Extractor replacment

[Joe Allen]

How on earth do you get the extractor pin back in while lining everything up?

I seem to be at least one hand short to make it work...

[1SOW]

The pin doesn't need to be taken completely out.  It just needs to be moved enough to clear the extractor.  Putting it back in by holding  the extractor aligned against the spring and just tap the pin most of the way in.  Finish with a light punch tap.  Once you've done it,  it can be done easily and fast. 

[Joe Allen]

I ended up taking it all the way out as I ordered a new extractor spring and pin. Not sure why the old pin wouldn't be fine, but everyone recommended replacing the pin at the same time and for $3, why not?

I'll give it another go when I get the parts in.

[1SOW]

Start by inserting the pin and tapping it in a little, but not far enough to contact the extractor when you slide it in.

I've reused mine several times with no issues.  Spare parts are good to have.  That just guarantees you'll never need it.

[Joe Allen]

I had to beat the tar out of it, but I got it in there. I was worried that I was going to peen the end, but I finally got it seated.

It's almost enough to make a man stop shooting cheap steel cased euro-trash ammo...

[DOC 1500]

You should buy Freedom Munitions Target ammo
IF I had two or three FTF in 3000 rounds that would be a lot . Very good ammunition for Target.
Go on their website get on the email list and you'll get daily and weekly specials.

[M1A4ME]

You did remove the old one by inserting the punch into the hole in the top of the slide and pushing the pin out towards the bottom, right? 

Same for installation, start from the bottom of the slide and (pound) push it upwards.

I get mine started first.  Then put the spring/extractor in and hold it by my thumb.  Then I tap the pin with the hammer to move it further towards the extractor.  If I've got it lined up right the pin goes right on into the slide (usually doesn't happen that way though), if not I can hear/feel the pin hit the extractor and I push/shove with my thumb to reposition it and then tap the pin again.  It may take some repositioning after each tap but you'll get there and the sound will change to let you know the pin is moving through the hole in the extractor.

Oh, one thing I do (probably unnecessary but makes me feel better) is to check prior to installation to make sure the pin can freely move through the hole in the extractor.  Better to find out the hole is out of spec prior to installation vs. after getting frustrated during attempted installation.

[DOC 1500]

Joe Allen , here's a link to Freedom Munitions just thought I'd pass this along.
https://www.freedommunitions.com/

[Joe Allen]

Thanks, Doc! I spend an alarming amount of money with Freedom - I may end up setting them up with direct withdrawal access!

Always looking to save a few pennies, though, so when I can find even cheaper ammo, I stock up.