I have a 4506 that has not been reliable extracting spent rounds. Not a stovepipe problem but not pulling it from the barrel which to me is worse. I am guessing a weakened spring and am wondering about changing it myself. I have done a little work on revolvers but nothing on a semi-auto. I also have a 645 that runs fine but if it is not to difficult I would change that one just to prevent future problems. Any help will be appreciated, Jim.

Jim: First; Get a tutorial of some sort that will help you in removal of the extractor. Second; Take a close look at the mating surface of the extractor before reassembly with the new spring. That surface shape just might be more of the problem than the old spring. Look for a wrong bevel or a round shape that should be flat and in the same plane as the rim of the cartridge. If any doubt get a new extractor and be done with it. They are not terrible in cost. ........... Big Cholla

Glad I found this post. I was going to ask this same question, but tried the search button instead. I recently acquired a 645 that has this very same problem. No stovepipe issues or FTF, but a consistent failure to extract. I'm new to S&W, but I'm going to give the extractor a close examination this evening. If I see a fault in the machining, or damaged extractor, where would I be able to purchase a new one?

Thank you for any information and assistance.

Replacing the extractor & extractor spring generally requires some fitting and a couple of gauges, specifically a bar gauge (Go/No-Go) and a force dial gauge (to check extractor tension). Both gauges are sold to armorers by S&W.

Fitting usually involves some careful filing on the adjustment pad behind the hook, to set the depth of the hook's reach, although some of the older 645's might also require some filing on an adjustment pad on the tail. The machining methods used in the older 3rd gen's involved some hand operated equipment that could cause more tolerance variation than later production methods.

If the hook appears chipped, broken or otherwise damaged, and/or the spring has simply become old and tired, then it's really best to have the gun checked and repaired by the factory or else a gunsmith familiar with S&W pistols.

Also, if the extractor is old enough to have become worn or damaged, and the spring worn out, then it's probably a good idea to look at the ejector, too. The new ejectors not only have longer tips for faster, more positive ejection, but they have a curved angle under the tip to eliminate a potential stress riser which could cause the occasional early 3rd gen ejectors to suffer broken tips.

Just my thoughts.

__________________
Ret LE Firearms inst & armorer

Thank you very much for the details Fastbolt. I field stripped and cleaned the 645/4506 (transitional) and used a pen light and a magnifying glass to get a good, close look at the extractor hook. Alas, there was no hook. Yup, broken clean off. Scratched it with my finger nail and it felt rough, like an emery board. I'm going to take it to my local shop to get it confirmed and ask for their recommendations for the repair. However, I did notice in the S&W manual that I downloaded, it was noted that it was a factory repair to replace the extractor, most likely for the very reasons that you detailed.

Thanks again!

BTW, shooting steel case ammo is notorious for snapping extractor hooks. Don't know about this case, but just FYI.

The 4506 is once again reliable, The weather has been so bad since I had the problem I just got out to the range Sunday. I checked the extractor and from the posts here it looked fine so I called S&W. They suggested it was from shooting reloads which cycle just fine in my 645, 4513 and Ruger 345. They did send me an extractor spring free which I installed. I could tell the difference between the two springs tension. When I went out Sunday it worked fine with over 200 rounds of my reloads, problem solved. Jim.

I once broke an extractor on an M1 Carbine using Wolf steel case ammo. The savings was so huge on the Wolf ammo (don't reload .30 Carbine rounds) that I still use it, but purchased a few replacement extractors which I think were about 3.50 each. Since I replaced the extractor and have a few spare ones on hand, I have not broken any - cheap insurance though..........



Chief38

I'm lost. need help getting out of this thread, I hear unknow number and other wiered stuff . You will know, when the bullet hits the bone .