The Mauser Pistol, caliber 7.65 and the very similar Czechoslovakian „N' Pistol, caliber 9 mm. However, since the ejector if so located can be attached to the pistol frame only behind the magazine (a relatively unsatisfactory position), we usually find it as in the case of pistols with extractors on the left or right side toward the front of the frame and directly to the right or left of the magazine. If the extractor is in the upper part of the line of vision of the pistol (i.e., at the top of the breech block) one would expect to find the ejector below in the center (at the bottom of the breech block) as is the case, for example, of the Pickert Pistol, caliber 6.35.

Thus, if the extractor is on the right side, the ejector will be found on the left and if the extractor is on the left side, as in the case of the Walther Pistols, Models 3 and 4, mentioned above, the ejector is on the right. Usually, the ejector is attached in a position opposite to the extractor, because the ejector is most efficient when so placed. It is easy, therefore, to decide whether a certain mark is an ejector mark, or merely an accidental marking. It is possible to determine beforehand in what part of the shell head the ejector mark is to be found, by ascertaining the position of the shell in the chamber when fired.

Consequently, it is not always an easy task to discover these markings, and there is danger to the uninitiated of confusing such marks with others that may be formed on the shell. Furthermore, the ejector marks on a shell are sometimes clearly outlined and at other times appear as a mere scratch, depending on the force of the contact of the shell and the ejector. Occasionally an ejector that has made a clear imprint on one shell, may at another time merely touch the edge of the shell head, or not even reach the shell at all. Slight chamber variations may make a difference in this connection. The result is that, unlike the imprints of the breech face, the ejector marks are not always made in the same way or the same relative position, even on shells fired from a particular pistol. We have previously indicated that the ejector marks are of secondary origin, as compared with the imprints on the shell head made as a result of its recoil against the breech face for whereas the shell receives imprints from the breech face while still lodged in the chamber, before it rebounds upon the ejector it must travel backwards for a considerable distance together with the breech block, and thus has a chance (although held gently by the extractor on one side) to change its position slightly. A correct determination of the position of the shell head in the chamber is especially essential in examining the ejector marks. In the discussion which follows, we shall describe the position of the various markings as „right,' „left,' „above,' or „below.' At the same time we shall keep our eye on the shell in the chamber, using the same method of observation as was employed for the extractor marks and the imprints of the chamber rim. Usually it will be possible to do this, as explained above, on the basis of the extractor and chamber rim marks. Whenever an examination of the imprints on the shell head is undertaken, it is essential to determine first the exact position of the shell at the time of firing. We shall first discuss the pistols equipped with special ejectors. The description of the ejector marks introduces us to the characteristic imprints to be found on the shell head.

Ejector pin marks