Primary extraction
In breechloading firearms, primary extraction refers to the initial phase (first few millimeters) of the extraction of a spent casing (usually brass) from the firearm chamber. After the primary extraction comes the secondary extraction where the bolt is moved further backwards,[1] and the extraction is then normally finished with the spent cartridge being ejected.
The first few millimeters of extraction tend to require a much higher peak force than the rest of the extraction due the spent casing sticking against the chamber. The sticking effect is a result from the case having expanded due to the high temperatures and pressures during firing, and the extra initial force required can, depending on firearm design, make the extraction difficult for the user.
Some methods for overcoming the primary extraction can be either to use a lot of force (as seen in most autoloading designs) or a mechanical advantage (as seen in many manual loading designs). The camming action seen in many bolt action rifles is an example of mechanical advantage being used for chambering and extraction. There are examples of some firearm designs being less successful due to poor design around the primary extraction, which can result in a stuck case in the chamber.[2] Notably some pump and straight pull mechanisms are perceived as having the advantage over bolt actions that they are faster and require fewer body movements to operate by the user,[citation needed] however, they are often more complex than traditional bolt action designs, and often have poor primary extraction[3] lacking the mechanical advantage of a turn bolt[4] which can lead to stoppages.
See also
References
- ^ [Do-It-Yourself Gun Repair: Gunsmithing at Home - Edward A. Matunas - Google Books]
- ^ Bommarito Rifle – Forgotten Weapons
- ^ Swiss Straight-Pull First Impressions – Forgotten Weapons
- ^ Break That Case: A Visceral Illustration of Primary Extraction, with Bloke on the Range - The Firearm BlogThe Firearm Blog