Myth Busting: Shooting Without an Extractor

Published on April 24, 2015
Duration: 8:15

This expert guide details a practical experiment to test firearm functionality without an extractor, as demonstrated by James Reeves. It covers the disassembly process for a Glock 17 and MP5, the testing methodology using different ammunition types and suppressors, and the critical observation of extraction and ejection reliability. The experiment debunks the myth that extractors are non-essential, highlighting their vital role in firearm operation.

Quick Summary

Firearm extractors are vital for reliable semi-automatic operation. While a suppressed Glock 17 showed 100% extraction without its extractor due to increased back pressure and a Nielsen device, an MP5, even suppressed, failed consistently. Standard brass and aluminum ammunition also proved unreliable without an extractor, debunking the myth that they are non-essential components.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Hypothesis
  2. 00:45Glock 17 Brass Ammunition Test
  3. 01:25Glock 17 Aluminum Ammunition Test
  4. 02:30Suppressed Glock 17 Performance
  5. 04:00MP5 and Fluted Chamber Test
  6. 05:27Suppressed MP5 Test
  7. 07:16Conclusion and Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Do semi-automatic handguns need an extractor to function?

While some firearms might exhibit limited function without an extractor under specific conditions (like a suppressed Glock 17), extractors are vital components for reliable operation in most semi-automatic handguns. Removing one typically leads to consistent failures to extract and eject spent casings.

How does a suppressor affect firearm extraction without an extractor?

A suppressor can increase back pressure, which, in conjunction with mechanisms like a Nielsen device, can sometimes enable a firearm to cycle and extract spent casings even without an extractor, as seen with a suppressed Glock 17 in this test. However, this effect is not universal across all firearm types.

What is a fluted chamber and how does it relate to extraction?

A fluted chamber has grooves designed to create a gas cushion, helping the cartridge case float and aiding extraction. Despite this feature on the MP5, the firearm still failed to extract reliably when its extractor was removed, underscoring the extractor's primary importance.

What types of ammunition were tested without an extractor?

The experiment tested both standard brass-cased ammunition and aluminum-cased ammunition. While aluminum showed slightly better, though still unreliable, extraction performance without an extractor in a Glock 17, neither proved practical for consistent firearm function.

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