10/22 barrel notch

[JImbothefiveth]

There's been a notch at the top of my 10/22's barrel for a while, but today it was bad enough that brass would not extract.

So, I think it was caused by either dry-firing, which I've done a whole lot of, but it never caused this to happen, or by storing it uncocked, and thus, with the hammer resting against the barrel. It was the first time I've stored it like that, so I think that might be the issue.

So remember everyone, if you dry fire a lot, use snap caps, and don't store it uncocked.

 

[hksw]

Hmmm. There does not seem to be a full understanding on how the 10/22 works.

From the post, it would seem that the notch you are describing is above the chamber hole where the firing pin strikes the cartridge?

If this is true, it could be that the gun is dirty enough that a gouge will seem to appear on the barrel when it actually is a gouge into the layer of crud accumulated on the barrel face. Happens all the time with my 10/22s and Mk IIs when I don't clean them after a while. The accumulation of dirt could also be the cause for the functioning problems.

The hammer of the 10/22 never touches the barrel. When release from the cocked position, the hammer strikes the firing pin attached and contained by the bolt. The firing pin then strikes the cartridge.

http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/PDF/PartsBooklets/E1.pdf

The firing pin of the 10/22 is held in place within the bolt by a firing pin stop (part number B-13). This stop (and the dimensional consistancy of the internal parts) also prevent the firing pin from striking the barrel during dry firing.

It could be that the firing pin hole for the stop has elongated on your gun or the stop has broken. I have never seen this happen on 10/22s that have been dry fired tens of thousands of times (mine included) though.

The general firing sequence of the 10/22 can be read on page 8 of the manual (revision B 12/05 R14).

Dry firing is part of the manual of arms for the 10/22 to get accustomed to the gun and for re-assembly.

Page 15 (10/22T)

The trigger of the Target version of the RUGER® 10/22® has a lighter, target
trigger pull than standard 10/22 rifles and carbines, for more precise placement of
shots. You should practice “dry-firing” an empty rifle (with it pointing in a safe
direction) to learn the “feel” of the trigger before ever loading it with ammunition.

Page 20 To Unload

8. With the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, push the safety to the “off”
position and pull the trigger to decock it. The rifle can be “dry fired” for
practice as long as it is empty and pointed in a safe direction.

Page 25 Reassembly

Guns should not be stored loaded or cocked!

http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/PDF/InstructionManuals/18.pdf

This is true for the 10/22 (and Mk II/III) guns. Other makes and models may differ. Refer to the manual. (CZ are OK to dry fire.)