10-22 FTF

[madmike]

My Ruger 10-22 is repeatedly (Every 2-3 rounds) locking back the bolt (I have a Volquhartson bolt catch installed). My guess is the mainspring is getting worn and allowing overtravel of the bolt. This happens with factory and aftermarket mags.

I've had it since it was new 21 years ago, and it's shot several times a year times several hundred rounds.

Any ideas?

 

[Heavy Barrel]

If you would have left the original components in place you probably wouldn't have had a problem.You guys keep changing things and then wonder why they don't work.I have over 10k rounds thru my 10/22 and it keeps right on working.

 

[madmike]

It worked fine until quite recently and has easily more shots than that through it. Nothing is failure proof. I cannot conduct a range test easily; it will have to wait until I can get down there again. If I can address the problem in the meantime, it will save attempting range maintenance on one of the more awkward weapons for it. The modification also makes the weapon safer and changes no other internal parts.

A thorough cleaning (detail stripped) seems to have loosened things up a little.

In summary: Do you have a solution rather than simply belittling my oldest and favorite rifle?

 

[Heavy Barrel]

I would never belittle a rifle that I also own and am very happy with.What I am saying is some things are better left alone.The mfg's do a pretty good job of design and engineering before they put something on the market.If it ain't broke don't try to fix it.

 

[BlkHawk73]

What I am saying is some things are better left alone.The mfg's do a pretty good job of design and engineering before they put something on the market.If it ain't broke don't try to fix it.

If the 10/22 could do it all, there would be no aftermarket parts for it. Unfortunatly, it cannot as a factory model. That's why there are aftermarket triggers which are FAR superior to the factory trigger. That's why there are barrels giving better accuracy than the factory barrels, yes the "T" model bbl included. That's why there's a mass of aftermarkets items available for the 10/22 - to enhance it!
Now, to the problem at hand... first put back the original part you switched out. Try that to see if the problem is still thee. Also try different magazines. They play an integral role in the smooth operation of this model. secondly, maybe replace the recoil spring as after this much use could very well be worn.
Best advice will no doubt come from the folks at www.Rimfirecentral.com - THE home for all thing 10/22!

 

[madmike]

Yes, problem existed with factory and Eagle mags, Win and Rem ammo. It's sticking less when open after a very thorough cleaning and feels "light" to my hand. I can swap the catch out next time I get a chance to go to the range, but it worked fine for years with this catch, so I have no reason to suspect that is the cause, though it may be aggravating an existing problem.

Anyone else believe the mainspring is going soft?

 

[peteinct]

Thread hijacking

Mike, I can believe a spring going weak after many rounds. I have CZs and one of the first things you were supposed to do to them was replace the springs out of the box, not even wait for the problem to occcur. I also think that replacing the spring would be cheap and easy so why not do it?

That being said what aftermarket parts did you put in yours? I just bought one and despite what heavy barrel said there are some things that are weird such as that funny bolt release and strange mag release. I also thought the barrel band is a little foo-foo but I didn't have to buy that model.

pete

 

[madmike]

Bolt catch and mag release are the only aftermarket parts (aside from mags). I could lighten the trigger but it works fine for me. I could spend hundreds flogging it into target class, but I don't shoot .22 competition.

Is Ruger the only source for the mainspring or should Gander Mountain or a local dealer have one?

 

[peteinct]

Ruger doesn't like to sell parts

I would try wolfs gunsprings on the web or maybe brownells. I have never seen ruger parts and have only heard of them wanting the guns sent back to them for repair.
pete

 

[madmike]

Thanks