Broken Shell Extractors

[135dB Paper Puncher Find all posts View Profile Close 135dB]

So, I recently purchased a broken shell extractor because I've heard on a few occasions that its a good tool to have for my soon to be complete AR. I feel silly asking this but I cannot find anywhere online that gives any kind of instruction for one. Its not something I need to know immediately but would like to know for the future. Thanks

[fdkay Forum Member Find all posts View Profile Close fdkay]

Lock the bolt to the rear. Drop the extractor into the chamber, let the boltgo forward. Pull charging handle all the way to the rear, it will extract the extractor and hopefully the remaining brass. If you are not in the middle of a firefight, clean your chamber thoroughly before resuming fire.

[Blackdog F4i Oh no, it's da Po-Po Find all posts View Profile Close Blackdog F4i]

Pretty much.

I have never had to use one, but I still keep one in my toolbox.

[asullivan Learn'in ma' boy, BBM Find all posts View Profile Close asullivan]

about the only time I've ever needed one is when the head seperated from the body cause I reloaded a cartridge too many times out of lazynes .Seen a few busted extractors tho......

[jwise Forum Member Find all posts View Profile Close jwise]

I had a broken shell in one of my AKs. I went ahead and picked up a broken shell extractor for my AR after that.

[asullivan Learn'in ma' boy, BBM Find all posts View Profile Close asullivan]

jwise,
was it a case head seperation? was it in 7.62 x 39 ?

[kraigwy Forum Member Find all posts View Profile Close kraigwy]

I've been shooting ARs and M1As for 30+ years in high power. I never needed one until I tried using once fired federal match brass. I've had the extractor since I was Weapons Sgt in a NG SF Company and never used it. Until this summer using the above mentioned brass. What happens is the neck it pulled off at the shoulder, leaving the neck and top have of the shoulder in the Chamber. I was lucky, I was at home shooting in my back yard range and not at a match. Its never happened to any other brass I've use so its not the gun. Anyway, it stays in my shooting stool now. Maybe I wont have to use it, but it dont take up much room.

I made mine from a M-60 Broken Shell extractor. I just use the spring part, (not the center shaft). When I get a stuck case, I push the extractor through the case in the chamber until the lips click outside the neck, then I take a cleaning rod (using a rod guide) from the muzzle and the case comes right out.

I've never needed one in an AR but that don't mean I'm not gonna put one in the stool just in case.

The time to learn to use it is now and not when you need it. If you can't figure out how, post a picture of your BSE and I'll see if I can give a bit of guidence.