Sticky 10/22 Bolt?

[prickett]

I have a 30 year old 10/22 and after cleaning it yesterday I reassembled it. I noticed the bolt stop wasn't holding the bolt back after doing so (years ago I installed the aftermarket bolt stop that releases when you retract the bolt then let go). I disassembled and reassembled and now the bolt was very sticky (as in wouldn't easily move into battery). Again I disassembled and reassembled and the 3rd time was a charm.

I know this is difficult to debug based on that description, but has anyone else experienced this and figured out why? I've assembled it quite a few times over the years without problem. But, in the past year I've had problems assembling a small number of times. If it makes a difference, I use the bolt insertion tool (shaped like an L) to retract the recoil spring/bolt handle in order to insert the bolt.

Oh, one other thing: I noticed inserting the pins that hold the trigger assembly in were very tight despite a visual showing they seemed to be aligned with the openings and where it seemed to require more effort than usual to push the trigger assembly upward to get the pin openings to align.

 

[prickett]

So nobody else ever experienced this?

 

[Mobuck]

I know this doesn't help but: I've never found a 'need' to disassemble the firing mechanism of a 10/22 for cleaning.

 

[s4s4u]

I know this doesn't help but: I've never found a 'need' to disassemble the firing mechanism of a 10/22 for cleaning.

Same here. Have never gone that far, and don't know that there is a need to.

 

[hittman]

Me 3. I’ve never known anybody who took them apart, or needed to.

 

[9x19]

The ejector is the only thing that should be close to the bolt when inserting the trigger group back into the receiver. That is, of course, as long as the bolt stop is in the down position.

 

[prickett]

I know this doesn't help but: I've never found a 'need' to disassemble the firing mechanism of a 10/22 for cleaning.

Are you saying you've never removed the bolt for cleaning? If so, how many rounds per year do you fire?

 

[Mobuck]

I've removed a 10/22 bolt very few times, mostly when changing springs. Removing the bolt is different than dismantling the fire control group--which I've NEVER done intentionally.
Mostly, I'm more of a 'hose and blow' cleaner. Hose it with brake kleen and blow with 150 PSI compressed air.
As far as how much I shoot? Today I ran 45 rounds through a 10/22 that has probably fired 2000-2500 rounds and has not to my knowledge/memory been cleaned since I took it out of the box and dragged a bore snake through the bore. Using some Remington green and yellow box that I know positively to be no less than 37 years old, I've had zero misfires or misfeeds and hitting the 2" swingers @ 50 yards when I do my part.

 

[hittman]

Mostly, I'm more of a 'hose and blow' cleaner. Hose it with brake kleen and blow with 150 PSI compressed air.

Me too.

 

[GasGuzzler]

I took mine apart to upgrade the parts. All the pins and moving parts are laterally shimmed. I will NEVER take it apart again ... not the trigger group at least. Don't wanna hassle with the thin stainless shims ever again.

 

[collectormzornes]

I have a couple of questions. Did you change any springs while you had it apart like the hammer spring or anything? Also does it have a scope mounted to it? If there is a scope did you confirm the base screws are not to long and touching the bolt causing the issue? Also I have never heard of the bolt insertion tool that you are talking about would have to look at it to see if it might cause and issue.

 

[Johnnu2]

The only 'trouble' I've ever encountered when re-assembling has been because I had neglected to assure the ejector was properly positioned before buttoning it up.

J.

 

[prickett]

Removing the bolt is different than dismantling the fire control group--which I've NEVER done intentionally.

I was referring to removing the bolt, not disassembling the fire control group in my original question.

 

[Mobuck]

Sorry, guess I misread the original question.

 

[eveled]

Is this the tool?

I have one and it is great.

https://gunsmithertools.com/shop/ols/products/xn-gunsmither-1022-bolt-bar-lcb7302vsa

 

[prickett]

Is this the tool? View attachment 85609

I have one and it is great.

https://gunsmithertools.com/shop/ols/products/xn-gunsmither-1022-bolt-bar-lcb7302vsa

Yessir. Well worth the money!

 

[prickett]

Sorry, guess I misread the original question.

Either I wasn't clear or everyone saw your response and assumed that is what I was asking. Now everyone answered THAT question!

 

[OneShotRuger]

I have a couple of questions. Did you change any springs while you had it apart like the hammer spring or anything? Also does it have a scope mounted to it? If there is a scope did you confirm the base screws are not to long and touching the bolt causing the issue? Also I have never heard of the bolt insertion tool that you are talking about would have to look at it to see if it might cause and issue.

The Red Dot install
Trapped me. Bolts reached through stopped the bolt.

 

[hittman]

Yeah, I misunderstood the original question too …..

 

[prickett]

The Red Dot install
Trapped me. Bolts reached through stopped the bolt.

Hmm, I did just install a new scope. I'll check that out. Thanks! (BTW, I think this might have bit me once before, albeit years and years ago, too long ago to remember not to do it again).

 

[RugerForMe]

That is a common issue, you learn quickly to check them before you loctite them.