I asked over on the CMP web sight how to correctly install an extractor collar on a 1903 Springfield bolt and didn't get a lot of replies (not even from the one smith who seems to use that sight as a platform for selling his services). My one attempt at this was far from successful as it left me with an out of round collar. Any help is appreciated.
The collar or the just the extractor? Gently pry the extractor out of its groove while squeezing it behind the collar and sliding forward at the same time. The collar itself you just pry it open and pull it off. You may well make it mis-shapen in the process, but unless you manage to kink it in the process it'll regain its shape when you reinstall it and put the extractor back on. At least that's the way it always played out when I dismantled them.
That's what I've always found, too.
I meant the collar. I have only tried this once and ended up with an out-of-round collar. It could be the part was bad to begin with. I have a nickel steel bolt needing a new collar and thought I'd ask around for some techniques before plowing into the project. Thanks much!
a brownells extractor collar pliers would be a good investment, I have used mine for years. all the extractor collars I have run into are soft and quite pliable. you might like to lightly chamfer the outside edges before installing. have fun, Mel Chung