15-22 Cleaning - Don't Do What I did!

[VaTom]

I have had my 15-22 for 7 years. Took it to the National Forest range today along with my Marlin Golden 39A, S&W Model 15 and a Ruger SR22. Great day here in SW Virginia to be outside.

While cleaning the bolt of the 15-22 it slipped out of my hand (had sprayed it with CLP) and dropped on the garage floor. Picked it up and the recoil guide rod had popped out of it's slot at the rear and the spring was gone. No other visible damage to the bolt. Got the flashlight out and on my hands and knees and looked under the mowers, shelves, etc. for about 30 minutes. Had given up the search and figured it would eventually show up , hopefully not stepped on or run over by the lawn tractor.

Looked over and saw it about 15 feet away on a rug by the door not where I thought it would have gone. Glad I wasn't outdoors. Put back together and good to go!!

 

[Sixgun_jjr]

After seeing others do this, I thought this puzzling
UNTIL I did it myself.

It takes a split second of an almost perfect grip to
suddenly hear the sound of this spring taking off.

Smith will send ya one, AND spares can be purchased.

There is a video that shows working with the bolt
inside a zip lock or a box... which is my NEW procedure!

Mine is still missing, but have two 15-22's so I am
not deprived...

YMMV

 

[dmthomp32]

While not a 15-22, I had a similar experience disassembling one of my S&W revolvers. Tiny little spring that holds the cylinder latch closed. I spent two days scouring my garage floor, I even attempted to make a magnetic broom. Never found it, ordered a new spring, etc. Nearly six months later, I somehow stumble upon that lost spring like it had just fallen out of my pocket.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[lihpster]

Don't ask me why I have 2-3 extra guide rod plugs for a 1911.

 

[PowderMeasure]

Great tips on cleaning precautions, and great idea about getting a spare. Reminds me of cleaning my S&W 1911 and the barrel bushing rocket.

I have still to build up a list of spare parts for my new 15-22 (along with tools).

 

[waffles]

I have a notebook with my gun cleaning stuff. Any part that I lose for a minute or launches across the room I jot down and order a couple extras when I'm doing my next numrich or midway order. Most of these parts are pretty cheap, and its saved me the heartbreak of missed range days when a spring goes to the great shag carpet in the sky.

 

[strobro32]

Another good reason for multiple 15-22s. Order parts, scavenge or use other 15-22 to never miss a range trip.

 

[Sixgun_jjr]

its saved me the heartbreak of missed range days when a spring goes to the great shag carpet in the sky.

The force is strong with this one I think...

 

[gwpercle]

A indoor-outdoor section of commerical grade carpet ...or rug or runner ... placed along the length of your workbench helps when things drop ... at least they don't smack bare concrete and can help cushion the blow .
Rubber backed carpet / mat / runner tend to stay put and if indoor - outdoor you can hose them clean out on the driveway .
I've dropped more than a few things myself !
Gary

 

[Rclark28]

The very first time I inspected and cleaned my S&W15-22 the recoil guide rod had slipped down and the spring launched. Spent several hours to finally locate it hung up on the drapes to the window. Lesson learned I hope and I ordered a spare for good measure.
*At least 12 hours spent search each inch of the room to find it UP and hung on curtain. Not good...

 

[Eric300]

*Ping*, *Tick-Tick*, *Poof*. I hate when that happens....

 

[Kp321]

Another good reason for multiple 15-22s. Order parts, scavenge or use other 15-22 to never miss a range trip.

Also known as a”hot spare”. All warmed up and ready to run. My philosophy exactly.

 

[Sixgun_jjr]

Years ago I was a forum owner, and one of so many things
I thought made a post incomplete was to >not< mention where
or what part number and vendor the solution was at.

Sure most internet users can search with the best of them,
but just in case...

Smith & Wesson M&P15-22 Recoil Spring: MGW
https://www.midwestgunworks.com/mm5/#mz-expanded-view-21216080794

 

[jimbo728]

My cat found my part lauches! no kidding.
Plugs springs screws.
Jim

 

[mikerjf]

Last summer a ball bearing made it from the dining room to the far side of the kitchen... even tho it was essentially dropped straight down onto carpet!

 

[Zamani]

Thanks for this. Don,t think i'll ever try it though

 

[skywag]

Dr Atwood, my dentist, made all his own gold crowns in his basement. One time he dropped one and spent hours looking for it and it never showed up.

Finally, he found it. It had dropped into the cuff of his pants.

 

[Timb27]

I bolt bolt

Hello all this is my first time in the forum I have a s&w I bolt while I was setting my scope I had several rounds misfire went deer hunting and same thing I snapped 4 shells and none of them fired so I need to take the bolt apart and clean it any suggestions on how it comes apart

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

In such cases a long handled magnet or a shop vac works wonders.