Ballister-Molina 1911 45 Cal [11.25mm]
Lily, Kentucky – -(AmmoLand.com)- This 45 came in with a broken extractor. The gun belonged to the customers Grandfather.
The grand son would like to shoot it. Information had it made around 1925 and he already knew that Colt and Springfield parts do not work. Both of the commonly used parts houses did not have parts.
I took the gun apart and found the closest starting point. I ordered a Ed Brown 70 series extractor from Brownells. The tech there said it might not work, which I was well aware of.
When the extractor arrived it was indeed all wrong. This is where my Blacksmithing, Gunsmithing and Machining skill comes into play. I reforged the back end, I had to add a lot of mass to the body then rough reshaped it. I then fit the extractor body to the slide.
After I got the extractor to fit the slide to where I was satisfied, I started to work the position the hook until it held for the correct operation.
I final fit the back end and machined the cross locking recess for the firing pin retention plate. The locking recess had to be totally moved.
I then machined the rear of the extractor to allow the hammer to correctly drop and engage the firing pin.
Because I heard the gun hung up on steel casings, I polished the feed ramp and bore and hood.
Basic test firing was good, but the slide would not lock back after last round. Checking revealed the slide lock was working.
Magazine fit was checked and found sleeve case was ok but inside was questionable. Deeper examination showed improper function. I made a careful adjustment to follower and then tested and was satisfied.
Final assembly and test firing was good. Slide did lock back after last round.. I blued the extractor to closely match the rest of the steel.
A custom made extractor for a gun that there are not parts for, Happy Customer.
About Budd “Gun Doc” Gardstein:
Budd’s Gunsmith Shop is the only full service shop in Southeastern and Central Kentucky.
Budd is a gunsmith that works on all types of guns.
Budd’s Gun Smith Shop is an experienced restoration shop specializing in the repair of fire and flood damaged firearms.
Budd will take on many jobs others wont touch give him a call.
Got a gun repair question? Email Budd and see what he thinks.
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Budd’s Gunsmith Shop132 Bill Karr Rd.
Lily, Kentucky 40740
1 (606) 864-1170
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