Extractor replacement on 788 Remington .222

[wmitty]

Managed to damage the existing extractor on my 788 and I intend to attempt replacing it with one from Brownells. Am I correct in that the existing rivet is driven out of the bolt body and the old extractor removed with a precision screwdriver; etc. The new extractor is set in position and rivet placed in the extractor and rivet head supported while projecting end of the rivet is expanded against the bolt body?

[John Taylor]

That's the way it's done. You will need an "anvil" to go inside the bolt so the rivet can be peened over. Or you could install a Sako extractor or a PTG extractor. Both require machine work.

[wmitty]

John Taylor Thanks for your reply! I'll attempt this one, but I'll be sending you another 788 bolt with a broken bolt handle. Made the mistake of purchasing a barreled receiver in .22-250 and using my existing bolt from my 1969 rifle in it. Headspace was slightly shorter and I managed to remove the bolt handle in my effort to chamber the round. I'll not mention the extractor replacement required on the 788 in .30-30; well, I guess I already have. 788's are delicate rifles compared to Mausers.