Getting the correct 1911 extractor?

[Ryanxia]

1911's aren't my specialty but I have a family member's Colt Combat Commander in .45ACP that appears to have a broken extractor that I'm going to order a new one for.
I want to make sure I select the correct extractor, does the Combat Commander fall under either the 70 or 80 series or does it have its own specific extractor? It's definitely a 30+ year old version. He dropped it off with me saying it wasn't cycling correctly and on first quick inspection it appears the claw on the extractor is ground down/snapped off.

I'll likely remove the existing to examine/compare but didn't think to do that yet, thought it would be easy enough to look up the part and order. Any insight is appreciated. Thanks.

(Also, I did check the 1911 sticky thread before posting haha).

 

[Steve in Allentown]

Remove the slide from the frame so you can see the underside of the slide. The difference between a Series 70 and a Series 80 slide is the presence of the plunger in a Series 80.

​

Below is a Series 80 frame. It has a lever that engages the plunger in the slide. A Series 70 frame does not have this lever.




If you have a Series 70 style frame, replace that extractor with an EGW GI extractor.

It is not a drop-in part. It will have to be correctly fit. Here's a tutorial on what is involved with correctly fitting an extractor: https://www.1911forum.com/threads/steve-in-allentown-extractor-fitting.829865/

You should fit an oversized firing pin stop at the same time to insure the new extractor doesn't clock and is securely held in the slide.

You may want to consider engaging the services of a real 1911 'smith to fit the new extractor.

Last year I did a full restoration of a WWII USGI 1911 and used the above parts. They are excellent parts and the results were perfect.

 

[Steve in Allentown]

. . . does the Combat Commander . . . have its own specific extractor?

All Series 70 .45 1911s use the same extractor regardless of the pistol model. Also, all Series 80 .45 1911s use the same extractor regardless of the pistol model.

To make it even more interesting all Series 70 .45 1911s can use Series 80 extractors. But no Series 80 .45 1911s can use Series 70 .45 extractors.

 

[Ryanxia]

Remove the slide from the frame so you can see the underside of the slide. The difference between a Series 70 and a Series 80 slide is the presence of the plunger in a Series 80.

Thanks so much Steve. I'll certainly read through the link you posted and determine if it's something I want to do myself or not. Your reply was very clear information, it's much appreciated.

 

[Rule3]

Remove the slide from the frame so you can see the underside of the slide. The difference between a Series 70 and a Series 80 slide is the presence of the plunger in a Series 80.

View attachment 1085245​

Below is a Series 80 frame. It has a lever that engages the plunger in the slide. A Series 70 frame does not have this lever.

View attachment 1085246


If you have a Series 70 style frame, replace that extractor with an EGW GI extractor.

It is not a drop-in part. It will have to be correctly fit. Here's tutorial on what is involved with correctly fitting an extractor: https://www.1911forum.com/threads/steve-in-allentown-extractor-fitting.829865/

You should fit an oversized firing pin stop at the same time to insure the new extractor doesn't clock and is securely held in the slide.

You may want to consider engaging the services of a real 1911 'smith to fit the new extractor.

Last year I did a full restoration of a WWII USGI 1911 and used the above parts. They are excellent parts and the results were perfect.

One of the best posts, replies, informative post I can recall reading on any forum, Plus the link!
Excellent!