Extractor removal

Hi,
I wouldn't take it to a gunsmith, but I suppose it depends on your comfort level with working on your guns. The extractor is fairly easy to remove, and cleaning the 5+ year old grease out of there will probably solve your ejection issues. If you decide to do it yourself, here's how:

All you need is a small tool to push the spring loaded pin behind the extractor back into the slide. I use a small screwdriver, but any small tool should work. You won't damage anything provided you are careful not to scratch your slide. Just slip your tool in between the extractor and the spring loaded pin, and push the pin all the way back into the slide (if pushed far enough, the pin will go all the way into the slide, you may even have to push your tool slightly into the hole in the slide). When the pin is pushed all the way back, the extractor should just fall out with a wiggle, but if it is really dirty you may have to pull on it a little with your third hand ). Reassembly is the same in reverse. Put the spring and pin back in the hole, push in with your tool, and drop the extractor in. I know it sounds kinda complex, but once you do it the first time, it's really easy. I hope this helps you out, and you can take comfort in knowing that the Steyr is one of the easiest semi-auto pistols to work on that I can think of (except maybe a CZ52).

James

manonsteyr1,
Sorry, I guess I should have been more clear in my post. The spring loaded pin you should be pushing actually pushes against the rear of the extractor claw. In other words, you insert your tool (please hold Beavis and Butthead laughs till the end ) between the pin and the extractor. You can see this pin right behind the extractor, without taking the slide off the frame or anything like that. You should push this pin towards the rear of the gun. Note the extractor spring on a Steyr does not go all the way to the rear of the gun, like a Glock. You can not remove the extractor spring through the rear of the slide. Hopefully this helps you out a little. Once you do get it, you'll relize how easy it is. Don't worry, I was nervous the first time too. Just be careful not to scratch your slide, and you'll be fine. Let me know if you have any more problems.

James

Extractor R&R (in 30 seconds or less)

Manonsteyr, the plunger you were pushing on is the latch for the access cover on the rear of the slide.

Extractor R&R:
Note: Definitely do both the disassembly and reassembly in some sort of container; one slip at the wrong time can send the plunger and spring flying.

Disassembly:
a) Insert small, flat-bladed screwdriver between extractor plunger and extractor.

b) Twist screwdriver 90 degrees, thereby simultaneously compressing plunger past retention ledge on extractor stud and tipping extractor forwards. If the screwdriver you've chosen is on the small side you may have to pry a bit while it is turned the 90 degrees. The extractor should now be tipped forwards out of its normal position with the plunger caught on the major diameter of the extractor stud. You should be able to pull out the screwdriver without disturbing the extractor and plunger from that position.

c) Invert slide and push on the bottom of the ejector stud with the srewdriver through the access hole in the underside of the slide. This will send the extractor, plunger and spring flying, hopefully to be caught within the box or bag you're doing this in.

Reassembly:
a) Put the plunger in the spring.

b) Insert the spring and plunger into their hole with the small bevel on the plunger outwards. The large beveled surface, which pushes on the extractor, should be inwards.

c) Lastly, use the rear surface of the extractor's stud to compress the plunger & spring, when the extactor gets to the rear of its channel you press inwards on it and it snaps into its place. This does require a fair amount of finger pressure, and you may slip once or twice before you get the hang of it, so once again it's good to have a container surrounding the slide in case the plunger and spring take flight.

Do the job a few times and you'll find it to be quite easy. My second time through took less than a minute. The last couple of times have taken about 30 seconds.