My old reliable 10-22 started misfiring, even mini-mags misfired.
As I kept using the rifle, It almost always misfired with the mag empty.
It did misfire at other random times too, but not that much. The firing pin indent on the unfired cartridge could be described as a scratch.
A few more squares while I pondered the difference between cartridges in the mag, and mag empty.
The difference is a cartridge pushing the bolt up.
So after firing second to last shot I stopped, dropped the mag and pushed up on the bolt with my finger.
The bolt did move up with a little click, the rifle fired.
This rifle has fired a lot of rounds, but it also has spent many days laying on the firing line, ejection port up, bolt locked back, gulping dust on some awful dry, and windy rifle ranges.
Went down to the local gun store and bought a new receiver, built by stalwarts in Bonner's Ferry.
Installed and tested today.
Runs good now.
Mark, could you explain where the wear that caused this problem was located? A few pictures would go a long way..
I can't see the wear.
I am aware of the wear because the bolt now rides (at least with no cartridge in the mag pushing it up) so low that the ejector does not slip into the ejector slot cut into the barrel.
I suppose in tough times you could bevel the front lower edge of the ejector, making sloppy parts fit through more slop.
This receiver was used when I bought it in '08. It was so full of gunk from "spray and pray" cleaning that the little tiny firing pin spring was packed with black crud, and the rifle did start to function until after removing the firing pin and cleaning the slot and spring.
Then I started changing parts, Kidd trigger, bolt, green mountain barrel, stock that fit my body, 55 minute scope mount.
The rifle worked well for quite a while, many rounds fired. In that time it was subjected to a lot of time bolt open in dusty conditions.
The receiver is cast aluminum, the bolt hardened steel, My theory is, lots of grit inside the action wore away enough aluminum that the bolt started riding lower.
In hindsight, a through testing of the rifle's problems would include firing it upside down to see if it functioned.
My focus is on shooting, the new receiver brought back good function.
I have been advised that Ruger might warrantee the receiver, I feel I got my money's worth out of it, so not going to attempt to screw Ruger over it.
Wow, this is the first time I've heard of that actually happening. I think your diagnosis is correct - an Appleseed on a sandy range is about the harshest condition you can find for an aluminum receiver. I consider all my loaner rifles as disposable.
I have seen the bolt stop pin holes elongated from many (millions of?) rounds fired using the steel bolt stop pin. That's why I always upgrade to urethane or Kidd bolt stop pins.
I wonder if the "bolt guide shelf" is worn down (the little edge above the ejection port where the bolt rides). I have been surprised how little bearing surface there seems to be between the bolt and the receiver on the 10-22.
Let us know what you find out! :)
If it is worn out and to be retired, if interested in selling it, I might well be interested in purchasing it.
Greg
Rob, I'm pretty sure the little shelf has too much wear on top.
Greg, I would give it too you, but it is a serial numbered "firearm". Especially if you were going to reassemble, test and measure it, All in the name of science of course.
Bob, not only sandy but it has laid on a fresh dug range with powder clay like 2 inches of powdered sugar, and wind to move it. After which I blew it our with air, and it seemed really slick working for a while. Ranges I go too have lots of blowing dirt.
Mark, what I am interested in doing is making a non-firing, but otherwise functional demo-rifle.
Thinking remove the firing pin and weld up the bolt face.
Drill the chamber out to about 5/16" about 4" deep so a round won't work but a chamber flag could be inserted and drill and cross pin the barrel at about the 4" mark. Weld the pin in.
Blind pin the barrel to the receiver so it is all but impossible to remove.
*I do understand that we are only talking about the receiver and no other parts.
Pretty good idea, do you have a local FFL holder I can send it too?
I do, and he will accept out of state transfers from non-FFLs.
He is-
Matt Ross
Ross's Guns and Ammo
1645 Shadow Avenue
Charles City, Iowa 50616
I do not remember the specifics about mailing/shipping a firearm; I am pretty sure that a long gun can be shipped via USPS.
Shoot me a price, certainly shipping, and we'll get something worked out.
Now, I'll just need to scrounge up the rest. :)
Thanks much,
Greg
Where are you, BTW?