696 extractor question....

[sjmjax]

Was cleaning my 696 recently and noticed the odd extractor shape.

Some "arms" are longer than others and the shape of the tips varies. Of course, the recesses in the cylinder match.

This is the only revolver I've seen with this odd asymmetrical extractor. What's the reason & purpose?

Thanks!

 

[diamonback68]

It was changed to eliminate the previous locator pins or dowels. Saved steps and money. Most new guns are shaped similar now.

 

[Alk8944]

All S&W revolvers made after ca. 1994, when CNC methods come into use, have the extractor that has a basically square shape instead of round as earlier extractors. If you look in the SCSW you will see notes for all models "Change extractor", this is what the change was.

 

[tdan]

I know exactly what you are talking about. It may have something to do with the tooling set-up for the five round cylinder. One of the extractor arms is flat at the top. The two on either side are cut with the same angle, and the bottom "legs" of the star are cut on another angle. The 7-shot 686 has a similar assymetric extractor pattern.