Question about extractors

[KahrMan]

Who can tell me the difference between internal and external extractors. I have heard people say one is better than the other but don't know why. Also does anybody have pics of two guns, one with an external extractor and one with an internal extractor.

Thanks

[R1100R]

On a internal it is inside the slide, ie Colt 1911. On a external is is mounted on the slide by the

ejection port, ie some Kimber's or a Browning High Power. You can look at pictures online.

Edited March 29, 2008 by R1100R

[DaveTN]

This shows the black external extractor against the stainless frame of a 1911.

It just would not be visible on an internal.

[The Rabbi]

The original design for the 1911 called for an internal extractor. It loads through the back of the slide. It isn't a bad design, but depends on hand fitting of a properly made part. Thus it is subject to a lot of malfunction (and a main area of malfunction for the 1911 btw) if not done properly.

The external extractors are held with a spring and detent. They dont require much to get right, as long as the spring etc is in good shape. Replacing them is pretty easy. Most of the SIGs produced today have them, although I have seen a couple of internal ones in the 220 series. It would be my preference.

[Guest bigbuck_tn]

External = lower costs. (On the 1911 design at least) Most of it is marketing hype.

Alot of manufacturers use it as a loaded chamber indicator as well for those "special" states that require a "loaded chamber indicator" that must be present on a firearm for those very unsafe individuals who don't bother to check their chambers.

[The Rabbi]

Lower cost plus more reliability makes it an obvious choice to me.

[Guest price g]

Lower cost plus more reliability makes it an obvious choice to me.

And thats why you are a Glock man, right:eek:

[The Rabbi]

And thats why you are a Glock man, right:eek:

Actually my extractor is manually operated.