Extractor Help - Winchester 1873

[blackpowderman1972]

I am trying to make this 1873 mechanically operable. The action was pretty well frozen up. The firing pin was near impossible to free, but I finally got it out (without any damage!) so I could pull the breech block.

But the extractor is seriously frozen. I have tried to drive out the extractor pin (which appears from the exploded diagram to go out right to left, # 23 in the exploded view). I believe the pin is fluted at one end, so will only go out the 'correct' direction. I have used drill bit stock to press the pin with my drill press (with a LOT of moxie behind it), but it won't budge. It has soaked for months in WD and Kroil, and I have tried heating while pressing, too. I don't want to wreck the breech block. The cartridge end of the extractor will move slightly in the breech block channel. Any ideas to get the extractor out?

Thanks!

Ed

[Nate Kiowa Jones]

I am trying to make this 1873 mechanically operable. The action was pretty well frozen up. The firing pin was near impossible to free, but I finally got it out (without any damage!) so I could pull the breech block.

But the extractor is seriously frozen. I have tried to drive out the extractor pin (which appears from the exploded diagram to go out right to left, # 23 in the exploded view). I believe the pin is fluted at one end, so will only go out the 'correct' direction. I have used drill bit stock to press the pin with my drill press (with a LOT of moxie behind it), but it won't budge. It has soaked for months in WD and Kroil, and I have tried heating while pressing, too. I don't want to wreck the breech block. The cartridge end of the extractor will move slightly in the breech block channel. Any ideas to get the extractor out?



Thanks!

Ed

Howdy and welcome to the forum. That pin can be a bear to get out. Your best bet is to clamp it in a padded vise with the left side up (as close to the pin as possible) then use a starter punch (short tip) to get it moving to the right.
You said you used heat. One of the tricks I've used is to heat it then shock it by dunking it in something like WD40. Works with rust threads too.

Good luck

[Rimfire McNutjob]

I think I just noticed that the OP was driving the pin right to left and Steve noted the pin should be driven out left to right as is typical. Hopefully that will help get it moving.

[blackpowderman1972]

Hi guys, thanks for the responses. Unfortunately, still no joy with this. Just broke another drift punch shaft... well now I have two very short shaft punches. I'll keep trying the heating and cooling.

Regards,

Ed

[blackpowderman1972]

GOT IT! It finally gave way to the heat and the punch in the padded vise.

Thanks for the help, guys! see the 'proof' in the Pic!

[Ben_Rumson]

Well done!

[Soledad]

I have a broken extractor that needs replaceing. Can you confirm the pin moves from the left to the right and also where is the pin located on the breach block. Also,, is one make of extractor better than another? Thanks Pards.

[Nate Kiowa Jones]

I have a broken extractor that needs replaceing. Can you confirm the pin moves from the left to the right and also where is the pin located on the breach block. Also,, is one make of extractor better than another? Thanks Pards.

Howdy and welcome to the fire. Most all pins on a gun should be driven out from the left side (driver's side) to the right side. Review the picture and parts schematic above and you can see where that hole is.

As for brands of extractors I only know of two. The replacements for the winchesters and the Uberti part and they aren't the same.