A few 10/22 issues, need some help

[Yo Mama]

A buddy of mine has an older Ruger 10/22, with the following issues:

1. with different magazines, on the first round, the bolt won't close unless forced by hand, but every other round fires after as normal

2. He found a failure to edect after the round was shot, casing had a crack down to side, he had to ram it out with a rod as it was jammed in the barrel.

Gun has been cleaned. Any suggestions of what may be the issue?

 

[Magoo]

Really cleaned? No carbon buildup on the breachface?

 

[Reloadron]

For #1 I would be taking a long hard look at the Bolt Handle, Guide Rod & Recoil Spring Assembly making sure it is really clean and no crud build up. It takes more force to strip that first round from the magazine. Since you mention this happens with several magazines I would start there.

For #2 while I would not rule out a weak or faulty piece of brass in a lot of ammunition I would be taking a chamber casting if this split brass is a regular happening. Especially if this happens with a few different brand names of ammunition.

Just rough guesses there.

Ron

 

[Dr. Sandman]

It may have years of gunk if it's an older 10-22. Check out youtube, dissassemble and clean every part possible. 99% chance, imho, that the issues have to do with a dirty gun.

 

[aacider85]

I agree with the consensus that it is probably dirty. Total breakdown, good hard cleaning. Spraying a little Hopps 33 ain't going to cut it. Use carbon remover and wire brushes if needed. Your local sporting goods store should have all that you need.

If that doesn't do it I would look at the guide rod spring. If this happens to be the case, the good thing is most parts for the 10/22 are cheap and readily available.

10/22s are incredibly fun and *cheap* to shoot so that get fouled up pretty quickly and parts can wear out.