DIY heat treating

[USGI]

Not sure it would hold up on a Carbine extractor, but look at all the manufacturers now putting MIM (metal injection molding) parts in their guns. New pistols for $200 and they seem to work OK. - Bob

[jond41403]

Not sure it would hold up on a Carbine extractor, but look at all the manufacturers now putting MIM (metal injection molding) parts in their guns. New pistols for $200 and they seem to work OK. - Bob

Yes they say Glock extractors which are MIM, hold up just fine. I have a few spares but my Glock was made before they switched to MIM so I haven't had any experience yet shooting with them.

[DaveHH]

I've never read anything about this subject but I'd bet that the wear and tear on a semi-auto carbine and an M2 must be night and day.

It would be interesting to see how one of those MIM extractors done with some exotic modern steel would hold up with no heat treatment at all? I'd bet just common 4140 would do just fine. The MIM casting would be a perfect part as opposed to the junky looking Wartime part. It was a troublesome part from the very beginning. Looking closely at one of the surplus extractors made by some contractor during WW2 will disappoint you. They probably don't fit as well as a new MIM part would.

[USGI]

I had my RIA "Rock" apart a couple years ago. When I first got it, I thought some of the parts (MIM) looked like they were made out of plastic. When I got it apart I found out they weren't! - it's pretty neat for a relatively inexpensive gun. - Bob