Ruger 10/22 cycling issue

Natertot84 · August 20, 2009, 08:18 PM

A few months ago, I purchased a brand new Ruger 10/22. The first thing I did was clean the barrel and lightly cleaned the receiver area (without disassembly). I then went to the range and put about 100 rounds through it with only one hiccup which was ammo. I had a few other types of ammo on hand and had zero problems with them. After the range time, I went home and disassembled and cleaned the rifle per owners manual guidlines. I then reassembled and dry fired which checked OK. When I took it to the range the next time is when I learned I had an issue. After almost every shot, the bolt sticks to the rear. I have to drop the magazine, the fiddle with the bolt to go forward, reinsert mag and shoot till it occurs again anywhere from 1-3 rounds latter. Did I over lube something or a slight reassembly error? Any help would be great since it is driving me nuts!!!!!!!

DnPRK · August 20, 2009, 09:01 PM

There is a manually activated bolt hold-open in front of the trigger guard beside the safety button. Make sure it isn't hung up.

Natertot84 · August 20, 2009, 10:10 PM

Thanks, I believe it does has something to do with the manual bolt stop. I don't think it is disengaging as it should. Thanks for the step in the right direction!

essohbe · August 20, 2009, 11:08 PM

Hey Natertot84,

Besides the manual hold-open button, make sure the firing pin went back correctly also.
One time it came out of the "slot" it rides in (You'll see what I mean, you can't miss it if you have the assembly out of the reciever) when I was cramming the bolt and spring back in mine after cleaning and it made the bolt stick.

Pahoo · August 21, 2009, 11:39 AM

A few variables here but it all leads to the bolt stop. Next time it hangs open, check it's position. Sounds like it is engaging for whatever reason. These bolt stops don't usually give you a problem in themselves. When you shoot, are you staying clear of it's manual activation? From what you posted, I'm going to assume that you did not drop the trigger housing. The fix shouuld be uncomplicated. Let us know how you make out.

Be Safe !!!!

CortJestir · August 21, 2009, 01:07 PM

Agree with everything that's been said. This should be an easy fix hopefully. I'd go so far as to detail strip the trigger group housing (it's not as hard as it seems!) to look for crud or burrs that may be interfering with the bolt hold-open.

This tutorial page shows you how to install an aftermarket auto-release bolt plate, but in so doing, it will show you how to detail strip down to the factory bolt release plate.

Natertot84 · August 22, 2009, 12:04 PM

I think my issue is that of what essohbee has sugestted. I have played with the manual hold with no improving results. I plan on dissambly tomorrow to reinsert the bolt assembly. I'll probably strip the trigger group and detail clean it as well since it'll be out anyway. I will post the results tomorrow evening. Thanks for all the helps guys. You are all wonderful! -Nate

9x19 · August 22, 2009, 04:19 PM

Also make sure the guide rod is correctly positioned in the recess at the rear of the receiver... if not, it could be binding against the bolt.

Natertot84 · August 23, 2009, 09:13 PM

hey guys, I want to thank everyone for their help. I just got done breaking the rifle down and the issue was quite simple. There is a pin that holds the manual bolt hold lever in place. The pin was partially out of place and stuck at an angle. I used a flat tip screwdriver to realign it and then a brass punch to push it in (without usage of a hammer). Once I reassembled the rifle, I cycled two mags (ten rounds each) through it and not one hiccup. I appreciate the pointers and the fact I didn't have to pay a gunsmith. This means I can go on to purchase a scope for her! Thanks again. -Nate

WetChicken · November 7, 2012, 12:33 PM

The bolt was sticking or not cycling on mine and I realized I had the bolt release spring in backwards making the release protrude above the receiver.

I realize this is an old thread, but it is a top Google result.

johnwilliamson062 · November 7, 2012, 07:31 PM

I had a similar problem the first time I reassembled my 10/22. There is something in the process that is counter-intuitive. I took it down and re-assembled as I watched a youtube video on the subject and it worked fine.

August 20, 2009, 08:18 PM	#1
Natertot84 Junior Member Join Date: August 20, 2009 Posts: 10	Ruger 10/22 cycling issue A few months ago, I purchased a brand new Ruger 10/22. The first thing I did was clean the barrel and lightly cleaned the receiver area (without disassembly). I then went to the range and put about 100 rounds through it with only one hiccup which was ammo. I had a few other types of ammo on hand and had zero problems with them. After the range time, I went home and disassembled and cleaned the rifle per owners manual guidlines. I then reassembled and dry fired which checked OK. When I took it to the range the next time is when I learned I had an issue. After almost every shot, the bolt sticks to the rear. I have to drop the magazine, the fiddle with the bolt to go forward, reinsert mag and shoot till it occurs again anywhere from 1-3 rounds latter. Did I over lube something or a slight reassembly error? Any help would be great since it is driving me nuts!!!!!!!

