[Colt]

I've got an older Ruger 10/44 that has a FTE (stovepipe) problems about 2 or 3 times per every 25 shots.

My father, from whom I inherited the gun, said that he bought it new and had similar problems initially, and sent it in for work. When it came back, it worked without problems for him. Now, about 15 years later, I'm having these problems, too.

Has anyone experienced this problem? I'm not so familiar with auto rifles and I'm not sure where to start on this.

Thanks for any advice/tips you can offer.

[JShirley]

Does this happen at any particular time- for instance, towards the end of a range session? Does it particularly happen towards the beginning or end of the magazine?

How often do you clean this carbine?

John

[Colt]

There doesn't appear to be much rhyme or reason to the jam timing. I only load 3 rounds at a time per range rules. (PA State Range) It can jam after the first, second or third shot.

I clean the gun often, at least once every month, and after each trip to the range. After the range, it's generally with Hoppes in the barrel until the swabs come out clean, and then a light coat of oil. I wipe off the exterior of the gun. The monthly "cleanings" consist of only wiping it down.

I don't really do much with the rest of the moving parts/action, other than wipe off what I can reach with the rag.

Should I be disassembling the gun for cleaning?

[JShirley]

Do you always clean under the extractor?

[Colt]

Do you always clean under the extractor?

I don't make point to, no. I did inspect it, though, and it looked in good shape. No excessive wear, missing material, or build-up.

This gun has probably had less than 300 rounds through it, and most of that by me.

[JShirley]

Any change in ammo?

Probably not...hm...

Do you have a dremel? You could lightly polish the chamber, but that usually helps feeding more than anything else...sounds like you probably haven't put nearly enough rounds into the gun to have fatigue on your magazine spring (or is this one of the rotary mag guns?), and again, that would be more of a failure to feed deal...

Everyone else can feel free to pitch in anytime! :)

John

[Colt]

I have dremel. Would it be better to just replace the extractor, or is that expensive/difficult?

Are you pretty sure it's the extractor? Does this rifle have an ejector, like an auto pistol?

[JShirley]

Colt,

According to the manuals (http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/PDF/41.pdf), the carbine has both an ejector (C 8) and an extractor (C 14).

You used to be looking at just a couple of bucks worth of parts; dunno about current pricing.

You may want to contact Ruger, and (if still cost effective), order the ejector and extractor. If replacing them doesn't help, a trip to Ruger may be in order.

Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.
Attn: Service Department
411 Sunapee Street
Newport NH 03773
Telephone: 603-865-2442
Fax: 603-863-6165

[Colt]

JShirley,

Thanks for your help, and the information.

I really appreciate it.

I'll let you know what the resolution is.