Firestar M40 Ejector Issue

[JohnBrian]

Really glad I found this thread. I have an M40 that has extraction issues as well. Always seems to work fine with Wally world Federal ball and WWB for the first 20 rounds or so, but then after that it fails to extract the spent brass completely (extracts if maybe 1/4 of the way), and the next round tries to feed causing it to jam. I know my ejector is also very loose, I will look tonight and see if it's broken as well. I'll try the other advice in this thread, but is there anything else I should look for while I'm in there? Have either of you had problems with the gun only extracting part way?

If it is loose the spring is broken/worn out/installed incorrectly. The extractor should be very hard to move in/out. If you can move it with your fingernail it is way too loose. (This is generally true of the extractor of any firearm.)

Also, if the pin may not be fully installed. The pin needs to go through both sides of the extractor & into the bottom hole.

[GWbiker]

If it is loose the spring is broken/worn out/installed incorrectly. The extractor should be very hard to move in/out. If you can move it with your fingernail it is way too loose. (This is generally true of the extractor of any firearm.)

Also, if the pin may not be fully installed. The pin needs to go through both sides of the extractor & into the bottom hole.

The extractor on the M-43 I bought new in '93 is made to be loose. As are several Star M-43, 40 45 specimens that I have handled in the past. The Firestar M-43 extractor rides in a slide channel which holds it in place.

EJECTION issues occur when the ejector is fouled, dirty or worn. Length of cartridge is often a factor - my M-43 reliably feeds JHP and WWB FMJ but chokes on Federal FMJ cartridge which is slightly longer.

The Firestar short barrel M series handguns are fine defensive weapons, they just happen to be ammo sensitive.

[FredoSD]

The extractor on the M-43 I bought new in '93 is made to be loose. As are several Star M-43, 40 45 specimens that I have handled in the past. The Firestar M-43 extractor rides in a slide channel which holds it in place.

EJECTION issues occur when the ejector is fouled, dirty or worn. Length of cartridge is often a factor - my M-43 reliably feeds JHP and WWB FMJ but chokes on Federal FMJ cartridge which is slightly longer.

The Firestar short barrel M series handguns are fine defensive weapons, they just happen to be ammo sensitive.

Agreed, my M40 is loose however it does ride in a channel in the slide durring normal opperation. Amunition choice has not chaned any thing on my M40. It has fed everything feed it, FMJ, JHP, LWC, Law enforcement by Ranger etc.

Great underated guns.

[railroader]

The extractor on the M-43 I bought new in '93 is made to be loose. As are several Star M-43, 40 45 specimens that I have handled in the past. The Firestar M-43 extractor rides in a slide channel which holds it in place.

I think you guys are confusing the extractor with the ejector. The ejector is connected to the frame and the extractor is on the outside of the slide. The extractor pulls the shell out of the barrel then it hits the ejector which directs the shell out of the slide. Mark

[steadyrock]

I checked this morning. My ejector is loose and wobbles a bit, I understand this is normal and I've never had issues with properly extracted brass being ejected once it is extracted. However, my extractor was fairly easy to move with the tip of my finger and I suspect this may be the culprit.

I'm no gunsmith, and don't want to get into replacing tiny springs right now on my own. Assuming that the ejector spring is weak/broken and needs to be replaced, about how much cost in labor should I expect to replace it once I have already ordered and paid for the part? This is a defensive handgun for me and I need it to operate reliably 100%. Thanks.

[pro_james2000]

Need HELP ASAP!

I was cleaning my firestar m-40 .40 cal S&W and my safety switch came loose and need help ASAP!! if anyone can..

thank you in advanced for the advice.

[JayTee_IsMe]

I would help but I dont have my firestar to reference to anymore! Sorry I do hope someone can help though.

[railroader]

I was cleaning my firestar m-40 .40 cal S&W and my safety switch came loose and need help ASAP!! if anyone can..

thank you in advanced for the advice.

Did you turn the safety down with the grips off? If you did you might have launched the spring and detent that's under the left side of the safety. Mark