Ejectors and Extractors
Barrels with Ejectors Barrels with Extractors
Ejectors - Fittings inset into the breech end of a pair of barrels of a break-open gun, operated by a spring mechanism, that kick out fired shells, while only raising unfired shells enough to be removed by hand. Recognizable at a glance on the breech end of a double gun because the fitting is split in two---one ejector for each barrel.
Extractors - A fitting inset into the breech end of a pair of barrels of a break-open gun. When the gun is opened the extractor lifts the cartridges (whether fired or not) so they may be removed by hand. Recognizable at a glance on the breech end of a double gun because the fitting is solid---one extractor taking care of both barrels together. Sometimes called Lifters.
The ejector mechanism itself is normally fitted inside the forend. Two common forms are the Southgate (or Holland & Holland system) and the Baker.
The Southgate system works on the principle of an over-center cam:
The Baker system works on a system of direct-acting coil springs:
(Diagrams from Burrard, The Modern Shotgun)
Ejector on a Webley revolver
When all else fails, one can always resort to a manual case extractor.
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