How to Install & Adjust the Extractor on the M-1911

The M1911 is a single-action, semi-automatic handgun that served as the standard-issue sidearm for the U.S. armed forces from 1911 to 1985. It is designed around the principle of recoil operation. After a bullet is fired from the barrel, the slide continues to move toward the rear of the gun until an extractor pulls the spent casing from the firing chamber. You may find that you need to make adjustments to the extractor after installing it if your M-1911 is frequently jamming.

Instructions

    • 1

      Slide the extractor into the extractor channel in the stripped slide of your M-1911. Rotate it until it is secure in place.

    • 2

      Place the rim of a full cartridge under the hook of the extractor so that it grips the case at the cartridge's center line. Shake the slide lightly back and forth. If the cartridge falls off of the hook, push the tip of the extractor farther into the extractor channel by approximately half an inch, reset the cartridge and shake the slide again. Repeat the process until the cartridge stays in place on the hook while shaking.

    • 3

      Place the rim of the empty casing of a cartridge under the hook of the extractor so that it grips the case at the cartridge's center line. Repeat the shaking test from Step 2 and adjust the position of the extractor up, down, left and right until the tension on the extractor is equal on all sides. When the adjustment is made correctly, the empty casing will stay in place on the hook when you shake the slide.

    • 4

      Remove the casing and reassemble the slide and barrel to complete your installation and adjustment of the M-1911's extractor.