M&P 15-22 - Potential Issue

[Fizz]

Took the 15-22 out to the range and observed something when extending the stock (Magpul MOE) to return to storage that I never have before. The bolt was locked back and went forward when the stock was extended.

Locked the bolt back again, collapsed the stock and extended again. Same thing. Doing it intentionally softly doesn't do anything.

Locked the bolt, extended the stock and smacked the butt on the carpet. Bolt forward.

If I add an empty magazine, the mag follower assists with keeping the bolt caught, no issue. However, I can get auto-forwards in the otherwise the same, aforementioned scenarios with a loaded mag.

Can someone try this out on their 15-22 and let me know. I'm not overly concerned about it, but if it's not a common thing I'll send it back to S&W for a look.

Tangential comment: Maybe this is a S&W "Feature" like how auto-forward M&P Pistols will enter battery if a magazine is inserted quickly. - Had an M&P .40 that did it like clock work when mags were inserted.

[penguin0123]

My centerfire AR does that too.

Using ECEF coordinates, when you hit the stock is that the inertia keeps the bolt in the same place while the entire rifle moves forward. This takes pressure off the bolt hold open and it releases under spring pressure; same effect as if you withdrew the bolt manually via CH. Thus the bolt closes.

[Garv]

Did not happen to mine.

Tried it on fire and safe twice.

[Fizz]

My centerfire AR does that too.

Using ECEF coordinates, when you hit the stock is that the inertia keeps the bolt in the same place while the entire rifle moves forward. This takes pressure off the bolt hold open and it releases under spring pressure; same effect as if you withdrew the bolt manually via CH. Thus the bolt closes.

I get that, but light taps from extending a poly-stock and butt-smacks shouldn't be enough to overcome the spring/friction to cause a bolt close.

I'm thinking it may be a sign that the recoil spring is shot, since I suspect it's the primary force for forcing the bolt to rest against the catch.

[Fizz]

Did not happen to mine.

Tried it on fire and safe twice.

With or without mag?

[Fizz]

Able to reproduce issue on my centerfire AR, but only when collapsing the stock. Butt smacks do it as well.

Going to say this is probably non-issue and is inherent to the design, just never noticed before.

[penguin0123]

Able to reproduce issue on my centerfire AR, but only when collapsing the stock. Butt smacks do it as well.

Going to say this is probably non-issue and is inherent to the design, just never noticed before.

Mine only does it if I slam the buttstock with a good whack. You're right, the buffer spring is the spring in question. I'm running a vltor A5 with rifle length spring.

[Redneck Geek]

Able to reproduce issue on my centerfire AR, but only when collapsing the stock. Butt smacks do it as well.

Going to say this is probably non-issue and is inherent to the design, just never noticed before.

Mine all do it too. I asked my neighbor (retired USMC Shooting Instructor) about it. I figured he'd know. He said if the bolt DOESN'T move with a smack, time to clean.

[Bobby Ricigliano]

Likely the same reason my M&P 9mm (and others) willdrop the side on a full mag if you give it a good smack into the mag well.

[Fizz]

Likely the same reason my M&P 9mm (and others) willdrop the side on a full mag if you give it a good smack into the mag well.

Yeap, I had an M&P pistol that did that. This is the .22lr AR-style rifle from S&W and given there symptoms I imagine inserting the mag hard enough would do the same thing.

[Garv]

With or without mag?

I just did it empty since that was the starting concern.

Just tried with mag. both ways, stays put still.

[Bobby Ricigliano]

Yeap, I had an M&P pistol that did that. This is the .22lr AR-style rifle from S&W and given there symptoms I imagine inserting the mag hard enough would do the same thing.

Yes, I have a 15-22, what a great plinker. I don't recall that with the rifle, but with the M&P pistol it just made for slightly faster reloads.

[Fizz]

I just did it empty since that was the starting concern.

Just tried with mag. both ways, stays put still.

Curious.

[MarikinaMan]

that is the least of your problems.

reports coming in that sales are stopped. that the rifle is defective. that it fires out of battery and it goes will unload the mag out of control

http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/09/24/smith-wessons-most-popular-rifle-has-a-big-problem.aspx