FTE issue with new 15-22

I dropped the rifle off at the Fed Ex store today.

I called S&W and told them the issue and they immediately asked if I'd bent the ejector towards the ejection port and to give that a try. It only had a half mm or so between the ejector and bolt but bent it the rest of the way, no difference.

Got some 1k grit sandpaper and polished the bolt rails and made sure they were straight and flat. Bolt now slides like butter but still no change. Had 5-6 FTE in 50 rounds today.

I give up. This is the 5th gun I've ever owned and the 3rd that's had to go back for issues out of the box. I just have terrible luck with 'em.
 
rweller68: Couple of questions:1) What is a chamber indicator? You mean a flag? Send your address I send you some. 2) 2 wks-4 wks is really the same time frame in case an employee are ill, holidays, etc. If this was a duty weapon they do try to get it done faster but 4 wks is not bad. 3) Call them and ask what the problem was, if no answer move to next supervisor till you get a reasonable answer. 4) No free mag?? Did THEY say they were sending a free mag?? If so let them know that you did not receive it, if you were expecting it because you "had" to send your gun in, you may be out of luck.

As for "problems" with new guns- S&W certainly does not have a monopoly. but just a few examples- I sold a 29 to purchase a 629- first day at the range with myself and 2 other shooters it would not hit a 12" X 12" target, and missed the 3' X 4' target backing with most of the 50 rds. Not a shooter or ammo issue- 5 months till they figured out that the frame was drilled off center 1994, Kimber gold match II - rear sight blade fell out at 25 rds, it had to be returned overnight at owners cost, 2 weeks, first range day-30 rds, rear sight left to oblivion-1200$ gun in 2002, Sig 226 9mm -15 rds, broken extractor-1 month, Mossberg 500 the barrel was not fully machined, would not fit, heritage 22/22 mag 10 foot pattern looked like a shotgun pattern, Benneli SBE 1 - jamming, failure to load from mag. Just a list of firearms that I owned/ sold that had problems out of the box. Price was not the determining factor- mechanical parts put together by humans do not always work! Just saying it could be worse. Be Safe,
 
Hello everybody;
I recently purchased a 15-22 and had similar issues: FTE about every 5-10 rounds, very frustrating. I read this forum and did a few things like polish the rails, etc. No help. So I sent it back to S&W.

I can report very good results. S&W was very responsive, immediately provided me with a shipping label, etc. Less than two weeks later, it was back! The included documentation said they adjusted the extractor, replaced the ejector, and a couple of other things (tightened the barrel nut).

Took it to the range last night - absolutely flawless! 0 FTE in ~200 rounds.

I was using Federal Auto Match ammo. The rounds last night were from literally the same box that I was using when it was malfunctioning. Interestingly, S&W included a copy of the two lists in the instruction manual of the ammo to use and the ammo not to use, highlighted. However, I really do *not* think it was the ammo in this case.

Thanks to this forum for helping me with the issue and I hope this helps someone else.
 
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bhoke1 said:
Interestingly, S&W included a copy of the two lists in the instruction manual of the ammo to use and the ammo not to use, highlighted.
Click to expand...

Just a comment ...

Those lists are five years old and have never been revised. They were made when S&W was having OBB problems and blaming the problem on particular brands of ammo.

The lists are essentially useless, IMHO, today because most ammo brands aren't even on either list. Also, the list says "not recommended", not "do not use." :)
 
I would like to see a definitive guide to the importance or not of how to check, do something and look after the MP15-22. Which should include the following

1. How should the magazines be loaded - method - how important that is. Should you load 22 rounds and not the full 25 etc?
2. Which ammo doesn't work and which does - this may well reflect S&W guidelines or not. This should talk about subsonic, standard and high velocity rounds and their issues.
3. How much lube, type and where to apply to use after cleaning
4. The relevance to stripping down the bolt and cleaning the pin and the extractor.
5. How much does a dirty ramp and chamber effect any FTE issues
6. The slide guides and spring and issues to watch out for
7. Is there a bedding in period where it works better after?
8. Does the rifle like fast firing or does that lead to more issues?

Basically a list based on real experience and how it effects the efficiency of firing the MP15-22.

Now I bought mine recently (2014 new) and on the first outing it was super reliable on about 400 rounds. Then I cleaned and lubed it and it had quite a few FTE or at least jammed rounds in the eject port and/or bent lead noses.

The rifle is good and it can shoot well but some people have been disappointed so to keep the MP15-22 on a high note and keep everyone happy I would be keen to see some MP15-22 fans go to town on these issues and generate a real picture of what is and isn't necessary with the rifle.
 
