The L.C. Smith Collectors Association

The L.C. Smith Collectors Association
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Ejector to extractor conversion

Posted by Zachary Hopkins on July 28, 2020, 7:43 pm

I have a 2e 16ga that I am piecing together to bring back to life. I have searched for ejector forearms but to be honest not a fan of ejectors or the cost of the parts I need. What all is involved in converting ejector to extractor? The barrels are missing the individual ejectors and completely stripped. Barrels are damascus and are also needing to be stripped and relayed. I will be doing all the work. Labor of love or insanity. Zachary

Re: Ejector to extractor conversion

Posted by Tom Archer on July 29, 2020, 9:04 am, in reply to "Ejector to extractor conversion "

The 16-bore was introduced by Hunter in 1896; and as you didn't give enough information, anything we suggest would be guesswork at this point. A pre-13 Grade 2E Smith 16-bore could have been built around a regular, as opposed to featherweight frame; and could have been fitted with Type I auto-ejectors as opposed to the later Type II mechanism. But based on my own and very limited "shade tree level" gunsmithing experience, I would think that doing so would not be very difficult; at least with a gun on an FW frame. In my instance, I converted my FW ejector gun to non-ejector using an orphaned set of extractor barrels and fore end.
The barrels simply dropped into place with no adjustments whatsoever, bolting tight to the breech face and with the opening lever correctly resting right of center. With a Smith Type II ejector gun the auto-ejector mechanism is housed entirely within the fore arm, so no frame modifications would be required. Assuming the existing ejector iron can't be modified to hold the piece that raises the manual extractor rod, you will need to find the appropriate R or FW extractor iron; and obviously find and fit an extractor rod/lifter unit in the existing barrels. A 12-bore iron can be filed down to correctly fit the contour of your frame if needed; and any grade iron could be used but would need to be engraved to be appropriate if not a Grade 2. Also to look appropriate, a Grade 2 manual extractor fore arm wood would need to be fitted with the round dogs head insert, ebony fore end tip inlay, and checkered to Grade 2 standard. As to fitting the replacement iron to the barrels, the replacement fore iron may simply snap into place; but most don't, and mine didn't either but was a simple fix. The problem is usually with the "J" spring being just a tad too long, as was true in my case; so I slowly and carefully filled and tested until my iron fit correctly. Again, I'm not a gunsmith but hope this helps some.

Re: Ejector to extractor conversion

Posted by Zachary Hopkins on July 29, 2020, 12:07 pm, in reply to "Re: Ejector to extractor conversion "

Thanks for the info. It's a regular frame pre 1913. I dont have any forend and the ejector setup is completely gone from the barrels so I am unsure of type. I was wondering if I could just fit an extractor forearm and fit an extractor from a 16 gauge in the barrels?

Re: Ejector to extractor conversion

Posted by Tom Archer on July 29, 2020, 12:50 pm, in reply to "Re: Ejector to extractor conversion "

Probably, and such was my implication; but you haven't given a serial number or manufacturer date. Later vintage fore irons are fairly standard in size except for the width of the base at the knuckle. Your 16-bore, with it's R sized frame, is likely an early example and there may be some differences? I suggest you call gunsmith Buck Hamlin (636/479-4304) and direct your questions to him. Use my name; Buck's a great guy, and this is most likely something he's already done.

Re: Ejector to extractor conversion

Posted by Dan Wildhaber on July 29, 2020, 1:37 pm, in reply to "Re: Ejector to extractor conversion "

Zachary
If you look at the cocking rods where they protrude from the receiver you can tell if it was 1st style or the later style. If it's the 1st style the ends of the rods will be distinctly flat on top and need to be changed out. If the ends of the rods are cylindrical it was later style and you're good to go.

Re: Ejector to extractor conversion

Posted by Ken Descovich on July 29, 2020, 3:37 pm, in reply to "Re: Ejector to extractor conversion "

If the gun serial number is 4 digit it is most likely the first style ejectors.

Re: Ejector to extractor conversion

Posted by Zachary Hopkins on July 29, 2020, 4:18 pm, in reply to "Re: Ejector to extractor conversion "

Serial number is 1930. I will take a closer look at the cocking rods when I get home. Thanks for the help!

Re: Ejector to extractor conversion

Posted by Zachary Hopkins on July 31, 2020, 3:14 pm, in reply to "Re: Ejector to extractor conversion "

Thanks Mr. Archer for the suggestion. Talked with Buck last night and a world of knowledge. Set me straight on what I needed to do.

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