Inglis High Power malfunction - part two

I had some time today so I decided to detail strip, clean, inspect, and lubricate this piece. I found instructions on the web, which mostly addressed the more modern versions with roll pins. Mine is an Inglis no. 2 MK I*. The differences are minor enough that I was able to proceed. Here are my results:

1. There is no visible wear internally. This reinforces my suspicion that the malfunction is not from wear.
2. While there was some minor dirt, the piece was quite clean and definitely lubricated. My conclusion is that sticking from a crud buildup is a very remote possibility.
3. My reference states that in the older models the extractor comes out like on an M1911. What I found was that it would slip back a ~4mm, and then could be turned to release the sear pivot-plate. Removal of the sear pivot-plate allowed the removal of the sear lever. Trying as hard as I could I could not get the extractor to slip out, even with the sear pivot-plate removed. It appears to catch on something. This is not critical, but I would like to know: what is the secret to getting the extractor the rest of the way out?
4. I will be taking the pistol to the range this week, but in the probable event that the malfunction re-occurs, what is a recommended source for sear springs? I will probably order a complete set and replace them all. After 60+ years it seems like a good idea.

There may be more than a few decades of accumulated crud in the extractor channel binding it and keeping it from coming out for you.

Try spraying a bit of spray solvent in there. Let it sit on the slide's muzzle end for a few minutes and then have a go at it.

I used to find that by gripping the rear end of the extractor with a pair of pliers (or better, pincers across the flat) and twist it as you draw it to the rear will drag it out. Once you've got the back plate off, there's nothing holding it in.

In theory - and correct me if I'm wrong here - but surely, you cannot/should not be able to remove the plate that hoolds the tripping lever axis pin while the extractor is still in place. Because the extractor shaft holds it in place by passing through the half round recess of the second pin.......... Or am I missing something. It's been a few days now since I stripped one down

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Peter Laidler

but surely, you cannot/should not be able to remove the plate that hoolds the tripping lever axis pin while the

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Thanks for the advice. I couldn't figure out how the extractor would come out other than sliding. As far as getting the trippint lever axis pin plate out, because the extractor would not come out I fiddled for quite awhile. If you move the extractor towards the rear of the slide about 4 mm, then rotate 90 degrees clockwise, one of the flats lines up so the plate will come out. Your recollection about the half round recess in the large pin is right on.

When I get a chance I will soak, try again, and report back.

Success!

After considering all the comments, and I heartily thank all posters. I decided that I just had to take the bull by the tail and face the situation squarely. I resolved to apply enough force to remove the extractor, even if that meant I would have to find another.

I removed the firing pin retainer, and used a long punch from the front end to drive the extractor out. After about 5, increasingly vigorous taps, it came out.

It turns out that the hole right in front of the firing pin retainer was just small enough to bind the wide round area on the extractor just before where the flat spring area starts. No gunk, just shiny areas where the Parkerize had been removed. I polished the area with 600 SiC wet or dry paper until it slipped in and out properly.

It is my guess, that the extractor had not been removed since the original assembly of the pistol. The worker at John Inglis Co. must have used force to assemble the slide, so he/she would not be late for a hot date.

So have you had a chance to try it out. Is it still dropping to the half-cock?

tbhupe

The machining in the extractor hole is such that the extractor catches. Just enough though that turning it like Peter suggests will remove it. If it's dropping to half cock, try bending the flat spring (sear spring) towars the sear and it may increase the tension. If you have removed the mag safety, that will sometimes have an effect on the half cock thing. I've seen more than one hammer follow the slide to half cock, and when re-installed, the problem was gone.