Gunsmithing Stuck Extractor spring plunger

[soccergk2003]

Have an old tikka m55 my uncle gave me, realizing the extractor spring needed replacing I attempted to remove the extractor. The plunger wouldn't move so I soaked it in penetrating oil for 24 hours and finally got the plunger to move and got the extractor off but now the plunger is stuck down. Was wondering if it's a good idea to heat the bolt up and try to pull it out with a magnet or if heating the bolt is a bad idea. Only other option I see is to drill it out. Thanks in advance

 

[ackleyfan]

Re: Stuck Extractor spring plunger

Don't use heat, you need to figure out another way to remove it!

 

[RMPSTRAT]

Re: Stuck Extractor spring plunger

clamp the bolt in a vise then take a hammer and punch and tap on the plunger letting the punch sort of float when struck, you're basically letting the spring do all of the work since you're not hitting the plunger all that hard. this works more often than not.

 

[soccergk2003]

Re: Stuck Extractor spring plunger

Sounds like a good idea, I'll give it a shot. Thank you

 

[soccergk2003]

Re: Stuck Extractor spring plunger

Well that didn't work. Guessing the spring is completely shot. Don't think this gun has been shot in 10 years, any other ideas?

 

[sheldon]

Re: Stuck Extractor spring plunger

I got my plunger stuck when I had some loads that were a little too hot and brass flowed into the plunger area and jammed it in place. I held the bolt and smacked a plastic kinetic bullet puller (the hammer looking one) into the face of the bolt. This shock eventually popped the plunger back out. Fast sharp blows....and a lot of them!!

 

[soccergk2003]

Re: Stuck Extractor spring plunger

Alright will give it a shot. Willing to try almost anything now