extractor or ejector

[scratchmark]

why does the ejector seem to be prefered? is it strength? i dont like to hunt for my brass so ive always thought the extractor would be better.

[petemi]

I too don't like fielding brass.  Also, I have had cases that failed to eject.  That's why all my Handis are extractors.  Guys like Sourdough who hunt critters that can kill you prefer ejectors for good reason.  I don't have that problem.

Pete

[bikerbeans]

SM,
 
Ejector allows for a quicker follow up shot, assuming you don't have a Fail to Eject (FTE).  I believe H&R replaced the ejectors on their CF Rifle barrels with extractors because of the FTE problem.   If you like to load "hot" or don't like to clean chambers, then an extractor is the way to go.
 
BB

[quickdtoo]

Here's a couple recent discussions on the same topic.

Tim

http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,241581.msg1099382262.html#msg1099382262

http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,259831.msg1099537601.html#msg1099537601

[cwlongshot]

Its actually pretty well split.

I prefer extractors always have. But ejectors have there place.

I like them on my SS rimfires as well as my SS shotguns but extractors on my SxS's.

CW

[rdlange]

I don't like crawling around looking for ejected casings.  I don't like breaking nails prying out minimally extracted cases.
 
I have both and there are fixes for either problem.  One day I'll get a round tuit... 
 
Was The 45LC Buff Carbine always extractor?
 
Older ejector guns seem to be cheaper around here... just fyi.
 
 

[quickdtoo]

The 45 Colt BC Carbine was made in 2007-2008, long after H&R switched to extractors on centerfire rifles, they started switching in 2004, by 2007 all CF rifles were extractors with the exception of some old stock accessory barrels.

Tim

[44 Man]

This is a 'no win' discusion, with no clear winner.  What I would like is a switch that I could use to change a gun from ejector to extractor and back.  When I'm testing loads at the bench I would prefer an extractor.  When hunting, give me an ejector barrel.  Wish it were that simple.  I guess I'll just have to buy two barrels in each caliber; one with each!  I wish!    44 Man

[Airsporter]

All my Handi's barrels are ejectors and I would not have it any other way.  That said, I have the where-with-all to do the conversion.

[Jimbow4570]

We should have the choice.
My guns are for hunting, If I wanted a target rifle, I would buy one. I WANT EJECTORS....Hell, I can put my hand over to catch the casings, but when I hunt, I like...Open, click..ping....reload...close...cock...and ready. Never having to look at the chamber.
And if you have to ask "then why don't you get a bolt gun"...then you don't belong on this part of GBO....JMHO. 

[kennyd]

Unless tey come up with an ejector that will extract a stuck case this will never go away.  I wish my .308 would pull the brass further out (extractor).  I had a .25-06 fail to eject, so had to use my brothers .243 for a follow up on antelope last time out; the rest of the time the 25-06 ejected every case.  I do catch the brass at the range.  Given the season (hunting) I will not change anything, but the Quickdtoo modification for both may be the way to go when things slow down.


I have a double 12 ga. that extracts, I could hold two shells, extract the sent hulls and insert the new ones just like the Africa stories say. Also a Savage24 30=30 and 20 ga. extracts, but it is a rim that comes further out so never bothered me.

[Spanky]

Extractors work every time... ejectors don't plain and simple. As far as Sourdough only using ejectors for quick follow up's it's probably gonna get him killed someday. IMO it's foolish to bet your life on something that's bound to fail sooner or later.
 
 
 
Spanky

[OldSchoolRanger]

Spanky,

I believe Sourdough mentioned that the main reason he prefers ejectors, is that it's much easier to reload with gloves on.  As far as the self preservation angle, IMHO, I do believe SD carries a back up gun (handgun or rifle).

[Sourdough]

I will only have ejectors.  all my handi's have ejectors.  Only had two guns fail to eject, sent the first one back and they fixed it.  The second one is on it's way back there now.  Both guns failed when I got them.  As for hunting brass, simple I just put my hand behind the scope when I push the button and  catch the brass as it hits my gloved hand.  That way I don't have to hunt brass.  When I am hunting, reclaiming brass is not my concern.  I get once fired 30-06, 45-70, and .223 brass almost every time I go to the range.  Few of the young GIs reload, so I pick up their brass.  I pick up a lot of other calibers too, just those are the most populer.  So if I lose a few pices of brass it's not a big deal.  The only brass I buy is Weatherby and 25-06.  I reload for long range with those two, so I am real picky about my brass.  Plus few people shoots a Weatherby, and everyone that does keeps their brass to either reload themselves or have someone else do it for them.  Weatherby .338/378 is now around $130.00 a box of 20.   

I own TCRs, Contenders, and an Encore.  Two different Rossi's, and a Springfield Trap Door 45-70.  These guns seldom if ever go hunting, takes too long to reload.  While I have only needed a second shot two times, on a single animal.  I want to be ready just in case one is needed.  I would much rather shoot the animal I'm hunting with the rifle than the handgun I carry.  I carry a 460 S&W.  Ouch.

During the winter when we locate a pack of Wolves, if we can entice them in close I use a mini-14.  If not and I have to make longer shots I use a Handi.  I still want to be able to reload as rapidly as possiable, and Extractors just don't cut it.

[jeepmann1948]

I like the ejectors myself. Since I found the problem and fixed it I prefer them to extractors.
 Ejector problems are usually caused by the barrel being loose in the frame while the action is open(Side to Side). H&R -NEF uses a roll pin to trip the latch in the ejector.This roll pin is not long enough to catch the top of the side rail every time.A simple fix is to use a longer roll pin, one that is custom fit (ie, ground to length) to be just short enough to fit between the slots in the receiver, as to allow the barrel to be installed in the receiver.
 I have done this modification to about 40 Handi's with complete success on  both rifles and shotguns.

[scratchmark]

strangly, the only ones ive had trouble with have been extractors. They cost me atleast two deer last year for failing to extract.i shot one deer and when i opened it , nothing moved. while trying to get to work, another deer stepped out and just stood there broadside. this happened two different times.these were handloads that are full length sized.
also, i do have boltguns, they ARE all for hunting first, i just prefer my handis, i enjoy working on my handis therefore i belong here with everyone else.

[cwlongshot]

strangly, the only ones ive had trouble with have been extractors. They cost me atleast two deer last year for failing to extract.i shot one deer and when i opened it , nothing moved. while trying to get to work, another deer stepped out and just stood there broadside. this happened two different times.these were handloads that are full length sized.
also, i do have boltguns, they ARE all for hunting first, i just prefer my handis, i enjoy working on my handis therefore i belong here with everyone else.

Scratch mark, Just a observation... These barrels must have been ejector conversions as the current extractors are mechanical and WILL push the case out of the chamber OR tear off a piece of the rim...  On older ejector barrels that are converted, they lack this mechanical advantage.
One option (Depending on how far previous owner went for his conversion) is to buy new parts to convert back to ejector.

CW

[scratchmark]

good info, thanks CW

[knight0334]

In my centerfire rifles I prefer extractors.  I rarely need a follow up shot, and if I do I always have a handgun on me.

In rimfires - ejectors all the way, no need to collect brass for reloading.  With single shot shotguns - ejectors, sometimes it takes a quick second shot to get a dove, grouse, or tree rat.   I prefer my double barrels to be extractor though, I already have a second chamber ready should I miss.  And if I miss with with a second barrel, the critter was meant to live and I was meant to learn to shoot better.