Emerald Coast

I have a 10/22 that I recently added a scope to and now the action isn't fully loading the cartridge. The action was locked open during the process and would not release after the installation. I was eventually able to "force" the action forward. I disassembled the trigger and bolt assembly and found that I was too aggressive with the thread locker. There were two spots of thread locker on top of the bolt and receiver. I lightly scraped and buffed the foreign material away. Now the action won't fully load a cartridge, it lacks about 1/4" of fully loading.


I can remove the magazine, slightly pull back on the bolt then release it, then the riffle will fire and eject the cartridge normally.

Is it possible that I bent something by forcing the action open? Any thoughts?

Thanks!

Thiokol

The screws for your scope base are probably seated too deep and are binding on the top of the bolt.

Emerald Coast

I have removed the base completely and the problem still exists.

Thiokol

Is the ejector installed correctly?

Emerald Coast

I believe it is. The action works without a magazine, it slams fully home and the groove is aligned. I have tried it with 3 different factory 10 round mags and also with a BX25 with no luck.

arg0naut22

i just posted on a somewhat related thread-- i wonder (as was the case with my 10/22 TD seizing up) if it: a) needs additional cleaning, or b) needs less oil when cleaning. i suspect i may have gunked mine up with oil, which may have made things sticky/seizy. just a thought...

Thiokol

If all you did was install a scope and your rifle cycled properly before that, then something is causing the bolt to bind.

If you disassembled the trigger group, you may have not reassembled it correctly. If you could post a picture of the trigger group we might be able to figure out what the problem may be.

Emerald Coast

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mickey

Your pictures say, "Password required," so I can't see them. and I'm not going to "guess" what might have occurred.

So I'm not sure what the problem is. But it sounds as if it were "created."

So here's a tip for you and anyone else who likes working on firearms.

My father, who was not a professional gunsmith but could have been, told me something maybe 50 years ago that still holds true today. Obviously, I have never forgotten it.

"If you have to get "real strong" with a gun to make something work, don't do it. The gun's trying to tell you something. Listen to it."

If this happens to me, I just put it down and walk away from it for awhile and then go back and try to figure out what's happening and why it's happening.

Working on firearms can be frustrating at times. Never let a malfunctioning firearm get you pissed off cuz that's when the tendency to "get strong" with it comes charging right out. It's never a good idea.

Emerald Coast

VERY good advise! Thanks.

mickey

You're entirely welcome and I'm glad you took it in the spirit it was offered.

In the sometimes testerone laden world of guns and gun guys a lot of folks might have gotten angry at that little tip and taken it personally for some reason.

That little tip has saved a lot of folks lots of trips to the gunsmith and subsequently lots of money.

I can't tell you how many times I was home and other "gun guys" would call the old man asking for help/advice dealing with a firearm malfunction.

The very first thing he would say is, "First, don't get strong with it. If you do, you'll probably make things worse."

He was a smart guy. I miss him.

I can't wait for the correct diagnosis of the problem and it's solution. Please keep us posted.

Tiger Ruger

I would check the cocking handle assembly and spring.

Emerald Coast

I have learned that it is better to have a humble attitude than a prideful one!

I will keep you posted on the diagnosis.

Emerald Coast

When the receiver is empty it cycles fine. It's only when the bolt picks up a round from the mag that the jam occurs. The spring pin appears to be straight, no noticeable bend or curve.

Tiger Ruger

I wonder.......there was no mention of what ammo you were using. It could be the ammo casing. I have had issues with Winchester 555 bulk where I had multiple jams.