ejectors to extractors....

[B. Dudley]

For this there is no real EASY fix for converting ejectors to extractors except for removing all of the operational guts in the ejector forend.
Not all parts would need to be removed, but many of them would. The mainsprings of course, but also, the hammers and sears should be removed as to avoid loose parts getting in the way of operation.

You are correct in saying that converting to extractors will just result in the shells not being pulled out all the way compared to a factory equipt extractor gun. This is because the basic extractor function is controled by the extension on the hing pin on both ejector and extractor type guns. And the extension is not as tall on ejector guns. Obviously you do not want to change out the hinge pin and you would not need to in order to retain extractor function.

I see why one might not want ejectors since you may not like shells popping out or having to try and catch them. And picking them up from the ground can be a pain if one wants not to litter. And maybe you really like shooting YOUR gun and do not want to buy another one.

Now... instead of removing parts and chance loosing them forever, and also loosing the ejector operation of your gun. What I might suggest is just installing an extractor forend. The only modification required would be to clearance out a couple of slots for the plunger pins to fit into when the gun is cocked. This way you can use the gun as an extractor, but if you want to have the ejectors, all you have to do is pop on the original forend. This option would be a bit more costly then just removing parts, but... it may be the better one.

Just a note on the plunger pins in the frame. These can be removed and swapped for extractor style plungers. Thus eliminating the need to alter a standard forend iron, but... you would end up partially loosing PROPER ejector function by doing this if you ever wanted to switch back.

This kind of briefly explains this. If you want to talk more about it, PM me and we can get on the phone about it.

[Robt. Harris]

'Thanks much' for the cogent post, Brian. Everything you said makes perfect sense. I may ultimately just get the cocking foot Tig'd up and reshaped to return the ejector function, but I hate the shipping aspect on a hard-to-find gun (this particular one is a 'DHE' No.1 frame, two barrel set, 16 & 20 gauge, both at 32" length). From your description, I've the skills to disassemble the ejector and convert to extractor function, yet you make a good point about these parts eventually getting separated from the gun once it's out of my care. Will give it further thought.....

At any rate, I very much appreciate you taking the time to respond.

rob