My Model 39 is having extraction problems. Happens about once out of every 10 shots from multiple magazines. Happens with both factory ammo and handloads. I've removed the extractor and spring and cleaned both thoroughly.

I'm thinking that the extractor hook is worn and the extractor needs to be replaced. Assuming I can find one, either at S&W or at Numrich, is this a drop-in replacement or does it need to be fitted by a gunsmith?

Thanks.

They can be finicky, I'd say any new one would need some fitting work. I think it could be done by a non-gunsmith though. Mine was binding on the heads of cartridges and needed some file work after a few thousand rounds and a decade or two.

If you have chambered rounds & dropped the slide,operate the CRF pistol the way it was designed....from the magazine.

Inspect the parts that are installed.
If the extractor is not chipped,it should work correctly.
Inspect the extractor claw location in the extraction groove w/ a loaded round hand inserted into the slide's breech face-
Turn the slide horizontal & shake the slide to ascertain if the extractor holds the round in the breech face.
If the round falls out of the slide,the extractor spring may need replacing.

If the above checks do not turn up any issues-
Clean the chamber & bore of the barrel.

Dans:

Stripped and cleaned the parts. No obvious flaws in the extractor. It holds the round to the breech face, sort of (some wiggle) but the round doesn't fall out. Cleaned the chamber and the bore thoroughly. Still not extracting consistently (on or two failures with factory rounds, up to 3 failures with handloads, four different magazines tried).

Having about given up, I ordered an extractor spring and extractor from Numrich. Will report back once they arrive and are installed. I'm really hoping this solves the problem, as I like this gun a lot and it's a joy to carry and shoot (when it extracts).

Rem

Well, the extractor and new spring are here and installed. Taking it to the range tonight to see how it all works. Wish me luck.

Everything worked as it should. Ran about 60 rounds through it using all four magazines. Not a single failure to extract. Happy camper.