Rem 700 Extractor

[Toolmaker TN]

I have a broken extractor in my 700. It's the riveted type, with a 222 bolt face. I've had to replace it once around 20 years ago. The supply seems to be drying up, so I'm looking at options. I'm looking at one of the M16 extractor conversions. Would have to modify the bolt, but that's not a problem. It would certainly solve the supply issue. In researching online, there seems to be a wide swing of opinions on doing any type of conversion, which one, etc.

Any thoughts, opinions, and experiences would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[Winger Ed.]

A buddy had the extractor break on his 700 Sendero.
After that, I had the one on my .30-06 700 replaced with a Sako style.
Brownell's sells them, but putting it in requires some precise machining.

If you're not a Master Machinist, I'd encourage sending the bolt out to have it installed.

[Larry Gibson]

The extractor on my 223 Rem M700V which I've had since '72, broke several months ago. I've had the rifle and have shot out the factory barrel, had it set back 2" and rechambered and shot it out again. Replaced it with a new Kreiger barrel and the extractor finally broke. I couldn't find a replacement extractor to save my life. Had a friend I shoot with, who is a very good machinist/gunsmith, do the M16 conversion of which he has done many. It works perfectly and last month I set the club 40 shot 300 yard F class record with that rifle [400 with 35 Xs]. Ed is correct; unless you're a master machinist who knows how the extracort works send it to someone who is and does.

[45DUDE]

My Hero.

[Toolmaker TN]

A buddy had the extractor break on his 700 Sendero.
After that, I had the one on my .30-06 700 replaced with a Sako style.
Brownell's sells them, but putting it in requires some precise machining.

If you're not a Master Machinist, I'd encourage sending the bolt out to have it installed.

I've seen several reviews on Sako extractor installs. I pulled out my custom L461 and had a look at the extractor. Interesting way of doing it and some nice machining, as I would expect from Sako. I might have to look at that one.

I agree that it's not a project someone should undertake without adequate knowledge or skill. Good advice for sure.

[M-Tecs]

222 Rivet styles extractors are currently available on eBay.

[Kestrel4k]

I had a Rem 722 M16 extractor install by LRI.
A rather expensive job, but absolutely top-notch workmanship; would certainly do it again.
I can post pics if anybody is interested.

[Toolmaker TN]

The extractor on my 223 Rem M700V which I've had since '72, broke several months ago. I've had the rifle and have shot out the factory barrel, had it set back 2" and rechambered and shot it out again. Replaced it with a new Kreiger barrel and the extractor finally broke. I couldn't find a replacement extractor to save my life. Had a friend I shoot with, who is a very good machinist/gunsmith, do the M16 conversion of which he has done many. It works perfectly and last month I set the club 40 shot 300 yard F class record with that rifle [400 with 35 Xs]. Ed is correct; unless you're a master machinist who knows how the extracort works send it to someone who is and does.

I've had this 700 since 1990. Those older 700's really will shoot, won't they? It's on it's third chambering. It was originally a 222, then was accurized in the mid to late 80"s in a tight-neck 222 magnum. I bought it from a guy in Nebraska who used it as his primary prairie dog rifle, so it had plenty of rounds down the barrel when I got it. The original (I think?) extractor broke around '97 or '98. Didn't have a problem finding one then, but I'm sure having a problem now.
When the barrel started going downhill, I cut the barrel back again and rechambered it in 223 Ackley. I'm thinking if the barrel goes again, it will be new barrel time.
The extractor broke about 6 months ago, and I've been trying to locate one since. I figure if a factory extractor will last another 25 years, I should be good to go. If I can find one. Hence the looking at options.
I've been looking at the M16 extractor seriously. Glad to hear yours works so well. If one of those breaks, I've probably got a dozen on hand here. Supply problem solved.
Excellent advice on the machine work. I couldn't agree more about having the right knowledge and skill, as well as having the right equipment and tooling, is mandatory for this kind of thing. There's at least 3 aspects of this modification just offhand that could lead to a serious debacle in trying to machine a bolt for an M16 extractor. I certainly wouldn't have let one of my machining students do this, for sure. Errors are too costly.

[Toolmaker TN]

222 Rivet styles extractors are currently available on eBay.

Thank you. I'm looking at them now. Might buy one just to get me back up and running. Just the thought of how long they will be available in the future though led me down this road.