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tramblygoat said:
Basically a list based on real experience and how it effects the efficiency of firing the MP15-22.
.
Click to expand...

My opinions for what they are worth :)
1. How should the magazines be loaded - method - how important that is. Should you load 22 rounds and not the full 25 etc?
A-Loaded with ammo...haha. Seriously, i just load them use the assist button to help guide the round in with downward force from the thumb placing the round in, try to make sure that they are staggered...pull down on the load assist to make sure that the rounds are seated well....load all 25.

2. Which ammo doesn't work and which does - this may well reflect S&W guidelines or not. This should talk about subsonic, standard and high velocity rounds and their issues.
A- I found ammo that my 15-22 likes and is readily available, because i shoot comps with mine i stick to one brand of ammo, because changing ammo, changes POI and the ammo i use is relatively clean for a 22lr.

3. How much lube, type and where to apply to use after cleaning.
A- VERY LITTLE...i use a gun oil ( light viscous mineral oil) ONLY on the bolt rails just enough to see and then i wipe it over with a tissue to clean of that excess and a smaller, minuscule amount on the extractor pin? every once in a while.

4. The relevance to stripping down the bolt and cleaning the pin and the extractor.
A-If you use a particularly dirty brand of ammo, then this will apply more...i generally clean the bolt face/recess and blow air into the firing pin, and remove any gunk after every range trip anything from 50 to 300 rounds, but i enjoy the process, its like a cool down after exercise. :) plus you get to know how it works.

5. How much does a dirty ramp and chamber effect any FTE issues
A- i would say yes it does, or it doesn't help but i cannot remember the last FTE i experienced. my main issue is FTF which are usually ammo related.

6. The slide guides and spring and issues to watch out for
A- Short of losing the spring not a great deal, regarding the guide rails, keep a check and stop them sustaining any damage while cleaning, ie dropping them, bent rails are a big issue. Short of that just enjoy that tuning fork sound as you apply a tiny bit of oil.....pinggggggggggggg.

7. Is there a bedding in period where it works better after?
A-As with anything a little time to allow for comfort and familiarity and your relationship will blossom.

8. Does the rifle like fast firing or does that lead to more issues?
A- As long as you work the trigger properly then i find i can shoot fast, mag after mag, with no issues. In fact i think that the stock trigger, even with the lighter springs cannot go as fast as i can, hence the reason im looking to swap out for a faster lighter pull trigger. Then see what she can really do.

That is what i would answer if my dad wanted to know :)

Basically a list based on real experience and how it effects the efficiency of firing the MP15-22.
 
A thanks for those opinions

Clearly it is not necessary to be manic with the MP15-22 to achieve the good results we like - some threads would suggest otherwise... I agree

Thanks GhostMutt.....

GhostMutt said:
My opinions for what they are worth :)
1. How should the magazines be loaded - method - how important that is. Should you load 22 rounds and not the full 25 etc?
A-Loaded with ammo...haha. Seriously, i just load them use the assist button to help guide the round in with downward force from the thumb placing the round in, try to make sure that they are staggered...pull down on the load assist to make sure that the rounds are seated well....load all 25.

2. Which ammo doesn't work and which does - this may well reflect S&W guidelines or not. This should talk about subsonic, standard and high velocity rounds and their issues.
A- I found ammo that my 15-22 likes and is readily available, because i shoot comps with mine i stick to one brand of ammo, because changing ammo, changes POI and the ammo i use is relatively clean for a 22lr.

3. How much lube, type and where to apply to use after cleaning.
A- VERY LITTLE...i use a gun oil ( light viscous mineral oil) ONLY on the bolt rails just enough to see and then i wipe it over with a tissue to clean of that excess and a smaller, minuscule amount on the extractor pin? every once in a while.

4. The relevance to stripping down the bolt and cleaning the pin and the extractor.
A-If you use a particularly dirty brand of ammo, then this will apply more...i generally clean the bolt face/recess and blow air into the firing pin, and remove any gunk after every range trip anything from 50 to 300 rounds, but i enjoy the process, its like a cool down after exercise. :) plus you get to know how it works.

5. How much does a dirty ramp and chamber effect any FTE issues
A- i would say yes it does, or it doesn't help but i cannot remember the last FTE i experienced. my main issue is FTF which are usually ammo related.

6. The slide guides and spring and issues to watch out for
A- Short of losing the spring not a great deal, regarding the guide rails, keep a check and stop them sustaining any damage while cleaning, ie dropping them, bent rails are a big issue. Short of that just enjoy that tuning fork sound as you apply a tiny bit of oil.....pinggggggggggggg.

