Savage extractor ball

[M-61]

Is there a better way of re-installing that retaining ball on Savage extractors? I will loose 2 or 3 until I get one in without it flying into outer space.
Of course my finger dexterity is not what it used to be but this drives me nuts.
If you have a go/no go gauge with a notch cut into it and you line the extractor up with the notch do you safely eliminate the need to remove the extractor to set the head space?
Is there a problem if you slip the rim of the gauge UNDER the extractor and carefully push the bolt forward until the gauge enters the chamber?
I just have so much trouble with that ball I am trying to avoid removing the extractor.
Thanks

 

[waterfwlr]

Yes, do it inside a zip lock bag.

 

[savagedasher]

Yes, do it inside a zip lock bag.

Works every time ;D Larry

 

[M-61]

Thanks for the tip....at least it's not just me....and you guys have a solution.

Anything on the gauge under the extractor? Or that notch on the gauge?

 

[ShaneG.]

I've got a couple headspace gauges that have had the rim of it turned down to clear the extractor and ejector. They work fine.

 

[M-61]

Thanks Shane....I will do that, then I can stop ordering these balls by the dozen!

 

[X Ring Accuracy]

Thanks Shane....I will do that, then I can stop ordering these balls by the dozen!

Sorry but that is a hoot. The baggie works but once you get the hang of it (that means loosing many) its simple. Trust me, I ordered many for the unfindable ones. Good stuff and happy shooting.

 

[SBS]

If you don't want to turn the gage down: 1. Put the bolt in an upright position in a vise with padded jaws. 2. Install the ejector spring with a dab of gun grease on the top of the spring. 3. Set the ball on the spring -- the dab of grease will keep it from rolling off. 4. Use a pin punch (I forget the diameter) that will just fit in the width of the ejector slot and push the ball down with one hand while sliding in the ejector with the right hand. I don't lose anymore of them with this method. I considered turning down the headspace gage, but wanted to retain the rim for easy extraction when fitting the barrel.

 

[M-61]

If you don't want to turn the gage down: 1. Put the bolt in an upright position in a vise with padded jaws. 2. Install the ejector spring with a dab of gun grease on the top of the spring. 3. Set the ball on the spring -- the dab of grease will keep it from rolling off. 4. Use a pin punch (I forget the diameter) that will just fit in the width of the ejector slot and push the ball down with one hand while sliding in the ejector with the right hand. I don't lose anymore of them with this method. I considered turning down the headspace gage, but wanted to retain the rim for easy extraction when fitting the barrel.

Did it that way tonight successfully. 2X none lost. A FIRST!! The grease was the real big help.
I sort of lost what you meant in your last sentence.

 

[SBS]

If you turn down the rim to clear the ejector, the extractor will not grab the gage to remove it from the action when you are trying the fit. More of a pain when using for non-Savage barrel nut type actions where you are making a few trial fits in the process of setting a tight headspace.

 

[M-61]

If you turn down the rim to clear the ejector, the extractor will not grab the gage to remove it from the action when you are trying the fit. More of a pain when using for non-Savage barrel nut type actions where you are making a few trial fits in the process of setting a tight headspace.

Understood.

 

[OIF/OEF]

big clear tub with arm holes like a science lab