[Toolmaker TN]

I had a Rem 722 M16 extractor install by LRI.
A rather expensive job, but absolutely top-notch workmanship; would certainly do it again.
I can post pics if anybody is interested.

Pics are always appreciated.
Wish I still had my 722. And my 788's, for that matter....

[Toolmaker TN]

I had a Rem 722 M16 extractor install by LRI.
A rather expensive job, but absolutely top-notch workmanship; would certainly do it again.
I can post pics if anybody is interested.

I just looked at the LRI website. Looks like they do nice work. By the pics of their installation technique, they have the same mill and probing system that I have. Very handy to have. Although I made a lot of parts over the years without all the fancy doodads, they sure make life easier.

[Winger Ed.]

The cuts for the Sako style look pretty straight forward.
However; if the bolt is miss cut, Remington won't sell ya a new one.
The want the barrel & receiver sent back to the factory so they can fit the new bolt.

[Larry Gibson]

222 Rivet styles extractors are currently available on eBay.

Wasn't there several months ago or I would have tried one. Oh well, the M16 Extractor is working very well.

[John Taylor]

I have install both Sako and M16 extractors, both work fine. The machine work is a bit tricky.Pacific tool and gauge has replacement extractors for the Remington 700 for under $20

[Toolmaker TN]

The cuts for the Sako style look pretty straight forward.
However; if the bolt is miss cut, Remington won't sell ya a new one.
The want the barrel & receiver sent back to the factory so they can fit the new bolt.

The cuts for the extractor are indeed straight forward.
My appreciation for the way Sako built everything impresses me every time I look at their work.
Yep one mistake would be costly as in new bolt time.

[Toolmaker TN]

I have install both Sako and M16 extractors, both work fine. The machine work is a bit tricky.Pacific tool and gauge has replacement extractors for the Remington 700 for under $20

I just looked at their website and the only replacement extractor I saw for a 222 bolt was one of the new style.
Mine is riveted. Unless I'm missing something, which is certainly possible.
It's my understanding that the new style snap-in won't work with the riveted bolt head cutout? I could be mistaken about that as well, but that's what I've been told.

[Kestrel4k]

I just looked at the LRI website. Looks like they do nice work. By the pics of their installation technique, they have the same mill and probing system that I have. Very handy to have. Although I made a lot of parts over the years without all the fancy doodads, they sure make life easier.
Here is the photo album I uploaded with closeup pics of the extractor, as well as the rifle platform.
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/e4yijyrmykrjwt8l6zykb/h?rlkey=71euvu1v5rsf03j08jlw582fl&dl=0
(if a popup window asks you about installing the dropbox software, you can just close out that popup and continue to viewing the pics)

A sample pic;
321691

A comparison of the M16 extractor vs. a Sako, indicates that the modification for the Sako is less than optimum. This M16 extractor is a monster.

[Winger Ed.]

The cuts for the extractor are indeed straight forward.
.

If I had the tools & skills, but not having done the cuts before--
I'd be inclined to duplicate a few bolt faces out of stock to practice on before doing the actual bolt.
The practice pieces wouldn't need the lugs, so round stock should work.

When faced with the expense of having a custom laminated stock checkered,
I bought the checkering tools, then practiced on a old broken one and a baseball bat.
After the practice on simple designs, the new stock came out pretty good.

[Toolmaker TN]

Here is the photo album I uploaded with closeup pics of the extractor, as well as the rifle platform.
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/e4yijyrmykrjwt8l6zykb/h?rlkey=71euvu1v5rsf03j08jlw582fl&dl=0
(if a popup window asks you about installing the dropbox software, you can just close out that popup and continue to viewing the pics)

A sample pic;
321691

A comparison of the M16 extractor vs. a Sako, indicates that the modification for the Sako is less than optimum. This M16 extractor is a monster.

Thanks for the pic. They've got it up tight to the lug like I figured it would have to be. Did they bush the bolt face as well?

[Toolmaker TN]

If I had the tools & skills, but not having done the cuts before--
I'd be inclined to duplicate a few bolt faces out of stock to practice on before doing the actual bolt.
The practice pieces wouldn't need the lugs, so round stock should work.

When faced with the expense of having a custom laminated stock checkered,
I bought the checkering tools, then practiced on a old broken one and a baseball bat.
After the practice on simple designs, the new stock came out pretty good.

