Extractors

[Hawkmoon]

I was leafing through the new Brownells catalog last night and lingered for awhile on the page showing 1911 extractors. I think I remember a thread or three here in which Wichaka and/or Tuner were lamenting the fact that almost nobody makes extractors from tool steel any more. But Brownells descriptions of several of the "name" aftermarket extractors specifically state that they are machined from tool steel, not castings.

So what's the deal? Has Brownells catalog simply not caught up to what the real world is doing? I'd like to order up a couple of spares but don't know which of the ones they offer are the best "bang for the buck."

[BGregory]

Wilson BP extractor. Just my .02 worth.

[gottripletsNC]

Wilson BP is what I went with, no problems after that,
Wilson BP is the only one that is tool steel from them, and from what I have read the Browns hardcore is tool steel

[Jammer Six]

If I'm not mistaken, 'Tuner and Wichaka frequently lament that extractors are no longer made out of SPRING steel.

Tool steel is, I believe, a different issue.

[wichaka]

Solid Barstock Steel to be exact, which was changed from spring steel for the original type.

Yes, Wilson (Bulletproof model) is the only one making them out of solid barstock machined steel.

The only other one that comes close is Browns Hardcore, which from my examination appears to be solid barstock............I'll have to call them and ask.

Although EGW is now producing solid barstock stuff. Brownells doesn't carry it, but its on their (EGW's) web site. I've talked to them recently as they make most of my barrel bushings for me...........and gave them my cast/MIM sob story. They patted my back, gave me a kleenex and said that they make solid barstock stuff. My face brightened, they gave me a cookie and sent me home.

There are many errors in the Brownells catalog, one is the Briley Disconnect...........it is no longer made from solid barstock, it is now cast. Same with the Browns Hardcore Slide stop..........they are neither solid barstock they are cast, and they are not checkered anymore as the picture shows..........they are serrated.
They need to be more diligent in the accuracy their products...........but then to be fair, they carry so many items they'd need a team to just to keep up with it.

[Jammer Six]

You DO realize that now I'm going to have to go back and re-read every single post, don't you, Wichaka? :eek:

[wichaka]

I am continually enlightened by the members on this forum, I too am learning and will be 'til the day I die.

If I ever come across as knowing it all someone please slap me.............as that will be the day I retire from 1911's and throwing in my opinions & thoughts.

I think it was Tuner who was going for the spring steel........... I was not around when spring steel extractors were still being made. I turn 42 next week............

I think it was the Springfield cast extractors that were bad in many of the recent production models that was the center of the conversation. If I remember right, Tuner was advising folks to replace it with a solid steel type, as they haven't made spring steel extractors for many years. I believe they quit making them in the 50's.........not sure though.

I have 2 genuine GI extractors that are spring steel, and don't have the reliability cuts and bevels on tham. Back then they were all square, and you had to modify them for reliability.

[Barry in IN]

I see that Brownell's has their own extractors now. It was in one of the recent catalog supplements I got.

I was wondering how they were, if anyone has tried them out yet.

They are described as "...hardened and heat treated...",and, "Stainless models have a unique copper color from the heat-treating process." The material in the specs is listed as "Heat-treated machined steel".

Which still doesn't say what they are made of. Beyond "steel".

I almost ordered one or two to try them out, but they are about the same cost as a Brown HC or Wilson BP (the stainless may even be more). Since those are known quantities, and can be had for the same money, I didn't see the need to investigate myself.

But if someone else wants to do a test and report, I'll listen!

[mitchjoe]

Doesn't Cylinder & Slide still make spring-steel extractors?

I think they only have them for .45ACP, but last I checked they were tempered spring-steel.

mitchjoe

[Bud White]

According to Cylinder -Slides web site the only extractor i could find says its made from spring steel

[wichaka]

According to Cylinder -Slides web site the only extractor i could find says its made from spring steel

I've learned something new today, I have now justified my existance.

[Colt630]

Nowlin extractors are made of spring steel too.

[Jammer Six]

Okay, maybe it's time to ask for some of these manufacturers to back up their claims.

How would we know that a given extractor is or isn't spring steel?

Is there a way to test an extractor in a basement?

[wichaka]

Unless one knows their steel, I wouldn't know.

I've got 2 genuine WW II GI extractors that I could test them along side with, just not sure what the test would involve.

[Colt630]

I talked with John Nowlin directly. My question was "Do you make your extractors out of tool steel or spring steel". Without hesitation, he answered "Spring steel, and ONLY spring steel should be used in a proper extractor. That is what is used in every Nowlin extractor." I can only go by what's told to me.

[wichaka]

I'll have to order some in and check them out.......

[TrapK80]

A while back I had some FTE problems with an OACP. I ordered a C&S spring steel extractor, intalled it, and the problem disappeared. IF JMB specified spring steel extractors in his 1911 then I guess spring steel it is as long as they are still being made........