[McKirdyP]

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.

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

 

[McKirdyP]

i have owned/own five full sized (Kimbers or S&Ws) with external extractors. the only time i ever saw one of those guns have a FTE was when i let another guy at the range shoot my Kimber TLE II. he had one FTE right after another.:scratch: the gun had never failed before that day and as soon as i took the gun back into my hands it functioned 100%. some factor was coming into play in relation to how he shot my 1911 with an external extractor that i never saw or experienced myself.

That one fits too . I have had some FTE's myself where I attributed it to my getting sloppy with the weapon :mummy: . That UCIIe has definitely taught me the fine art of pistol gripping discipline.

 

[McKirdyP]

Since they told me that they wouldn't warrant it, I did NOT buy it!

Good Shooting! ...Ken

<PEANUT_GALLERY>

Would that be standing around the corner and down the street from your product instead of behind it? :rofl: :biglaugh: :hrm:

Allow me to apologize post-advance for the unruly digression. We now return you to your regularly scheduled forum.



</PEANUT_GALLERY>

 

[McKirdyP]

Hmmmm... that's true. I wonder if that would have anything to do with it. Does the Hi-Power, CZ and HK use short or long EE's? I know SIGs (Not the GSR) and Glocks do.

It's been brought up a bajillion times before, probably mostly by me , but another difference is the tension of the extractor claw as well. Kimber's EE is flimsy compared to absolutely any other extractor internal or external that I have tested trying to move with a finger. It would seem that the longer lever gives the more oomf against the weight as it were, i.e. more tension at the hook.

I want to hook up with someone who owns a Glock now to check out their implementation first hand and compare springs etc. The Kahr also has a similar EE and its tension is very tight as well.

 

[McKirdyP]

http://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=132870&highlight=wolf+external

Though admittedly I still need to call Wolf and verify the spring part number, but I believe the one they shipped is correct as it is labeled as an EE Spring for Kimbers.

I first found out about the stronger spring from another thread here in the Kimber forum.