That's a good idea. Having a set-up piece is pretty standard for any machining job. Saves a lot of grief with valuable parts. Not always possible, but if I can I always do. I turned a couple of blanks today while I was making some parts on the lathe. In a few days I'm going to set up the 4th axis on the CNC mill for a project, might just throw the blanks in when I'm finished and see about the cuts for an AR extractor.

Checkering a stock yourself is certainly an accomplishment. Wood has never been my thing honestly. I would get better at it if I did it more... maybe.
Metal is my thing. Have only been doing machining, tool & die, mold making, and tooling design for a little over 30 years. Still learning every day. Fortunately, I have access to a full R&D shop will all the cool toys, manual and CNC. Well, maybe not all. I'm looking at getting a water jet, wire EDM, and a couple of new 3D printers this coming year.

[Toolmaker TN]

My biggest concern with the conversion is some of the stories I've heard about extractors being blown out of the bolt causing injuries, especially the Sako type.
My first thought was what in the world were they loading in those things to blow out an extractor like that????
Upon further research, I noticed that the tales were of the extractor being blown out of the bolt raceway, and lodging in someone's forearm.
Looking at the action and bolt together, my reaction is: Huh? What? how would that even be possible??
I'm starting to think that this might be an internet tall tale that's been repeated over and over. I've never heard of the extractor being blown out of a Sako action, just the modified Remington bolts... Possible I guess, but seems unlikely.

[gc45]

So in the final analyisis, is the M-16 the better way to go? I have two 700 varmints, both are heavy barrels from 1991 era, the ones with the alum bedding blccks. Both rifles have shot terrific for years but also have lots of ammo through them shooting dogs and squirrels before switching to
sub caliber. Will LRI do my 700's as I'd like to freshen them up, new barrels as well then give to my Sons. how does one contact them?

[Kestrel4k]

Thanks for the pic. They've got it up tight to the lug like I figured it would have to be. Did they bush the bolt face as well?
They use induction heating to solder a threaded insert into the nose of the bolt - no heating of the bolt lugs.
The LRI system appears to be a very well thought out process indeed; feel free to PM me your email addy & I can send more of the pics if you'd like.
321723


My biggest concern with the conversion is some of the stories I've heard about extractors being blown out of the bolt causing injuries, especially the Sako type. [...]
The Sako design when installed in the 700 action, have documented instances of this; from what others have written (who know more than me :-/ ), the M16 extractor install is preferred for people who do have those concerns.

I've been so impressed with this LRI install in my old 722, that I'm now imagining a road trip to SD - bringing my 600's, 660's, and 700's for them to run while I'd be there. Perhaps when I'm retired and have more disposable income, lol. ;-)
321722

[Winger Ed.]

The AR style looks like the way to go.
Back when I did mine, they weren't available yet.
So far, I've fired mine about 5-600 times without a problem.
But if they were available, I'd have done the AR style.

The only bolt work I've done is putting different handles on a 03A3. I only did it then after research,
and getting the heat sink to put in one. At the time, you could buy new bolts in the paper wrapper at the local
gun show for $11.oo each and they head spaced right.
So I had a few to practice on, and never hacked around on the original.

[John Taylor]

The Sako is a little easer to machine for. The hardest part of doing the M16 stile is getting the pin hole in the right place. You can't just take a drill and go for it, it requires a sturdy setup and a small end mill. It's hard to imagine a Saco getting blown out without a ruptured case.

[PopcornSutton]

First, this thing about Sako blown back through the raceway to the shooter's face has been hammered to death. I agree with Mr. Taylor, you would have to blow the case apart to make it happen. But, how big was the barrel tenon to bolt gap? Under the circumstances a case blows and sends a Sako flying, do you really think that very small pin that holds a M16 extractor would keep it together? The cut in a bolt to install a M16 is huge compared to a Sako. I've never seen a "mini" M16 extractor, although I have heard of them.

Many of the finest benchrest actions sold use a Sako type extractor. This action was blown apart by a novice handloader, the action uses a Sako style extractor, the bolt and extractor was still intact.
321750

[Toolmaker TN]

First, this thing about Sako blown back through the raceway to the shooter's face has been hammered to death. I agree with Mr. Taylor, you would have to blow the case apart to make it happen. But, how big was the barrel tenon to bolt gap? Under the circumstances a case blows and sends a Sako flying, do you really think that very small pin that holds a M16 extractor would keep it together? The cut in a bolt to install a M16 is huge compared to a Sako. I've never seen a "mini" M16 extractor, although I have heard of them.

