Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Gunsmithing Remington 700 extractor conversion

I have a Remington 721 that has a broken extractor. I bought it this way, knowingly, with intentions for put a Sako style extractor in it. I also see the M-16 style extractor being used. Machining for me is not a problem, it's what I do. My question is which is better or is that even an issue. Any feedback is appreciated.
Thanks
Jim

Since721 extractors are extremely hard to find I would go with the M-16.

I have two M722s with M16 extractors and they function flawlessly.

Would pay for me to modify my 788 to M-16 style just to get it done before issues?
If so, any suggested gunsmiths?

Does the c'bore in the end of the barrel have to be larger diameter than usual for the extractor to slip over the rim?

Have not had a M16 extractor, but have several Sako extractors on Rem 700s. They have worked well.

721 extractors are not that difficult to find. I wouldn’t alter the gun.

It's my understanding the Sako style extractor does not need the c'bore on the barrel enlarged but the M1 extractor does.

I've thought of not altering it. I share your thoughts on that too.

That depends on the caliber/rim size. The magnum conversion would need to have it done. One word of caution, It will affect your cartridge ejection

They work well, most people recommend the M16 style over the sako these days.

I don't know the advantages or disadvantages between the Sako & M16.

But the availability of the M16, both now & in the future has to give it points. Do installers use M springs as well?

I would expect the case would come out lower?

If you can do it yourself by all means go for it. For others Gre-Tan is about as good as it gets.

I recently installed a M16 extractor in a 700 heavy barrel 308 for a local LE TEU person. He brought in the M16 extractor kit and the instructions said the barrel counter bore needed to be opened up per chambering. Advantage of the M16 type over the Sako type is the retaining/pivot pin, to me the advantage is lost when the counter bore has to be enlarged. Take your pick.

They're so busy they have a notice on their website they are not taking on any new work.



The M16 appeals to me in that how it's held in place is more posititve but opening up the c'bore for the bolt can be tricky with the barrel still being in the action. Though it can be done. I've never heard of a Sako extractor coming out though.

I've never had a failure.

What?

Get a freeking CLUE!!

Duh
Remove the Bbl.
Duh


The Rem extractors work well.
Hacking the breech face degrades the 3 rings of steel concept.

I know how to remove the barrel sherlock. I'd rather avoid it if I can.

I have not looked at a 721 in a long, long time so no longer remember exactly what it looks like. However, when the extractor on my 725 broke, some bozo at Gun Parts Corp sent me what was supposed to be a used replacement. Have no idea what that POS was meant for but it definitely wasn't for a 725 in .244 rebarreled to 260.

Some sources claimed a 700 extractor would not work in the 725. It works flawlessly in my rifle, so that may or may not be an option for the 721, also.

Keep searching e-bay, and you can likely come up with an original, however.