External Extractors are Great!

Pat Couteaux said:

Truth be told, I have been reading some of these threads with growing irritation. Kimber’s design and functionality of the external extractor is extremely robust. The only way I could imagine an individual shooter screwing this thing up would be to either over lubricate the extractor mechanism (should leave dry), or to just let the thing get way too dirty. Otherwise, this dude will grab onto the shell casing like nobody’s biz.

Click to expand...

My first 1911 was the Kimber UCIIe. Initially I was, erm I'll use the word upset, with it but it has come along nicely. I received the newest version extractor for it, and have educated myself on 1911 functionality etc etc... At this point I am back up to 300 rounds with no FTE's with approximately 1500 rounds through the weapon.

I recently bought a TLE/RL II internal extractor and did some mechanical comparisons between the external and internal. The BIGGEST difference is the tension. As I noted in another post the tension on the internal extractor is gorilla torque so to speak. The thing barely moves, unbelievable tension. The external extractor by comparison flops around like a tissue in the wind. As noted in another post by someone else they replaced the stock coil spring with a high power spring from Wolff and this put the issue to rest for him. I can't remember what post it was I'll do a search for it and edit this later, maybe. Furthermore, I recently fondled... I mean handled a couple S&W 1911's at the gun shop and noticed the same mechanics as the internal extractor in terms of tension. The external extractor on the S&W is also gorilla torqued resistance. It barely moves. It would appear that mechanically the major difference is the tension that is being applied to external extractor cam in the Kimber's case. I mean it's a solid bar of metal with a hook, I can't think of anything more simple. The only variable is the tension, and the tension of Kimber's external extractor is WAY below that of S&W's external and Kimber's own standard internal even.

Myself, I am just about at the point where I need to replace springs anyway so I am going to get some from Wolff and verify for myself whether they have the extra power extractor spring or not and if so I will order it. Should I get so much as one more FTExtract after that the external is going away. Last stay of execution .

I posted this same thought before but have yet to hear anyone's opinion on it. Maybe I'll actually call the custom shop and ask them. Shrug...


Caveat Emptor
YMMV

Paul

The only Kimber I have with an external extractor is a TLE II I've owned shot, carried and taken to classes for the past two years. I have had zero trouble with the extractor.
I wish I could say the same for the Series II firing pin safety.

While my extractor has worked fine, the fact that Kimber has produced revisions of the design seems to indicate there is a problem. The last I knew, there were four variations of the extractor floating around. I doubt they would go to that trouble and expense if there weren't enough problems to warrant it.

Not trying to beat on external extractors. Overall, I like external extractors on 1911s. I'm usually traditional-minded when it comes to guns. Although I don't think there is a thing wrong with a properly made internal extractor, I see an advantage or two to the external extractor.

If nothing else, I see them as being more idiot-proof than the original design when it comes to people dropping the slide on a chambered round. I know that's a user issue rather than a design flaw, but it helps the next owner of the gun. The only 1911s I've had whose extractors needed any attention at all were internal extractor guns. They were also bought used. In each case, I believe the extractor had been abused. None needed any more work after correcting the problem they came to me with.