Need help with 1972 S&W 41 extractor issue.

[zanemoseley]

This spring I got a new to me 1972 41 that appeared to have been shot very little. At first it seemed to cycle well with the occasional stovepipe.

Recently it has developed an annoying habit. Typically the extractor slips off the spent case leaving it in the chamber but the slide travels far enough back to pick up a new round and mashes it into the back of the spent case. Sometimes I have to use a rod to knock out the spent case, sometimes I can just drop the magazine and cycle the slide to extract it.

Since this has been occurring I have also had some FTF failures where the round will not fire and upon inspection there is no firing pin strike at all almost like it wasn't locked into battery but I've never noticed a visible gap between the slide and the chamber face. These beginning of these failures coincidenced with the extractor issues so I'm left wondering if they're related.

I read on S&W 41 maintenance some and found this test to see how well your extractor is holding. http://guntalk-online.com/images/M41_extadj_01a.JPG

I was able to shake the slide left to right quite vigorously without the round falling out.

I've considered buying the Brownell's .22 chamber iron tool to make sure there are no burrs on the edge of the chamber causing the failed extraction. I've been careful make sure it hasn't been dry fired, at least since I got it.

A guy I shoot with said he though the extractor might be too long resulting in it bottoming out on the extractor notch on the barrel. He suggest removing a small amount like .010 to see if it would help. My issue is I'd rather not start grinding down parts when I'm not sure what it is.

 

[armorer951]

While it won't hurt to inspect the chamber mouth, bolt assy, and extractor for possible damage, a good cleaning of the chamber and other related areas, and the installation of a new, OEM recoil spring may solve the problem if you haven't already tried these remedies.
Cleaning the magazines may also help. Are you using a standard velocity ammo, or something you have confirmed the gun will shoot reliably? Many here on the forum swear by the CCI standard velocity ammunition.

 

[zanemoseley]

I'm using CCI SV, it has also failed with Wolf Match and Norma Tac. I clean it well after each use. I currently have a 7lb Wolff variable spring installed.

 

[gmborkovic]

You are not grinding on any parts. A gentle stoning could eliminate a little burr that is causing your intermittent problem. Most 22 autos can get a little testy . Maybe try an ammo change. At least you do not have a mag/feed problem. Stick with it, you will solve it.

 

[zanemoseley]

As for the grinding I was referring to shortening the extractor, taking off .010 would take a little work and reblueing.

 

[Troystat]

Before you grind or stone the one you have you might buy another one and just compare the two, maybe try the new one as well. Good luck

 

[eljaydubya]

I have dad the same problem with two of mine. Clean the chamber with a brass brush in an electric drill really well. Then try the drop test. I' bet that will do it.

 

[Barrie]

Sometimes the tips of the extractor get worn and start to slip. They are not that expensive and fairly easy to replace as well. Probably a Blog on the Net on how to do it as well.

 

[TOM BECKWITH]

Have not noted any suggestions to clean or that you have done a very detailed cleaning job. A 72 model will tend to have hardened built up crud in "nooks and crannies". Suggest you do a complete cleaning with grips off - and do it again. Attention to the slide to assure no crud in ejector and firing pin area as well as mags. Might check for grip rub points, and safety OFF and tight. Check your shooting grip for slide drag by thumb etc.