Hey guys, I need some help w/ my +30 year old Ruger 10/22 in 22 LR. It is now misfiring more than it's firing; that's NOT a good problem to have w/ prime time for squirrel hunting w/ a dog right around the corner. The firing pin mark on the brass is VERY faint. Do you think it's a worn firing pin or possibly something else? How can I tell what the problem is? Thanks for the help. Gary T.

It could be the hammer spring, a build up of dirt and debris or it could be the ammo. Are you using CCI stuff? If so try a different brand. Unless the gun is beat, I find the bulk of .22 LR misfires can be traced to dirt or ammo.

quote:

Originally posted by Gary T:
Hey guys, I need some help w/ my +30 year old Ruger 10/22 in 22 LR. It is now misfiring more than it's firing; that's NOT a good problem to have w/ prime time for squirrel hunting w/ a dog right around the corner. The firing pin mark on the brass is VERY faint. Do you think it's a worn firing pin or possibly something else? How can I tell what the problem is? Thanks for the help. Gary T.

Like Westpac said, pull it all apart & do a complete cleaning

Gary -

Be sure to clean the extractor groove that is cut in the breech end of the barrel. This can fill up with burned powder and hinder extraction, possibly preventing full bolt closure as well.

You might want to check out RimfireCentral.com - the forum has lots of 10/22-specific info (some worthwhile...). There is a way of "pinning" your firing pin so that it is held in better proximity, and you should check the headspace on your bolt. These are explained in detail on the website.

Hope this helps!

1 shot has given you good advice. RimfireCentral.com has helped me with a number of 10/22 problems.

Hey guys, I'm GUILTY of making this problem more complicated than needed. Took the action apart, gave it a very thorough cleaning, put it back together, and then ran 3 magaines through it (3 different brands of ammo, including some cheapie stuff) as fast a I could pull the trigger, w/o a misfire. I really like the rimfirecentral website, although the name has changed (www.ruger22.com) and most of the gunsmithing areas are under construction. Looking forward to going squirrel hunting SOON. Thanks again, Gary T.