The extractors are very good, the change was mostly about simplifying manufacture; but they ended up making a more robust extractor. Replacement extractors are out there, just have to search a little more. Sarco has them often, The Dealer Warehouse, etc.
I wouldn't turn down a nice Hi Power over that. Have to consider there are gazillions out there, so while it may be a little more work, they are definitely out there, I'm betting if I needed one, I could have one located by the end of the day. And they are not "fragile" by any stretch of the imagination, so not a big chance you're going to kill one anyhow.
Keep in mind those old Hi Powere were almost all former military guns, so civilian ownership is probably as easy as life has ever been for that gun...it can take pretty much anything you can dish out.
Last edited by KevinGibson; 12/21/13.