7. Is there a bedding in period where it works better after?
A-As with anything a little time to allow for comfort and familiarity and your relationship will blossom.

8. Does the rifle like fast firing or does that lead to more issues?
A- As long as you work the trigger properly then i find i can shoot fast, mag after mag, with no issues. In fact i think that the stock trigger, even with the lighter springs cannot go as fast as i can, hence the reason im looking to swap out for a faster lighter pull trigger. Then see what she can really do.

That is what i would answer if my dad wanted to know :)

Basically a list based on real experience and how it effects the efficiency of firing the MP15-22.
Click to expand...
 
Repair report:
My unit was having FTE about 1-3 times per 25 round magazine. Tried adjusting the ejector as much as possible, cleaning, lots of lube, almost no lube, every brand ammo I could get my hands on, no change.

Gave it to Fed Ex on March 4, S&W received it on the 9th, sent it back on the 12th and I got it today, the 17th. Just under 2 weeks turnaround including shipping.

The paperwork says they adjusted the ejector, fired 30 rounds and could not duplicate. I can see no difference in the ejector so am not sure how it was adjusted but whatever they did seemed to do the trick. Went through around 150-200 rounds today without a single hiccup.

So tonight I get to do a thorough cleaning and put all my kit back on it.
 
tramblygoat: GhostMutt is spot on with what he said, just a few additions. On stock 15-22's, Ammo- Standard/HV Fed/win/cci/rem have all worked with out problems, accuracy has varied slightly between the 4 guns- For hunting it would not matter, serious Target I would find the one that is most accurate. Rem subsonics and CCI quiet fired from 16.5" barrel without a suppressor generally will not cycle completely ( they extract/eject but do not reload) , with a can they are about 75% function with CCI quiet being the better. Lube: I use Tuf-Glide because it works for me, it will not freeze( at least not at -35 F), drys without oily feel, does not attract as much dirt as other silicone lubes I used. 22lr are "dirtier" then centerfires, I give the 15-22's no greater attention than Ruger 10-22's. I clean the bore, chamber, lube lightly, I usually go 1K before cleaning, +/- depending on ammo, temp, weather. I have removed the bolts except when teaching someone about the gun. Bottom line if it gets dirty enough it will stop. The few I have tried with a slide fire will fire faster than I can without the slidefire. Time? Have not timed it, there are many u-tube videos you could time. Great inexpensive gun,accurate for what it is, mine have all worked well. If you check some of the threads that start off with I replaced, X,Y,Z parts, before ever firing it and they are having problems, I do not blame the gun. At the same time, I have seen a few high end firearms with problems out of the box, but they are isolated incidents which can be resolved. I would not run over it with a Hummer or throw it from a roof/plane, but my wife and I do shoot them often!! Be Safe,
 
FTE feedback

Thanks, for that Vipermd. I am always pleased to hear from others and their views/methods. It would appear that the MP15-22s that work well will work well even when 'quite' dirty. Troublesome MP15-22's on the other hand will have issues even if the owner tries lots of things cleaning/lube/ammo types etc.

I have several sound supressors but they were not 1/2x28 thread. I recently bought a new one (ASE Ultra if anyone is interested) for the MP15-22 but haven't had a lot of time to experiment with it. I think I will be trying it out a bit more with CCI standard as they are subsonic anyway and I can get a good deal on them.


It just remains to be seen if anyone knows what magic S&W perform on the rifles of those the owners return to the factory to have 'fixed' ?
 
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tramblygoat: The ASE Ultra is that a Dual rimfire/ S-series/Jet-z? A friend had a TRG-42 338 Lapua and I could not get BR-Tuote imported and sell it to him as a civilian (only LE/Military) on imported cans??
I have been fortunate with my 15-22's, minimal maintenance, always suppressed. Had a Remington 100 12 ga that would not run for me. I tore it down multiple times, finally took it to my gunsmith, who said there was nothing wrong with it. He shot a few rounds of sporting clays, my wife could shoot it ( light 2 3/4-3" mag) everything worked, sold it, I told the purchaser it's/my history, 3 yrs later he has never had any malfunctions?? VOODOO?? Other 1100 's I have had, never had a problem. So I often wonder if the shooter could be doing something "odd", pushing mag sideways, pressing safety, etc, since they send them to mother ship and they work fine afterward, very confusing and distressing since most of the people are exercising great care in maintenance and still have problems. It would be nice to know what the "magic" is. Be Safe,
 
I purchased the ASE Ultra 'Dual rimfire'. It has a good shape that works well with the S&W lines and it has a matt finish like the barrel. They claim it's the best on the market (don't they all). There is a video on Youtube showing a guy testing one. I tried it at the range but not at home yet - if I take my ear plugs to check it out someone is sure to fire some large calibre beast at the same time.