Many of the finest benchrest actions sold use a Sako type extractor. This action was blown apart by a novice handloader, the action uses a Sako style extractor, the bolt and extractor was still intact.
321750

That's pretty much what I figured, as I have never heard of a Sako doing this, only the 700 conversions. It would have to be a pretty substantial overload, I would think, and in such a case I'm pretty sure the extractor coming out of the bolt would be the least of your worries....
I've never seen an M-16 extractor come out, even in the event of a ruptured case or the pressure so high as to cause the primer to come out of a crimped-in military case (and yes, I have seen this happen on several occasions, but that's another story from a previous life). I've seen the extractor lip break off, and have seen the springs break. But I've never seen a broken pivot pin, and I've seen literally millions of rounds go downrange from M-16's, M-4's, and AR-15's. The thought of the kind of catastrophic failure that would cause a pivot pin to break makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up.... again I'm thinking that would be the least of your problems...

[Toolmaker TN]

The Sako is a little easer to machine for. The hardest part of doing the M16 stile is getting the pin hole in the right place. You can't just take a drill and go for it, it requires a sturdy setup and a small end mill. It's hard to imagine a Saco getting blown out without a ruptured case.

Indeed, I have an image of someone trying this with a drill press and a twist drill.... mainly because I've had apprentices try it on several occasions.... didn't end well...
Without a ridged mill setup and a small diameter end mill to cut a flat in the offset shaft radius to give the drill a flat square surface to start on, you're going to have a really bad day....

[Kestrel4k]

321898

[Toolmaker TN]

222 Rivet styles extractors are currently available on eBay.

I ordered one of these from Ebay. Should be here by the end of the week. Thanks for the heads-up!

[Toolmaker TN]

Thanks to a tip from M-Tecs, I ordered a factory extractor from Ebay. Should be here by the end of the week.
Problem solved.... for now.
I'm still thinking that these things aren't going to get any easier to find. The last one made it for 25 years before it gave up, but that's no guarantee this one will.
My plan now is to shoot the rifle this year, then finally retire this barrel. I think three chamberings should have given me my money's worth.
Over next winter I will do a complete overhaul: new barrel (maybe a Remage setup with multiple barrels?), re-lap the lugs (they were lapped, but lots of shooting has caused some wear), and bush the boltface and install an M-16 extractor. That would solve any supply issues in the future, there's untold thousands of those out there. Rifle already has had the threads trued and the recoil lug pinned previously.

Thanks to all of you who responded. Your experience and knowledge is what truly makes this site #1

[ebb]

Lossing a Sako into the raceway is a real thing. I had mine done to my 6.5-284 and several smiths would not take the liability of installing a Sako in a Remington action. I was told by the smiths that would not do the installation that Sako has a piece of metal that blocks the race way when the bolt is closed, and prevents the extractor from injuring the shooter. I had damaged my bolt so a factory extractor was not an option. If I had the option of using a factory extractor I would sure do it that way. The PGT extractor that is a Remington reproduction would be choice number 1, the M16 number 2, what I did number 3. I need to do some research and see if i can reproduce the piece that Sako uses to close off the raceway.

[Toolmaker TN]

Lossing a Sako into the raceway is a real thing. I had mine done to my 6.5-284 and several smiths would not take the liability of installing a Sako in a Remington action. I was told by the smiths that would not do the installation that Sako has a piece of metal that blocks the race way when the bolt is closed, and prevents the extractor from injuring the shooter. I had damaged my bolt so a factory extractor was not an option. If I had the option of using a factory extractor I would sure do it that way. The PGT extractor that is a Remington reproduction would be choice number 1, the M16 number 2, what I did number 3. I need to do some research and see if i can reproduce the piece that Sako uses to close off the raceway.

That would certainly explain why I had seen no reports of it happening in a factory Sako, just in the Remington conversions. I'll have to pull my L461 out and look at that.
I'm going to put the factory extractor I bought in this weekend, and we should be back to the races. When I rebarrel next winter, I'll install an M16 version I think.
The problem with the PETG extractor is it's the newer snap-in type. Mine's riveted. Unfortunately, they don't interchange.