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External vs internal ejector

dbrigham
First off, forgive my possible misuse of terms; however:

Regarding the 1911 and variations thereof, what are the relative advantages/disadvantages of an external ejector, like I see on the new Kimber TLEs and which my Browning Hi-Power has, and an internal ejector, like the one in my Colts 1911?

Thanks for your time.

Si vis Pacem, Para bellum
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Comments

6 comments

Date Votes
  • rufe-snow
    Slides with external extractors are cheaper and easier to manufacture. That's why some of the firearms companies have gone to them.

    As far as I'm concerned there have been no differences, with those equipped with external vis a vis internal extractors. Either they work or they don't. Last pistol i got from Springfield didn't work with the internal extractor that came with it. I had to put in a Colt extractor to get it to work.

    luger_4.jpg
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  • perry shooter
    IMHO there is no advanage to an external extractor.execept as RUFE SNOW stated cheaper to make.
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  • mballai
    It's not uncommon to have extractor issues with the 1911. Manufacturers and gun owners, being too lazy to make sure 1911s are set up correctly, blame the extractor design instead of themselves.



    Three Precious Metals: Gold, silver and lead
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  • mpolans
    External Extractor:
    Pros:
    1. Cheap to make.
    2. Easy to install and remove.
    3. Easy to tune, since extractor tension is determined by an easily replaceable spring.
    4. Usually sturdier than the internal ones I've seen on 1911s and early Hi-Powers.

    Cons:
    1. MAYBE a greater possibility of dirt interfering with the extractor...but I don't really think so.

    Internal Extractor:
    Pros:
    1. uh... <imagine crickets chirping here>

    Cons:
    1. Tension depends on the bend and properties of the extractor.
    2. Sometimes a pain to remove without marring the slide.
    3. Hooks tend to be more fragile than external counterparts.
    4. More expensive to make.
    5. PITA to tune because of several of the above issues.

    Can an internal extractor work as well as an external one? Of course. But if I was designing a gun from scratch, I'd definitely go with the external one over the internal one.
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  • Mooseyard
    An external can be closed on a chambered round where as an internal can break if closed on a chambered round.

    "My faith, my country and my family will guide me; nothing more, nothing less" -Gen. Tommy Franks

    Jess Hoffman
    Mooseyard Precision
    LE Supply & Firearms
    NRA Certified Instructor
    Shawano, WI 54166
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  • Xracer
    "Internal Extractor:
    Pros:
    1. uh... <imagine crickets chirping here>"

    1. Is protected from dirt, mud, and freezing under combat conditions.

    2. Can be easily "bend tuned" by somebody who knows what they're doing.

    3. The hook can be "filed & refit" when worn.

    4. Is easily and quickly replaced (without tools) when necessary.

    None of the above apply to an external extractor.
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