10-22 auto bolt release thoughts

[oladcock]

Yep, we got 4 - AR's and they'll all drop the bolt with a bump or slapping a mag in hard. Not an issue unless your finger is in the receiver! Keep in mind those that say we need to learn how our guns work, sure WE do, we're not talking about AS Instructors or those with an ounce of mechanical ability, we're talking loaner rifles for kids and those who can't pour pee out of a boot with directions written on the heel. The stock 10-22 bolt release is counter intuitive and I'd a whole lot rather be teaching marksmanship than teaching/assisting with bolt releases........O.L.

[The Wolfhound]

I own 7 rifles that will shoot 22LR.  None of them are Ruger 10/22s.  It has taken me a year on the line to FINALLY figure out how to release the bolt on a 10/22 reliably.  Counterintuitive is an understatment.   It was information that I certainly needed to know.

[oladcock]

Thank you WH! One of the biggest mistakes I see we/us instructors/SB's make, we forget what it was like being young and inexperienced, where what seems to be simple tasks is so difficult for others. They'll get there, it just won't happen in an instant because we said so or it's so easy for us....O.L.

[SPQR]

Wolfhound - You need to find the nearest red hat and punch them in the belt buckle and shout, "MENTOR ME!!!!!" in the same fashion Mr. Eckert showted "Avenge ME!!!!" in Red Dawn.  If we aren't here to help people learn we will certainly help people lose. 

[George Hacker]

Wolfhound - You need to find the nearest red hat and punch them in the belt buckle and shout, "MENTOR ME!!!!!" in the same fashion Mr. Eckert showted "Avenge ME!!!!" in Red Dawn.  If we aren't here to help people learn we will certainly help people lose.

Red Dawn: the movie that keeps on giving... ;-)

- ShadowMan

[Old Dog]

I've never had an issue/problem getting the bolt hold open to work (once I figured out how it worked - now you know us men/guys/males never read the instruction manual)

Maybe there's a really good source of ideas here for someone with the equipment/time to turn into little short video's - or find out if they're already on you tube in a good enough form to be used/borrowed/referred to here.  There are lots of discussions here (forum) that show the need for pictures/videos vs. typed words.

Something to think about.

[SPQR]

Good point.

[Mark Davis]

I believe this is a valid discussion, with good points being made on both sides.

However, I believe the liability/safety aspect is a non-starter.  I've tried on all of my 10/22's (3 of them, all with an aftermarket auto bolt release - 1993, 2010 and 2011 vintages), and the only way to get the bolt to drop is a SHARP whack on the rifle.  The kind that would likely cause damage to the stock or other component, not just a little love-tap.

Even if the bolt does drop, the the hammer remains cocked.  As far as I can tell, there's no way to close the bolt and have the hammer follow the bolt.  So if the rifle was dropped, it still wouldn't fire because there's no way to release the hammer.  And even if the hammer did somehow follow the bolt, the design of the bolt prevents slam firing due to the angle of attack of the hammer - it harmlessly hits the bolt, not the firing pin.  So the trigger would still need to be actively pressed, while the safety is disengaged.

So, in order for an unsafe condition to exist, you'd need the following:

• A 10/22 with the auto bolt mod
• Loaded mag in the magwell
• Safety off
• Finger in the trigger guard/on the trigger
• Some kind of sharp impact to the rifle.
• The shooter surprised/caught off-guard that the bolt just closed, and squeezes the trigger as a reflex

Sound about right?

There's lots of other safety-related issues going on in this scenario much more important than the auto bolt release.

That sounds like what could happen while out walking your rifle and loosing footing and sliding/rolling down a steep bit of terrain.
On a controlled range like appleseed it is a non starter, but in the real world you have hit the nail on the head.

[douglas34474]

Mark,

Do you often walk around the woods, on unsound footing, with a loaded mag, bolt open, safety off, finger on trigger? I teach Hunter Safety and every one of those actions is in violation of the safety guidelines.

When crossing a fence or moving on unstable footing you should always UNLOAD the firearm, keep the safety on and the finger off the trigger.

If your hold open was modified or not would be the least of your worries if you had an AD.

[Texas Rifleman]

What is the 3rd safety rule we teach ?
#3 Keep your finger off the tigger until the sights are on the target.

[yellowhousejake]

[Mark Davis]

Mark,

Do you often walk around the woods, on unsound footing, with a loaded mag, bolt open, safety off, finger on trigger? I teach Hunter Safety and every one of those actions is in violation of the safety guidelines.

When crossing a fence or moving on unstable footing you should always UNLOAD the firearm, keep the safety on and the finger off the trigger.

If your hold open was modified or not would be the least of your worries if you had an AD.

No, I do not walk around with my finger in the trigger. But there are often sticks where I walk.

[dragonfly]

[Superheat]

[2 clicks low]

LMAO
Love it.
2cl

[TheIronMantis]

Seriously, I think it is time lock this thread.

[asminuteman]

<----I need me one of those.....*s*

[asminuteman]

Seriously, I think it is time lock this thread.

<----"emotioncon"....liken it!
<----lockin thread........on board.....

[yellowhousejake]

I think all opinions have been stated, no one has been swayed by either argument, and we have shoots in need of instructors.

Locked up. Please, let's not start this thread up again.

YHJ