Hi, PKAY,
I agree. I do not recommend removing the ejector/extractor from any S&W or Colt revolver unless necessary. There should be no cleaning or normal maintenance requiring removal.
If necessary to remove the extractor on a Colt, here is the procedure.
On the new Colts (J frame and newer Pythons) the setup is like the S&W, but without the center pin in the middle of the ejector rod. The rod screws off. Threads are right hand. Watch carefully the order of the parts as you take them out.
On the older Colts, the ratchet (extractor star) screws onto the ejector rod. You have to push the ejector back so the ratchet clears the cylinder, and then unscrew the ratchet from the back of the rod. There is a tool to do this, which has two padded prongs to fit into the cartridge cuts on the ratchet. What I did, though, was to lightly clamp the star into a plastic or copper jawed vise and then hand turn the cylinder. When you put things back together, you will have to stake the star onto the rod.
Jim
[This message has been edited by Jim Keenan (edited August 29, 2000).]