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AR15.COM
8/9/2017 9:35:53 PM EDT
Many high end 1911s use billet extractors, but I recall reading that Bill Laughridge of cylinder and slide sells and advocates the use of spring steel.  I think he also had a method for tuning them.  Does anyone have a reference to any articles written about this?

Thanks!
8/9/2017 9:58:45 PM EDT
[#1]
I have been a spring maker for almost 35 years. Tweek the extractor to get the pressure you want...

Then degrease and HEAT @450 degrees for one hour.
8/10/2017 1:49:51 PM EDT
[#2]
Kuhnhausen is pretty thorough on the matter of extractor fitting and tuning.  I'd rely on him.
8/11/2017 7:32:46 AM EDT
[#3]
I used a Wilson bullet proof extractor. It was actually a drop in. I was pleasantly surprised.
8/13/2017 1:15:14 AM EDT
[#4]
It's pretty easy to adjust the extractor. One word of advice. A little goes a LONG way when bending one!
8/13/2017 7:04:43 PM EDT
[#5]
Quoted:
Many high end 1911s use billet extractors, but I recall reading that Bill Laughridge of cylinder and slide sells and advocates the use of spring steel.  I think he also had a method for tuning them.  Does anyone have a reference to any articles written about this?

Thanks!
View Quote


I use Cylinder & Slide extractors in my Colts, and they work very well
Bought a Wiegand extractor tension tool and follow their instructions
Very happy with both
8/14/2017 7:48:37 AM EDT
[#6]
I like egw parts. Including their extractor. A lot of guys get super anal about tension. From my experience if the gun functions perfectly and ejects perfectly then it's good to go. Regardless if it holds a bullet "perfectly" in the slide like one popular test states.
  I guess I'm trying to say don't be afraid to tension one yourself. Read bill Wilsons instructions on it and you'll be fine.
8/16/2017 3:12:58 PM EDT
[#7]
There is a reason why competition shooter use Aftec extractors
8/17/2017 8:50:45 AM EDT
[#8]
Quote History
Quoted:
There is a reason why competition shooter use Aftec extractors
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45 acp / 40 S& W do not need aftec.

My 9mm major has one
I did add one to my edge only after I started using reloads I would get extraction issues, but factory new brass always ejected fine.
8/17/2017 7:04:03 PM EDT
[#9]
.40 absolutely needs an Aftec, ask any USPSA Limited shooter who has worn out a standard extractor 
8/17/2017 8:21:48 PM EDT
[#10]
Quote History
Quoted:
.40 absolutely needs an Aftec, ask any USPSA Limited shooter who has worn out a standard extractor 
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No it doesn't.  It works perfectly well with a standard extractor.  People like the Aftecs because they tend to keep tension longer than standard extractors, and you can simply replace the coil springs when they wear out.
8/17/2017 9:29:26 PM EDT
[#11]
I installed a Wilson Bullet Proof 415 yesterday and function tested it today. My Mix-master RIA double stack frame project is 100% reliable now.
I followed the detailed instructions exactly. It took several adjustment attempts to get the correct spec (1 to 1-1/2 lbs. side pressure on the case).
8/18/2017 6:53:52 AM EDT
[#12]
Quote History
Quoted:
No it doesn't.  It works perfectly well with a standard extractor.  People like the Aftecs because they tend to keep tension longer than standard extractors, and you can simply replace the coil springs when they wear out.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
.40 absolutely needs an Aftec, ask any USPSA Limited shooter who has worn out a standard extractor 
No it doesn't.  It works perfectly well with a standard extractor.  People like the Aftecs because they tend to keep tension longer than standard extractors, and you can simply replace the coil springs when they wear out.
Never seen those. I like the idea. Are they worth it?
8/18/2017 9:02:56 AM EDT
[#13]
I'd recommend the AFTEC on small rimmed brass like 9mm and 38super...for .45, I just grind off the rear inside pressure pad so it is sprung only from the rear, radius  the hook a bit so the case slips under easily (both directions) and use a Weigand brass  tension gauge to set the release force at 17-24oz... lock it in place with an oversize firing pin stop
8/21/2017 7:54:14 AM EDT
[#14]
Quote History
Quoted:
.40 absolutely needs an Aftec, ask any USPSA Limited shooter who has worn out a standard extractor 
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10K on an edge with the factory extractor, before I switched over to Aftec. 40 does not need a aftec extractor, but hell I was only C class so WTF do I know.
8/21/2017 10:46:27 AM EDT
[#15]
Quote History
Quoted:


Never seen those. I like the idea. Are they worth it?
View Quote
I don't think so, personally.  But extractor tensioning is no problem for me.   When I detail strip my comp guns every few months for deep cleaning, I check extractor tension and adjust if necessary.   When extractors start wearing out, it usually doesn't happen suddenly; it just needs tensioning more often.   I keep a pre-fit spare in my range bag just in case the hook breaks off or something (haven't needed it yet, on my gun, but it's saved the day for one or two other guys on my squads.)

If you're the kind of guy who never wants to mess with it again, an AFTEC may be worth the investment.  However, in some cases,  adjustment (i.e. bending) will be necessary to set the initial tension for a given gun.