Got a song in my head can’t sleep it’s called extractors

[Harrylee]

I pose the question which on a handgun is a better platform a internal or external extractor?
As the military they only carried two semi side arms the 1911 was internal and the Beretta 92 is a external. But which is better or do they come out the same in the reliability or is it a matter of machining and cost. I think most of the modern firearms are external and there are some with the internal extractor. Now between Bawanna ,muggsy, CJB and gb6491 I will get some sort of a answer but I know there is a lot of knowledgeable guys out there. Just one of those things that drives me crazy when I’m trying to fall asleep sort of like having a song in your head and can’t think of the name of it. So help me sleep tonight!!!!
I need to know

[Bawanna]

To my minimal knowledge Kimber was the only one that couldn't seem to figure out external extractors.

Smiths, no issue, nor any of the others.

I've often thought the external would be more efficient and effective because it's larger and more to it material wise.

BUT never had any issues with the internal and it worked swell for John Moses for what a 104 years now give or take.

I really can't help. I got no issue with neither.

[ltxi]

External extractors on a 1911 pattern gun have always struck me as somehow just wrong. No real experience or other than part interchangeability reasons, they simply seem wrong.

[b4uqzme]

...leave the radio or TV on at night. Just sayin'.

[AJBert]

I've got nothing to add or than if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

[yqtszhj]

I've often thought the external would be more efficient and effective because it's larger and more to it material wise.

BUT never had any issues with the internal and it worked swell for John Moses for what a 104 years now give or take.

I really can't help. I got no issue with neither.

I'm like bawanna, you would think that an external would be better because they can put some shape to it but that being said I have had several external extractor issues with new pistols but never one with the simple internal 1911 extractor. Makes me think that could be like many things where simple is better.

[marshal kane]

It's my opinion and that's all it is: Both extractor systems are equally reliable and work well. If you want simple, the JMB design of internal extractor is the epitome of simple. One piece retained by the firing pin stop and supported in a hole. The external extractor has more parts e.g. plunger, spring, claw but I haven't heard many complaints of it being either weak or unreliable so I favor machine work is simpler hence cost is less. Unless you have an extractor that is acting up, I wouldn't lose any sleep over it. Put your mind to work on something more important like Kate Upton.

[b4uqzme]

^^^ now there's a thought.

[ltxi]

I'm like bawanna, you would think that an external would be better because they can put some shape to it but that being said I have had several external extractor issues with new pistols but never one with the simple internal 1911 extractor. Makes me think that could be like many things where simple is better.

Thanks. Now I have reason for my anti-external on 1911's bias.

[getsome]

I believe that John Browning's original design for the .45 auto pistol was somewhat different than the finished product we have today due to Military contract demands.... Browning favored the external extractor because it was stronger and more reliable but the Government wanted the internal because it was cheaper and could be replaced in the field fairly easily but the external could not it it malfunctioned....

Browning's original pistol design didn't have the grip safety which was also a Military requirement....I may be wrong but I think the slide safety was also a contract requirement...I don't believe Browning ever thought about carrying the pistol cocked and locked as we do today as the sidearm was only to be used in the event that a soldiers rifle failed or ran dry...The Military then and today require that a soldiers sidearm be carried with an empty chamber at all times until the pistol was brought into action....

I like the external design simply because it is stronger and while I agree that a 1911 pistol looks a little funny with an external extractor we have the Army to thank for that so if you really get right down to it the external design is the way the pistol should look because the genius John Moses thought that's what was best but the Government bean counters made the final decision....

Which one is better? Who knows, they both work fine and do what they are designed to do....

[TheTman]

I have one of those Kimbers with the external extractor. It hasn't been a problem, but then again I don't shoot it so often as I do my CC pistols.

[yqtszhj]

Thanks. Now I have reason for my anti-external on 1911's bias.

Anytime I can help just let me know.