How to Tune a 1911 Extractor by Wilson Combat

Published on August 9, 2016
Duration: 3:06

This video provides a detailed guide on how to check and adjust the tension of a 1911 pistol extractor. It emphasizes safety, proper disassembly, and the use of empty casings for testing. The guide covers removing the extractor, bending it for tension adjustment, and reassembly, offering crucial troubleshooting tips for common feeding and extraction failures.

Quick Summary

To test 1911 extractor tension, place an empty casing under the extractor hook against the breech face. Shake the slide in various positions; the casing should remain held securely, indicating proper tension. Adjust by carefully bending the extractor towards the hook to increase tension or away to decrease it.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Safety
  2. 00:24Disassembly and Slide Stripping
  3. 00:49Testing Extractor Tension
  4. 01:22Removing the Extractor
  5. 01:45Adjusting Tension by Bending
  6. 02:07Reinstallation and Final Testing
  7. 02:37Troubleshooting and Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you test the tension of a 1911 extractor?

To test 1911 extractor tension, place an empty casing under the extractor hook against the breech face. Shake the slide in various positions; the casing should remain held securely, indicating proper tension.

How can I adjust the tension on my 1911 extractor?

Adjust extractor tension by carefully bending the part. Bending the extractor body slightly towards the hook increases tension, while bending it away decreases tension. Make very small adjustments.

What happens if my 1911 extractor is too tight or too loose?

An over-tensioned extractor can cause feeding failures, preventing new rounds from chambering. An under-tensioned extractor may lead to extraction failures, where spent casings are not ejected properly.

What tools are needed to adjust a 1911 extractor?

You will need basic gunsmithing tools, including a small punch to depress the firing pin and a pin pusher to help slide the extractor out of the slide during removal and reinstallation.

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