Sako-Style Extractors On Model XP-100 Pistols

The Sako-style extractor kit we’ll be using is available from Brownells (#562-102-000AD) and fits medium-size bolt faces, including .22-250 and .308. The Remington Model XP-100 incorporates the same size bolt head, locking lug system, and receiver/barrel threads as the 700 Remington series rifles. Converting its bolt face to a larger size and add an extractor conversion does not compromise the function or strength of the action.

As advised in the extractor kit instructions, modifications necessary to install these parts are permanent and none reversible, and will void factory warranty. If you have never made this modification before, they recommend practicing on apiece of 0.750 inch mild steel round stock shaped to the dimensions of the bolt face being modified. It is strongly recommended that only experienced gunsmiths who are properly equipped and practiced in this type of work perform this job.

If you have any doubts about your ability to correctly install this product, do not do it. The Tubb Speed Lock Extractor Kit comes with additional instructions covering bolt modification and extractor installation on several of Remington models, including Models 721, 722, 725, 700, 600, 660, 40X and XP-100, Model 7, and Sportsman 78. Though it is a very exacting procedure, I encountered no problems in performing the work, including bolt face enlargement on the added bolt.

However, bolt steel used on the older XP-100 bolts is quite hard and it may be advisable to use carbide drilling and milling equipment. Bolt faces show smaller case head size as used on the .221 Remington Fireball cartridge. One bolt is about to undergo a serious transformation. The bolt must be totally stripped down, including removal of the firing pin assembly, extractor, and ejector. Before enlarging the bolt face from .223 cartridge size to .308 cartridge size it should be carefully measured.

The lathe work is performed by centering the stripped down bolt in a lathe with bolt head in a center rest. A threaded centering bolt is turned into the cocking piece hole as a means of holding and turning the bolt in the lathe. A boring bar set up or a properly sharpened tool bit in the compound rest can be used to enlarge the bolt head recess to proper diameter. Caution must be exercised to not remove any metal from the bolt face plane unless the bolt face has run-out.

This same style on right shows installation of a Sako-style extractor installed on an XP-100 bolt where the bolt face has been opened to .308 size. Set Up Let’s cover setting up and cutting the new extractor slot and drilling hole for the retaining finger. With close attention to the instructions, the bolt is set up horizontally in a milling machine for cutting the extractor slot and drilling the hole for the extractor retaining finger.

Be very careful in positioning the extractor slot adjacent to the correct locking lug. Be certain to reference the instructions. With some variance in the type of extractor used, the depth and length of the slot is cut using a proper size end mill. It is best to cut the slot in several passes to avoid problems with the cutting process. The instruction sheet quite clearly shows the relationship of the slot to the bolt face.

It is recommended to allow 0.004-inch clearance on each side of the extractor slot and be sure the depth of the slot provides relief for the extractor as it passes through the receiver bolt hole into the bolt/ barrel recess. I found the slot depth to be 0.125 inch. Fitting And Installing Now we’ll fit the extractor retaining finger. Beneath the rear of the extractor around retaining finger, 750" diameter piece of mild steel before taking on the job.

This is a good idea because, as shown here, there is not much room for mistakes. 223 to .308 size. The ball bearing center rest jaws are an invention by the author. Note special threaded adapter used on Remington bolts to hold and align bolt in lathe chuck. or lug, is located. This finger is later positioned into a properly positioned hole at the back end of the extractor slot. The size of this hole is 0.191 inch, the size of a number 11 drill.

This finished hole is actually 0.010-inch larger than the retaining finger which allows for a small amount of upward movement at the

308-size cartridges. Directions must be followed to the letter here. Note the position of the extractor slot located within a few thousandths of the bolt lug. The bolt remains in the milling vise for these two operations. tip of the extractor as the cartridge snaps into this extractor claw. The hole is drilled right through into the firing pin hole. Advance the drill very slowly at this juncture to avoid bit breakage. Try the extractor into the slot and test the finger hole for fit.

It must fit without bind as it allows some upward lift of the extractor. The front edge of the extractor should be flush with the front edge of the bolt. Next, install the extractor retaining spring and plunger. The bolt is now placed vertically in the milling machine vise set up for drilling a hole for the spring and plunger. A 0.104-inch hole is drilled at the back of the slot center about 0.065 inch from the bolt wall. Directions recommend appropriately spacing from the bottom of the slot.

This hole is drilled to a depth of 0.450 inch, which I set on my milling machine index and used a drill guide. This allows for plunger spring compression and travel, which must be flush with the rim of the hole as extractor retaining finger pops into place. Now try installing and remov- 450" depth and to fit the diameter of the spring. Author recommends use of a drill guide to start this hole. One miscue in the milling and drilling process can ruin the bolt. ing the extractor.

A few hints for installing and removing the spring loaded extractor assembly on the finished bolt should prove helpful. Being spring loaded, we don’t want parts flying around as we install and remove the extractor assembly. Secure the bolt horizontally in

A lot of precision gunsmithing went into this process. a padded vise with extractor slot upward. Carefully insert the spring and plunger into the hole with the square face of the plunger downward. At this point the plunger will extend about 3/16th inch outside the hole. With the extractor held horizontally in the slot use it to push the spring and plunger inward until the extractor finger pops into its hole, locking the assembly functionally in place. The extractor should now be in full working order.

Try a cartridge for fit. If it works, pat yourself on the back. Extractor removal can be very tricky but I did discovered a good way to do it. With the bolt placed horizontally in the padded vise, lift the extractor nose upward just enough to slide a thin metal wedge along the bottom of the extractor and be ready to pry the extractor finger upwards. At the same time, push inward on the spring-loaded plunger with a thin square punch which allows the extractor finger to be lifted upward and out of the recess.

Use care that the spring and plunger don’t fly wildly and get lost. Removal of these parts while inside a transparent plastic bag may be a good idea. Conclusions As with most highly precision machining projects, close attention to 22-250 cartridge with Sako-style extractor, compared with original bolt chambered for .223 Remington. detail is very important. This was particularly true where I took on the two fold task of enlarging the bolt face and successfully installing a totally different type of extractor.

Though the standard Remington style extractor and ejector system has been very reliable, I have found a need to replace several of them. I can highly recommend the Sako-style extractor for its positive function. In the final analysis the choice of extractors becomes a judgment call between the gun owner and gunsmith. AG