When I'm next home I'll get some photos added - I'm stuck in Norway for the next 4 weeks...........

I think the magic formula will eventually surface and then everyone can enjoy their MP15-22 without all the 'voodoo' as you call it. I don't understand why mine was 100% perfect for the first 400 rounds (I had cleaned off the factory gunk before even firing my first shot, then really unreliable and then decent again. I will get a 1000 rounds through it and then see again how it works. I stripped mine down and only very, very lightly lubed the rails, that was it. I'm not sure though but I'm suspicious of the feed ramp.
Anyone friendly with Smith could let us all know what is what........
 
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Recently purchased a 15-22 but haven't had a chance to shoot it yet. After reading all the problems with FTE I am thinking of just sending it back to S&W and let them verify it works since it appears they don't do that as a quality control issue before shipping. Actually after reading everyone's FTF, FTE etc I have lost my enthusiasm for this rifle even before pulling the trigger for the first time. I have never had this happen before with any other gun....Tell me I'm over reacting.
 
The worried shooter

....Tell me I'm over reacting.[/QUOTE said:
Yes you're over reacting.

I bought my MP15-22 and I'm very happy with it despite 'mild' annoying issues. All 22LR semi-autos have issues. The S&W is MUCH better at dealing with the dirty 22LR/lack of blow-back than many others out there.
Many owners have no or almost no issues with their MP15's.
Those that are happy will not be posting as they are busy and those that have issues post. It's the same everywhere in life 'poor flight service', 'poor car reliability' etc. If you are happy you just get on with using the item.

Now you are in the USA and so are S&W. So give that rifle a clean to get the factory protection oil of it, then a 'very light' lube on the rails. Then go and shoot the hell out of it with CCI standards (my recommendation) and see what happens.

If you get issues that are beyond acceptable then send it back to S&W and 'apparently' they will get any issues sorted. Failing that, sell it and buy another until you get one that is perfect - lots of people are happy with theirs.

I live in Europe so sending my rifle back may result in a L.O.N.G wait so I have to look at getting any issues sorted with the good help of the decent folk here on the forum.

Get the gun cleaned and shot at least - S&W might not take you seriously if you send back a rifle that they will see has never been used.
Click to expand...
 
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peterdeb said:
Recently purchased a 15-22 but haven't had a chance to shoot it yet. After reading all the problems with FTE I am thinking of just sending it back to S&W and let them verify it works since it appears they don't do that as a quality control issue before shipping. Actually after reading everyone's FTF, FTE etc I have lost my enthusiasm for this rifle even before pulling the trigger for the first time. I have never had this happen before with any other gun....Tell me I'm over reacting.
Click to expand...

You're joking, right? You've never shot the rifle and you've determined it needs to go back to S&W to be checked out???? Over reacting is not the word I'd use, but I'll let that pass.

Yes, every rifle is test fired before leaving the factory. No manufacturer would do otherwise. Even the most cursory inspection will show evidence of firing. Keep in mind people come to forums like this to COMPLAIN, not say everything is hunky-dory. I have bought THREE 15-22s and every one of them has been trouble free. My personal firearm has something over 15k through it with no problems that can't be traced to operator error or some other two-bit cause. The other two belong to my grandsons and perform just a nicely as mine does, albeit with fewer rounds through them.

This will sound harsh, but instead of weeping and wailing, SHOOT THE RIFLE!!! Put a couple of thousand rounds through it and then see if you have anything to complain about. :D
 
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Whatever you do DO NOT SHOOT IT, it will only lead to fun and enjoyment. If I were you I would send it back, but i would put the wrong shipping label on it to increase your waiting time until your first shot and thereby increasing the obvious frustration that this gun has so far caused you. If you really are at the end of your tether then take Jim up on his offer. :eek:
 
peterdeb said:
Recently purchased a 15-22 but haven't had a chance to shoot it yet. After reading all the problems with FTE I am thinking of just sending it back to S&W and let them verify it works since it appears they don't do that as a quality control issue before shipping. Actually after reading everyone's FTF, FTE etc I have lost my enthusiasm for this rifle even before pulling the trigger for the first time. I have never had this happen before with any other gun....Tell me I'm over reacting.
Click to expand...

YES!... you're over reacting! I just bought a new 15-22 and put 100+ rounds through it yesterday without a single issue. Worked like I expected! Before purchasing this rifle, everything I read said it eats everything fed into it... guess I was reading the wrong post.....
 
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