10/22 feeding and extraction problems :(

[PSLguy]

Installed a Kidd bull barrel and stock as well as a trigger, mag release and bolt handle upgrade on my very old and previously reliable 10/22.

Immediately began to have issues with extraction and the occasional double feed. Maybe one out of every 5-10 rounds. So, last week I replaced the OEM extractor with a Kidd extractor.

Took the gun out yesterday and now it won't fire more than 2 rounds before I get extraction or double feed issues. On three occasions, the empty casing was stuck in the bolt when I pulled the bolt handle back. Locked the bolt back and had to use needle nose pliers to pry it out. It was held in place on the bolt face by the extractor. Once it did the same thing but with a live round.

When I replaced the extractor I cleaned the bolt and gun well so that's not the issue. I tried running it dry, damp, then wet. No change.

Any ideas on what the heck the trouble is?

Reason I chose this particular barrel is that they claim that their chamber tolerances are a bit looser than some other custom barrels making it easier for the gun to shoot non-match ammo.

[ojisan]

Sounds like there may be a few issues.
- extractor tension is too tight
- mags may be pushed sideways if the cavity for the mag in the stock is not even or the action is not fitting evenly in the stock.
- mag release spring tension may be too low...these springs do need a replacement once in a while, particularly if you are using heavier than stock mags, like bananas or drums.
- what kind of mags are you using? Some locate and / or feed higher or lower than others.

I don't know your location, if local, I can check it out for you.

[Gem1950]

Ejector installed correctly? In good condition?

[ojisan]

^Usually if the ejector is flipped backwards, the trigger group is hard to install and the bolt won't move.
Could be that it is upside down, I haven't ever tried this, I'm not sure the mag will go in far enough to lock in if this is the case.
I agree the ejector should be looked at too, but if it is assembled and installed correctly it should not be an issue.

[Occams Rasor]

I you tried different ammo? Most of the aftermarket barrel chambers are tighter that the standard factory barrels, even thought you mentioned Kidds are a little lose compared to others, probably still tighter than stock barrel.

[Thorax]

MAKE SURE that the extractor groove in the barrel is aligned with the extractor on the bolt.

If it's not perfect it won't work right.

I see this all the time, easy fix, loosen, rotate, tighten.

[PSLguy]

Thanks for all the responses. The extracor is installed correctly. It really only goes in one way. They send along a new spring for the extractor so that was replaced too. To answer some of the other questions:

Ammo was Federall 555 box and CCI Mini Mags. Same symptoms
Mags were new Ruger 10 rounder and some old 25 roundsrs. Same symptoms
25 round mags were a bit wobbly in the magwell, so I'll check that.
Mag release spring is original, so probably 15-20 years old or older.

When I get home I'll check to see if the extractor groove in barrel is aligned with extractor on bolt. If it isn't aligned, what do I loosen and rotate? Barrel? I hope not as it was not a slide in fit with the new barrel. It had to be encouraged with light whacks from a mallet.

[FeuerFrei]

OP
I would change back to the old barrel with all the upgrades still in place to re-test.
The tighter chamber on the new barrel may be too tight.
The barrel swap should point you in the right direction anyhow. Easy work.
Mag have been 100% ?
Time to back track amigo!

[Thorax]

It had to be encouraged with light whacks from a mallet.

Ohh bad show mate.

take the whole thing apart and just stick the barrel and receiver in the freezer....twiddle your thumbs for a good 2 hours and then try to rotate it (this is with the V block and bolts removed of course).

[FiremanBob]

The ejector is not the extractor. The symptom you describe - case still stuck to bolt when bolt is locked back, can only happen when the ejector (part of the trigger group) is not correctly seated in its slot in the front of the trigger group housing.

I wrote a blog article about exactly this situation which happened to a friend and former student: https://1022companion.wordpress.com/...stery-theater/

[AceGirlsHusband]

Does that Kidd bull bbl have a Bentz chamber? And if it does, are you having these problems with hypervelocity rounds (such as Stingers)?

[PSLguy]

The ejector is not the extractor. The symptom you describe - case still stuck to bolt when bolt is locked back, can only happen when the ejector (part of the trigger group) is not correctly seated in its slot in the front of the trigger group housing.

I wrote a blog article about exactly this situation which happened to a friend and former student: https://1022companion.wordpress.com/...stery-theater/

This was it, but with a twist. There is another way that a case can stick to a bolt.

That would be when the bonehead doing the reassembly completely forgets to install the ejector!!!!!!

Had to double facepalm that one as one didn't seem like enough.

Thanks for all the help.

[FiremanBob]

Missing entirely counts as not properly seated. Glad you found the problem and fixed it. I bet you will never forget it again. Here's a tip: If you put a small bit of electrical tape on the side of the ejector, it will tighten the fit in the slot and keep it in place as you install the trigger group.