Interesting write-up on extractor problems and adjustments

[DVSmith]

http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/Gen...f=bt002002.pdf

[WKC]

It was interesting during the 10-8 1911 Maintenance class that the desired level of extractor tension was different between the two instructors there. We all had the chance to feel what each instructor would like for tension and they were very noticeably different. The key to me is to know what your gun likes for extractor tension. This is easily done by slipping an empty case under the extractor and note the amount of resistance or force needed to insert and remove the brass.

As the extractor wears, it will slowly loose tension and you should be able to detect the difference if you check it regularly. Otherwise, the gun will tell you when it's time to tune up the extractor.

The quick and dirty way to adjust the extractor is to drop it into the firing pin tunnel and bend it. This takes a little bit of experience to avoid over bending or breaking the extractor. The Weigand tool will allow you to adjust it slowly.