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Thread: Extractor Spring Question

  1. #1
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    Extractor Spring Question

    How many coils do the various AR extractor springs have?
    I want to say that I remember reading a recent SWAT article by Mr. Pat Rogers, that stated the more desireable springs had "5" coils with the black rubber piece, and many of the lower grade springs had only "4" coils w/blue rubbber (extractor buffer I think it's called?). I could be remembering this wrong, so please correct me if I am incorrect here.
    SO, I went and counted the coils on the Crane O Ring kits I ordered a while back, and while they had the black rubber piece, they only had 4 coils to the springs.
    I had thought the Crane O Rings had the most desireable amount of coils.
    Is it true that there are springs with 5 coils?
    Thanks for clearing this issue up.

  2. #2
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    The rifle system has 4 coil springs and blue inserts and is want is normally installed with commercial AR's
    The Carbine system works best with a 5 coil spring and black insert in most cases.
    Crane O-rings dont have coils.

  3. #3
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    Thank you sir,
    Yes, and I stand corrected. I did not mean to imply that the rubber Crane O Ring itself had coils. I should not have assumed everyone knew that.
    Thank you for the correction.
    I am just kind of intrigued by the fact that my Crane O Ring upgrade kits had the FOUR coil springs, and not the FIVE.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Paul Cataldo View Post
    Thank you sir,
    Yes, and I stand corrected. I did not mean to imply that the rubber Crane O Ring itself had coils. I should not have assumed everyone knew that.
    Thank you for the correction.
    I am just kind of intrigued by the fact that my Crane O Ring upgrade kits had the FOUR coil springs, and not the FIVE.
    The upgrade kits arent made by Crane but simply put together by who ever is selling them.

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    I've read reports online where at least two users had problems with excessive extractor tension. My recollection was that they managed to stuff a 5 coil spring with black insert and Crane O-ring into their bolt which resulted in too much purchase on the case. There were problems feeding because the extractor couldn't slip over the rim or ejecting because the case was held in a vice-like grip. I don't remember where I read it unfortuneatly.

    I'd use either a four coil spring with black insert and O-ring, or a five coil spring, black insert without O-ring. I currently use the former and haven't personally run the latter.

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    Quote Originally Posted by JimmyB62 View Post
    I've read reports online where at least two users had problems with excessive extractor tension. My recollection was that they managed to stuff a 5 coil spring with black insert and Crane O-ring into their bolt which resulted in too much purchase on the case. There were problems feeding because the extractor couldn't slip over the rim or ejecting because the case was held in a vice-like grip. I don't remember where I read it unfortuneatly.

    I'd use either a four coil spring with black insert and O-ring, or a five coil spring, black insert without O-ring. I currently use the former and haven't personally run the latter.
    Yes, this is true, but only for a short time. Once you shoot a couple rounds through them, the 5 coil springs relax and stop trapping rounds.


    C4

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    Quote Originally Posted by C4IGrant View Post
    Yes, this is true, but only for a short time. Once you shoot a couple rounds through them, the 5 coil springs relax and stop trapping rounds.C4

    Does that mean it's your recommended set up or just that it works OK after break-in? I guess I should just ask what set up you recommend? Thanks.

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    Quote Originally Posted by JimmyB62 View Post
    Does that mean it's your recommended set up or just that it works OK after break-in? I guess I should just ask what set up you recommend? Thanks.

    If you are running a carbine gas system, I recommend a black extractor insert and 5 coil spring. After several hundred rounds (like 500), then I would put the Crane O-ring in.


    C4

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    Brownells sells the Colt spring and black insert combo in the "factory parts" section under "Colt".

    That's all I use for my Bean gas systems.
    "You people have too much time on your hands." - scottryan

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    Quote Originally Posted by JimmyB62 View Post
    Does that mean it's your recommended set up or just that it works OK after break-in? I guess I should just ask what set up you recommend? Thanks.

    Some definitions need to be made here:

    1. A carbine length gas system is typically in barrels that are 14.5" or shorter.

    2. A mid length gas system is typically in 16" barrels.

    I have had many more problems with installing the "O" Ring and high powered springs in my mid length MRP Upper (even after trying to break it in) than I ever had with just a Black Insert and a quality 4 coil USGI spring. My LMT MRP ran like a champ until I started reading all of the updates on the Crane "O" Ring, the "Defender", 5 coil springs etc.

    And then I was set straight by some members on this forum, and by Lewis Machine and Tool (the manufacturer of the MRP upper). The verdict...the "O" ring is only meant for gas systems that are more aggressive than the mid-length systems. LMY specifically stated t go back to the USGI extractor spring and black insert. (and yes I know they're putting "O" rings in all of their new bolts....go figure. Probably because you can always take the "O" ring out.)

    Another point....even AFTER BREAK IN....if a mid-length would run and not "Trap" rounds because of the excessive tension created from the "O" ring and high powered spring, who would want to have a weapon that isn't GTG after a routine maintenance procedure of replcing the spring and insert?

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