how do i replace the extractor from my model 1911 38super?

Answer 1

Easy. If it is a standard 1911 style auto,(series 70)( a series 80 is more difficult for the untrained as it involves a small "piston and spring" in the middle of the extractor. It's easy to do, but too hard for me to explain here) remove the slide from the frame ( you already know about unloading and clearing the chamber of live rounds right?) remove the bbl and bbl bushing just like normal. On the firing pin end you will see the firing pin retainer, you can see the back end of the firing pin in the center of it. Push in the firing pin with a small punch, then while holding the pin in, start the retainer sliding towards the bottom of the slide. Be careful!! the firing pin is under spring tension and can fly out hard. I just hold my hand in front of it to catch it, after you remove the retainer and the firing pin, you can use a small screwdriver to carefully pry the extractor to the rear and out of the slide, at this point, clean out both the firing pin and extractor holes of burnt powder and carbon.(I do that every time I clean my 1911's) slide the new extractor in until the grooves line up with the slot in the frame. Make sure you install it with the "claw" facing in, not out of the slide. ( when you take the original out, just look at how it is oriented in the slide. Then, place the firing pin with spring back into it's hole, carefully use a punch to hold the pin in far enough to alow the retainer to be started in far enough to hold the pin in place, then remove the punch and push the retainer the rest of the way in until the rear of the firing pin pops in place. Your done. You should have an exploded view of the fire arm for reference, you can also see exploded views online a several sights. Make sure you use quality replacement parts. Either an original from the manufacturer, or top name parts like Kings' chip mccormick etc. Then, I always use dummy bullets to check for proper function ( no powder no primer or commercial "snap caps") Then if it works with those, go to the range, put one round in the magazine (never load it directly into the chamber) chamber the round, fire it to check for proper extraction. Then try it with two rounds in the magazine, do that twice. If all is well, load it up and enjoy. If you have doubts, let a qualified gunsmith do it for you. Pay the extra bucks to have it done right. I've worked on 1911 style pistols for over 20 years. They are easy once you get the proper training.