August 21, 2009, 01:07 PM	#6
CortJestir Senior Member Join Date: July 7, 2008 Location: Southern CT Posts: 1,406	Agree with everything that's been said. This should be an easy fix hopefully. I'd go so far as to detail strip the trigger group housing (it's not as hard as it seems!) to look for crud or burrs that may be interfering with the bolt hold-open. This tutorial page shows you how to install an aftermarket auto-release bolt plate, but in so doing, it will show you how to detail strip down to the factory bolt release plate. __________________ "They have men amongst them who know very well what they are about..." - Lord Hugh Percy, on the events of April 19, 1775 Do you know what you're about? Find out at an Appleseed near you.

August 22, 2009, 04:19 PM	#8
9x19 Senior Member Join Date: October 15, 1998 Location: Sherman, TX USA Posts: 3,750	Also make sure the guide rod is correctly positioned in the recess at the rear of the receiver... if not, it could be binding against the bolt. __________________ Make mine lean, mean, and 9x19!

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August 20, 2009, 09:01 PM	#2
DnPRK Senior Member Join Date: August 24, 2001 Location: LC, Ca Posts: 1,917	There is a manually activated bolt hold-open in front of the trigger guard beside the safety button. Make sure it isn't hung up.

August 20, 2009, 10:10 PM	#3
Natertot84 Junior Member Join Date: August 20, 2009 Posts: 10	Thanks, I believe it does has something to do with the manual bolt stop. I don't think it is disengaging as it should. Thanks for the step in the right direction!

August 20, 2009, 11:08 PM	#4
essohbe Junior member Join Date: March 22, 2009 Location: U.S.A. Posts: 817	Hey Natertot84, Besides the manual hold-open button, make sure the firing pin went back correctly also. One time it came out of the "slot" it rides in (You'll see what I mean, you can't miss it if you have the assembly out of the reciever) when I was cramming the bolt and spring back in mine after cleaning and it made the bolt stick.

August 21, 2009, 11:39 AM	#5
Pahoo Senior Member Join Date: February 16, 2006 Location: IOWA Posts: 8,783	A few variables here but it all leads to the bolt stop. Next time it hangs open, check it's position. Sounds like it is engaging for whatever reason. These bolt stops don't usually give you a problem in themselves. When you shoot, are you staying clear of it's manual activation? From what you posted, I'm going to assume that you did not drop the trigger housing. The fix shouuld be uncomplicated. Let us know how you make out. Be Safe !!!!

August 22, 2009, 12:04 PM	#7
Natertot84 Junior Member Join Date: August 20, 2009 Posts: 10	I think my issue is that of what essohbee has sugestted. I have played with the manual hold with no improving results. I plan on dissambly tomorrow to reinsert the bolt assembly. I'll probably strip the trigger group and detail clean it as well since it'll be out anyway. I will post the results tomorrow evening. Thanks for all the helps guys. You are all wonderful! -Nate

August 23, 2009, 09:13 PM	#9
Natertot84 Junior Member Join Date: August 20, 2009 Posts: 10	hey guys, I want to thank everyone for their help. I just got done breaking the rifle down and the issue was quite simple. There is a pin that holds the manual bolt hold lever in place. The pin was partially out of place and stuck at an angle. I used a flat tip screwdriver to realign it and then a brass punch to push it in (without usage of a hammer). Once I reassembled the rifle, I cycled two mags (ten rounds each) through it and not one hiccup. I appreciate the pointers and the fact I didn't have to pay a gunsmith. This means I can go on to purchase a scope for her! Thanks again. -Nate

November 7, 2012, 12:33 PM	#10
WetChicken Junior Member Join Date: February 2, 2010 Posts: 2	The bolt was sticking or not cycling on mine and I realized I had the bolt release spring in backwards making the release protrude above the receiver. I realize this is an old thread, but it is a top Google result.

November 7, 2012, 07:31 PM	#11
johnwilliamson062 Junior member Join Date: May 16, 2008 Posts: 9,995	I had a similar problem the first time I reassembled my 10/22. There is something in the process that is counter-intuitive. I took it down and re-assembled as I watched a youtube video on the subject and it worked fine.