Does changing the extractor on a Remington 700 change the headspace ?

Considering replacing the Remington factory extractor with a Sako extractor.

Have already had several switch barrels headspaced on this action.

Hammer

Hammer

Simply installing a Sako type extractor will not change the headspace if no changes are made to the face of the bolt or the locking lugs. One thing that has to be done is to machine away the groove that the Rem extractor rides in and then install a bushing in its place. Most gunsmiths will then true up the face of the bolt along with the locking lugs which WILL change the headspace. But, it's not absolutely necessary to do these things. If you're having the work done by someone else make absolutely sure he understands, otherwise every one of your barrels will have to be refitted.

Are you having trouble with the Reminton extractor? If you are not having any trouble just leave it alone, there is nothing to be "gained" by converting to the Sako type. In the last 15 years of repairing I find that most of the 700 extractor I replace were ruined by firing loads that were too hot. I replace more from 17 rems that any other caliber, and every single 17 I have replaced has some bolt face erosion for blown primers.


www.duanesguns.com

Hammer, There is absolutely no valid reason to change to a sako extractor unless you have fired an overload and damaged your remington extractor. If it works, don't fix it. If you have damaged it, then by all means go to a sako extractor. Jim

Hammer, I've had a couple of acquaintances who replaced Rem. extractors with Sako types, and had MORE extractor trouble after the change than before.