Quote Originally Posted by Nor Cal Mikie View Post
I never bother to remove either the extractor OR the firing pin. The extractor snaps over the end of the case and the firing pin is below the surface of the bolt head so it's a non issue.
Only replaced maybe 10 or 12 (I've lost count) barrels so I'am no expert.
Like Nor Cal Mikie, I am no expert, I have moved them around maybe 4 or 5 times now. Did not remove firing pin or the extractor/ejector.

My take is whatever you are comfortable with. Some rifles like the Model of 1917 you can destroy a gauge if you don't take the firing pin out, but that is pretty unique to the Brits line of rifles (though made in US it was British design.


While its my own take, I have been shocked at how far out the headspace on the 1917s is, normal is to just about close on a field reject gauge. Phew. Those are hard to get.