

Josh <><

[emilio]

it was a bear the first time i removed mine. i tipped the slide front-up and filled the area around the extractor with penetrating oil (Kroil, WD-40), letting it soak until i saw the oil seeping around the back. then i stuck a piece of plastic, like a thick zip tie, between the extractor and tunnel to force it away from the breech face. after that, i flipped the slide front-down, clamped it in my vise, and with the firing pin and stop out i started prying on the extractor. just get a good thick piece of leather or rubber to protect the left side of the slide's hammer slot and use that edge and a screwdriver or steel punch to hook under the rear of the extractor.

it can take some force, but go slowly. if it still doesn't budge, add more oil and let it soak longer - it could be really filthy and carbon-caked. if you have some spray-solvent, like Gun Scrubber or carb cleaner, put the tube up to the front of the extractor channel and work some bursts in to it, let it dry, and add oil again.

i think the first time i took mine out i may have ended up striking the hook-end to get the first budge. this can be dangerous for the risk of breaking the tip of the hook. with something still wedged in next to the extractor to relieve the tension, i put a brass punch down the front of the slide. a punch usually won't be long enough to stick out the front of the slide, so i put a steel punch on top of it to reach. don't hammer on the tip of the extractor with anything as hard as steel! only use brass, plastic, or hard wood. once it has budged a bit, go back to prying on the rear end.

- emilio

[FrankM]

First of all.......
yes, the firing pin stop is removed.

I appreciate the input. Gonna get off the computer and give it another try.
Hopefully it will come out this time.

Thanks again gang!
What an awesome forum!!!

[1911Tuner]

Is the hook catching the breechface on the way out? Some do. Spring the extractor open with a suitable tool...one that won't dingus up the breechface...and push it back into the channel as you open it.

[berkbw]

Yep - like Kc - use a small pry-thing, like a screwdriver - put something soft between the pryer and the frame @ the hammer slot. The extractor will slide back - and if it hangs up on the opening of the channel, just push it outward a bit and keep prying. If nothing else, you'll have a good opportunity to clean the channel.
b-