I've looked for questions relating to this, but not to my specific question (and can't look through all the hundreds of threads here).

I've shot probably 1,000 rds or so through my 15-22 with no problem using mainly CCI standard velocity (1,070 fps). Only recently it has failed to cycle. The last couple shots before it quits you can hear and feel the shots lose velocity.

I haven't modified anything on it, except for cosmetic accessories like grips and such.

I was using a 6 in barrel extension tube (looks like a fake suppressor) to cut down on the noise, not sure if it's had any effect on the action or not. I've stopped using it since the problem.

I've also noticed that the velocity fluctuates using the same ammo. Some shots are much louder than others, some seem to come out with a whimper. Maybe the firing pin is making inconsistent contact with the primer?

Long story short, it's been cycling SV just fine, but now it's not. Just wondering if you guys have any ideas. Many of you are much more knowledgeable than me, I basically like to plink around in the back yard.

I'm not an expert on the 15-22 but my first thought is when was the last time you cleaned it thoroughly? 22LR ammo is dirty (even CCI) and an accumulation of carbon in a semiauto can build up quickly causing problems, especially using standard velocity ammo. Semi auto's can be finnicky when it comes to ammo and a lot of manufacturers recommend HV ammo for reliability.
My suggestion is to clean your rifle thoroughly as recommended in the owners manual and try HV ammo such as CCI Mini-mags.

Couple other thoughts besides cleaning. Have you changed anything on the gun in about the time frame your malfunctions began? You may also have a bad box of ammo, as the difference in feel and sound between shots sounds more like a ammo problem than a gun problem?

Larry

Actually, I clean my guns almost every time after shooting. I've eliminated that as a possibility. It only acts up when shooting the lower velocity (standard cci, but almost subsonic). I have several different brands, I'll try switching it up a little. It just bugs me that it's shot sv so well for so long.

I thoroughly cleaned it last night, was surprised how much fouling I got out. I'm planning on using different types of sv ammo and see if it helps. I pretty much only have CCI left, but it's a lot. I can use it on my other .22 if it comes down to it. My friend sent in a S&W 5.7 to be repaired, and they told him it's about 6-8 weeks wait time. I'd rather go another route.
There's some aftermarket firing pins that look much beefier than the stock one, thinking of upgrading even if it's not the problem.

A guy on another board was having trouble with his AR-ish .22 fouling out and requiring frequent thorough cleaning.
I put him onto MiniMags and he said that helped but did not cure it.
So I put him onto Flexhone which smoothed the chamber to where he can get through a Steel Challenge shoot.

So if you want to get the use from your SV, try cleaning it very well very often.

My personal impressions are that these plinking style guns are designed for optimal function with the cheap commonly available high velocity ammo. CCI mini mag is sort of the default go to for function checking these guns. I am pretty happy with CCI AR tactical as well, but even starting with a clean gun, had a couple malfunctions out of mine at a recent steel challenge match.

Unfortunately quality at CCI seems to be slipping recently, and if the ammo you are using came out of a more recent production lot, it would be my first suspect for functioning issues.

Mine will not cycle properly with ANY Standard Velocity ammo. If I remember correctly, Even the S&W manual specifically states that you may have to try different ammo if you experience issues with a particular brand. I have found that ammo with gummy lube requires me to clean the chamber and bolt face more often.

What was mystifying me was the fact that mine has always ran through CCI SV with no problem. I don't think I've ever had a legitimate FTE, FTF, or anything like that that wasn't related to a few 35 Round Plinker Tactical mags I have. Generally speaking, they perform pretty well though.

I just got through emptying three mags of various ammo types including standard velocity, with no problems at all. I think I just ran across some bad ammo, plus the fact I don't think I was cleaning my rifle well enough.

I appreciate their replies guys, I may concentrate more on shooting higher velocity ammo. Some of the CCI standard I have left I can shoot in my Rossi RS 22. The 15-22 is a special rifle to me, I have thoroughly enjoyed shooting it over the years. I'm also enjoying the forum here and look forward to learning more from you guys.

I put about 200 rounds through my 15-22 every week, mostly CCI SV. The chamber does accumulate a carbon ring that can cause malfunctions. I give the rifle a good cleaning every week starting by putting a brake cleaner soaked gun cleaning q-tip in the chamber to soften the carbon. This is followed by brushing the chamber with a 25 cal brush. Even this doesn’t remove all of the carbon so I hit it with the Flexhone every couple of months. By following this cleaning regimen I keep my 15-22 100% reliable.

Cleaning should include the recoil spring and the guide rod. Then 1-2 drops of good gun oil. I use Lucas Extreme Duty Gun Oil.

Got home from the range today. Fired 75 rounds of CCI Standard Velocity. No problem cycling. Began cleaning the rifle focusing on the bolt. Pushed the guide rail assembly running along the sides of the bolt to clean the bolt guide rod and spring. I noticed the movement of the guide rail assembly running along the sides of the bolt seemed gritty. Found a video on line to dissemble and clean the bolt. Removed the guide rail assembly running along the sides of the bolt, could not believe the gritty crud in the bolt channels under the guide rails. Could not reach it with Q tips and CLP. Put the bolt, recoil spring and recoil spring guide rod in a sonic cleaner with Simple Green for 15 minutes. Rinsed all in clear water, dried all. Reassembled. Two drops of Lucas Extreme Duty Gun Oil on the Recoil Spring Guide Rod. Reassembled the rifle. WOW! What great easy cycle action of the bolt now. Suggest cleaning those bolt guide channels and rails if you are having cycling issues.

The 15-22 will not cycle SV ammo reliably...read the manual!

My manual has no statement not to use SV ammo. It does say not to use CCI stingers. If you have a scanner, please scan the page in your manual that says that and post it for all to view.

I have fired over 1000 rds of CCI SV ammo. Absolutely no problems cycling. Penny sizes groups at 25 yds.

Had the same issues with Standard Velocity, CCI Blazer has been the one that makes mine run like a well oiled Singer Sewing Machine, clean it and try some Blazer !!