Witness Parts

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I have an all steel witness in 38 super that seems to have an extractor that is too short. Apparently someone decided to replace it at some point - probably why I got a good deal on it. Causes feeding problems - grabs the case head and holds it against the breach face tightly. I need to find a place to get one locally (OKC/Tulsa) or at least look at one to compare in case something else is wrong - or if someone could give me the dimensions that it is supposed to be I can measure. I am guessing it was the 9mm extractor that they put in it as I have another CZ clone in 9mm that has the same dimension extractor in it. I tried to file it a bit but to get it down far enough would compromise it's strengty and I don't want a non-functioning firearm laying around unnecessarily. Anyone out there familiar with it?

 

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Update. Hope someone can use this info. I am not a gunsmith and set out only to ask a question. However while waiting I did a bunch more research and wound up answering my own question.

I did more research and took the extractor out again. The stinking knob on the extractor had been very expertly filed. Didn't notice on initial inspection. The reason they apparently did this was so that they could fire 38 Super Comp or 9x23 out of it (rimmed vs no rim). A necessary mod if you want reliable extraction with either of those two other rounds. The effect is that it holds the regular 38 super too tight against the breach face which, by coincidence, is exactly what it's doing. So I guess I either replace the extractor or use 38 Super Comp or 9x23. Please don't flame me about the 9x23 out of a 38 super. It is relatively safe in the Witness steel pistol but not so in most others. It think the length is the same but the case mouth is .002 smaller and the web is .004 larger than the 38 Super/Super Comp - 9x23 is a tapered case whereas the 38 Super/Super Comp is straight wall. The bbl throat is plenty long so over pressure is unlikely with the 9x23. The only ugly thing about it is that the 9x23 will be more of a straight wall case if you fire it from the Witness. That will shorten case life if you reload. Most reports are that the Witness steel is just as accurate with either but that the 9x23 has a thicker web to accommodate higher pressures (more velocity). In the Witness steel the case is fully supported and the chamber and bbl are very heavy.