1911 Extractors

[TSB]

Question!

Is S&W the only pistol maker still using external extractors on their 1911 pistols?  If so, why?   The overwhelming majority has stayed (or returned to) the internal type.  I've a PARA with the PXT and have never had a round FTF or FTE yet. 

While on active duty, I don't believe I ever had a problem with an Colt 1911A1 either.  I guarantee those guns probably had fewer than 100 rounds through them before we got to play with 'em!  My daughters "Meathead" had a heck of time with his Smith today!  It does shoot straight, when it shoots!

Tim

[Big Frank]

Why? It's CHEAP to make! There's less machining, and the extractor itself is basically a piece of stamped out sheet metal. I believe I saw another 1911 clone with an external extractor but can't remember what kind it was. I also heard that dirt gets into them easier since there's so much exposed. My experience with non-1911s with external extractors backs that up. Some guns will have problems if they get a grain of sand in there. It more of a PITA to pull the extractor off and clean it out too.

[Walter45Auto]

Llama has external extractors. My Kimber BP Ten II has one. (They're a PITA to take out, but a little easier to get back into place right.)

[TSB]

Yea, they would be cheaper to fabricate but S&W is one of the priciest out of the box models on the market.  Personally, I've never been a fan of their autoloader line of guns.  I suppose there is an arguement for both designs but when your paying a grand for a supposed "quality" firearm, I would expect a little more.

Walt,

Llama ain't around any more, they went OOB in 1999 and all due respect to your Kimber, like my PARA, it's a basic pistol with no frills..... 

Tim

[Michael Bane]

I think the external extractors are much easier in the manufacturing process...much less hand work! Of course, the whole Kimber "experience" external extractors was a huge cluster-F, but I have never had a bit of trouble with my S&W GUNSITE 1911 and I have put a lot of rounds through it.

Given my druthers, though, I'm with TSB...I'll take a Para (and when we finish the Para Michael Bane/SHOOTING GALLERY Signature 1911, I guarantee you it will NOT have an external extractor!).

Michael B

[Sponsor]

[Hazcat]

OK, for us idiots can some explain or better yet post pictures of internal and exteral extractors?  That way if I look at a 1911 style I'll know what I'm looking at.

[TSB]

An external extractor is the small flat bar behind and below the ejection port on the slide.  A gun with an internal extractor will have nothing visible.  The design of the two are completely different.

Here's a picture of a S&W, if I attached it correctly.

t

[Hazcat]

Thanks TSB!  This means my little KelTek P3AT has an external extractor, too.

[TSB]

Exactly Right! 

There is nothing wrong with the design, if the materials and workmanship are primary consideration, it should work.  I had a Beretta 92FS back in my youth and It worked fine if it was kept clean.  You'll find that design more than the internal I would expect.

T

[Walter45Auto]

Yea, they would be cheaper to fabricate but S&W is one of the priciest out of the box models on the market.  Personally, I've never been a fan of their autoloader line of guns.  I suppose there is an arguement for both designs but when your paying a grand for a supposed "quality" firearm, I would expect a little more.

Walt,

Llama ain't around any more, they went OOB in 1999 and all due respect to your Kimber, like my PARA, it's a basic pistol with no frills..... 

Tim

I know they aren't. And I'm telling you, My BP Ten does NOT have the traditional 1911 type extractor. I know some of them did have this, but mine has an external extractor that doubles as a Loaded Chamber Indicator. I'm not bashing external extractors, and CERTAINLY Not bashing Kimber. It's an excellent gun. But at first the external extractor confused me when I took the gun apart.