Nylon 66: Too Good to Retire

[someguy2800]

When I first saw one on a used rack I picked it up and saw the plastic stock I thought it was a cheap pellet rifle until I looked more closely. At that time they were already being priced as collectors and I put it right back down and wondered who in their right mine would pay that kind of money on such a cheap looking overgrown pellet rifle. I was really surprised to learn later that they are regarded as one of the most reliable 22 autoloaders ever made. I'd like to pick one up if I found one cheap enough, which seams unlikely anymore.

 

[mac66]

Yeah, I was into nylon rifles for awhile...

 

[Dibbs]

My Dad has one, though I havent seen or shot it in 30 years. I remember it jamming quite a bit and being difficult to clear thanks to the tiny ejection port. They are not particularly fond memories.

Rifle is probably dirty...

 

[vintovka]

The original stock on mine snapped in half right at the pistol grip. It was a Mohawk Brown model I bought used in the 70s. It broke in about '98 when it fell out of a locker cabinet as the door was opened. Really surprised me as I had a vision of indestructibility in my mind. I found a stripped used stock in Apache Black from a guy in Arkansas, swapped it all over and it is still going good to this day. It will be here until I am not. But I like most old 22s. View attachment 991581

The stocks have a chemical additive that controls elasticity. This chemical "leaches" out with time and they become very brittle. The seams also start to separate back into the two halves they were originally molded as. The stocks may differ in quality but all will likely suffer same fate depending on how they have been treated or where stored. Temperature extremes seem to really play a part, Better plastics and moulding today might be capable or reproducing more durable versions.

 

[351 WINCHESTER]

One last note (and unless i'm wrong again) I always thought it extremely odd that in the 66 design cover is considered the "receiver". In reality the stock is more of a receiver in my mind.

Remington put the serial number under the dust cover too. I always thought the gun was the receiver too even though the gun will not function (eject) without the dust cover.

Rifle is probably dirty...

Most likely the 2 dust cover screws are too tight, binding the bolt. I had a nylon 66 for decades and I shot the snot out of it with zero maintaince. It had no jamming issues other than an occasional weak load from Remington. When I finally broke it down the feed ramp was so badly caked on with bullet residue that I had to scrap it off with my pocket knife. God only knows how many rounds I put thru that gun, but ammo was cheap and I had lots of free time. I used to shoot hand tossed quarters with stingers and old golf balls that my Dad gave me.

 

[sigwally]

In my opinion, simply the finest .22 semi auto rifle ever made. Period. A 60 year old design that STILL looks modern and futuristic.

 

[C.R.]

My uncle had one of them , as I recall it would jam a lot . Guess I will let my cousin know his Dads old .22 might be worth something .

 

[CleanDean]

If your nylon ever starts jamming especially if after you had it apart, check the 2 receiver screws as most likely you have them too tight which will cause the receiver to bind the bolt. Back them off until the bolt runs smooth.

This is exactly what happened to mine. My favorite gunsmith friend agreed to clean up my trigger on the Nylon 66. When trying it out, the little carbine would jam or fail to eject/ fail to chamber.
Don't fix it if it ain't broke.
I backed out the side plate screws just a tad ... Runs fine now. BTW the under side screw on the stock ... It holds the barrel tension to the stock ,it needed tightened. Shoots more accurately now. It's all good.

 

[Tenncvol]

My dad gave me one for Christmas when I was 14. I really appreciated the gift, and always took good care of it. Guess who I think off every time I see it or shoot it?