I have a Savage MK II that developed an FTE problem after about 1200 rounds. After a through cleaning the rifle will extract without fail for about 100 rounds and the random FTEs begin again. The frequency of the FTEs is approximately one every 7 – 10 rounds. The extractor has a positive angle and when testing with the bolt out of the rifle has a firm grip on the case. I replaced the extractor, guide and the spring with new factory parts. 100 rounds later the problem returned. The chamber has been polished so that when clean, a live round will fall in and out freely.
This rifle is a 22 LR so hand loads are not an issue. We are using CCI 40 gr lead subsonic ammunition. We have not tried other ammunition (mainly because we have several thousand rounds of this ammo). We are planning to try plated bullets to see what if any effect they may have on the FTE issue. The chamber does not appear to be oversized. Loaded ammunition has no play in the chamber. When it fails to extract the empty case is fully in the chamber so the extractor is apparently riding over the case causing the failure. Operating the bolt a second and sometimes third time extracts the empty case. I haven’t tried cleaning the rifle every 50 rounds, that might stop the FTEs, but there is a problem if cleaning is required every 50 rounds.
The extractor is definitely not installed backwards. The hook is visible.
I have tried bending the spring to increase the tension, that seemed to have no effect. The surface area of the hook that contacts the case is very small (almost like a knife point). Now that I have a new factory extractor, I am planning to experiment with the extractor hook on the old extractor (minor reshaping to obtain more hook surface area) to see what effect it will have on the FTE issue. When comparing the old and new extractors, there is no significant difference.
A search of the internet indicates this is not an unusual problem for this rifle. I am also seeing a fair number of Ruger Americans that are of similar design having similar problems.
Fit the extractor….this is a common problem with these guns. Make the extractor really sharp. Tension that wonderful 🙄 extractor spring as needed. Also make sure the extractor hook is far enough forward to fit completely over the rim of the chambered round. Make sure the extractor slot in the barrel will allow the extractor to get in front of the case rim. Ken
Follow-up question
Thanks for the reply. The extractor seems to be fit properly. I believe the last point you made is the real issue. There is more meat between the chamber and the extractor slot that I normally see. The rim of the case just barely overlaps the extractor slot in the breach face. When the rifle gets dirty the buildup in the slot prevents the extractor from engaging the rim firmly enough to extract and the extractor overrides the case rim. I have modified the angle on the end of the extractor, as much as I am comfortable with, to move the extractor contact with the breach slot as near to the hook point as possible. We are testing the rifle now to determine the effectiveness of that modification. We are up to 120 rounds w/o a malfunction. In case that modification doesn’t fix the FTEs ( I will be surprised if it does), how do you recommend moving the slot slightly closer to the chamber without removing the barrel?
Answer
I don’t recommend you move the slot closer to the chamber without removing the barrel. Ken
