"Ok.this is a rather simple process,you can do it without special gadgets since
it is not a precision job.Take a small hardware bag and fill it with enough of
those Rainiers to the weight you're looking for.If you can double check with a
postage scale even better.Now loosely tie a thin strong thread around a spent cartridge extraction groove and attach it to the bag.
Insert the cartridge into the extractor claw and slowly lift the slide.
If you have never adjusted an extractor I can give you some tips just say so. "
I would think one that comes to an internet forum, brags about not owning any tools but knows all about tuning 1911 extractors and using a makeshift device to check the tension would at least know how many bullets it took to check that 27 ounces of tension they suggested.
Instead he tells the person he's giving his vast knowledge to, to do the math and figure out how many bullets it takes swinging in a plastic bag, suspended by a piece of string from the cartridge brass, held in place by the extractor.
The internet can be amusing.
Well, I'm pretty humble but though relatively intuitive I have questions about these instructions. First, "the weight your looking for" would be...what? Now with my string tied loosly around the case extractor groove and tied to the bag, I'm to "lift" the slide".
Lift in what direction. Is the thing disassembled at this time?
I'm imagining the assembled gun with this bag of weights tied to the extractor itself to see if it would bend at that weight. Not right? Then stick in the case, into the groove against the bolt, string attached, turn the gun on its side and lift to see if it releases the case? Am I getting close?
To answer your question on how many 230 gr bullets it takes to weigh the 27 ounces of recommended tension that some suggest, it's 56.347826.
Now the method I use ( I do buy tools) is a trigger pull gauge and the extractor gauge set that Jack Weigand (a very talented pistolsmith) invented.
The set contains two small brass plates, with a hole in each end of each plate to attach the trigger pull gauge, each plate end is caliber specific.
The four calibers that can be checked with the set are, 9mm,38 super, 10mm and 45.
The gauge set comes with good instructions on how to use, using them you can get a good accurate reading on the amount of tension your extractor is set at, if your extractor is tuned correctly.
Now I sure do not claim to know all there is to know about the 1911 pistol, however after building or working on many 1911's since 1969 (many of which had very small ejection windows) I have learned a thing or two about tuning extractors.
You may purchase a new extractor, stick it in the gun and it may run fine, but it also may not.
If you are going to spend the money on a new extractor I highly recommend a good 4330 or 4340 extractor over the stock Colt item.
I've seen Colt extractors that would not hold tension for more then 500 rounds.
Again I suggest you check on have your gun checked for extractor clocking before buying a new extractor, it may save you some money.
Best Regards
Bob Hunter
www.huntercustoms.com