If the recoil spring on a gas operated firearm is broken, what effect does it have on the extractor?

When the recoil spring on a gas-operated firearm is broken, the recoil mechanism fails to operate as designed. The recoil spring plays a crucial role in cycling the action of the firearm, which is essential for chambering, firing, and ejecting spent cartridges.

In this context, if the recoil spring is compromised, the firearm may not properly cycle after a shot is fired. This improper cycling directly affects the extractor, which is responsible for removing the cartridge case from the chamber after firing. With a broken recoil spring, the extractor may not receive the necessary force or timing to engage and pull the spent casing out effectively from the chamber. Consequently, the extractor can become impeded, leading to potential malfunctions such as failure to extract or stovepipe jams.

This understanding highlights the critical relationship between the recoil mechanism and the extractor's functionality, underscoring how a failure in one component significantly impacts the overall operation of the firearm.