Ruger 10/22 Stovepipe Problem

[Ben86]

My beloved 10/22 has been giving me stove pipes lately, about 5 out of every 50 rounds. My first guess was it's lack of cleaning. I ruled that out by stripping it down and cleaning it out and lubing it up. Could I just need a new recoil assembly, extractor spring, ejector, or something else? I've put at least a few thousand rounds through this thing. I've also ruled out this being ammo specific.

What would be the most likely cause?

 

[rule303]

Most likely the extractor is worn. It should have a nice sharp edge, if not I would spend a few bucks for the Volquartzen unit.

 

[greyling22]

I had one that started stovepiping after 15 years. I replaced the extractor, even though the old one still held the case to the bolt face properly, but still had issues. I had ruled out cleaning because I too had taken it down and cleaned it well. I ended up pulling the barrel and discovering the extractor groove was gummed up in the barrel and not allowing the extractor to slip over the case rim. I couldn't see the gunk when the barrel was installed. It's worked great ever since then. Just once more place to look before you start buying parts.