Help Please! definite bolt problem

[keyvisuals]

I posted yesterday that I bought a used 15/22 and that the charging handle felt a little "rough" when I pulled it back. It also didn't seem to go all the way forward when I released it. The general consensus was to give it a good cleaning. So I am in the process of doing it now and I've found what you'll see below.

The bolt doesn't really want to go all the way back, it's hard to slide back & forth and it wont slide off the front of the rails

Help! What do I do?

 

[keyvisuals]

So how do I fix it? Can I buy replacement parts?

 

[Maddmax]

So how do I fix it? Can I buy replacement parts?

Not usually. You might have to send it in to get proper repair if those were damaged that much.

 

[gdnagle]

You can acquire some parts from S&W you will need part numbers below is a link to them from earlier post. you will need several tools to remove the barrel from the receiver. There are lots of threads here to tell you how to do it search you should be able to find them if no repost and you will get your answer. It sounds like previous owner twisted the barell in the receiver maybe by holding the receiver and trying to remove the flash suppressor, I am guessing. you will probaly need the receiver use to be about $20 plus shipping

http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-m-p-15-22/284605-bent-bolt-carrier-rails.html

Here is a threadabout removing the barrel

http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-m-p-15-22/180129-still-having-trouble-removing-barrel.html

 

[keyvisuals]

It sounds like previous owner twisted the barell in the receiver maybe by holding the receiver and trying to remove the flash suppressor, I am guessing.

So, it's not even just the barrel assembly? Oh man. I got really hosed.

If I send this in to S&W, I'm going to end up paying for repairs then?

 

[keyvisuals]

Thanks for the heads up everyone. I guess I'll get S&W on the phone tomorrow. I'm way too new to be repairing things myself. I'm still shocked that someone who is a fellow gun "enthusiast" would screw over another so royally.

 

[MarkBrumbaugh]

I hope you got the seller's name, address, and phone number. Looks like you got had. Very sorry for you. Call S&W and discuss with them. I suspect you are going to have a bit of coin to fix this however. You need a barrel vise to monkey with the barrel...it cannot be allowed to rotate. This does look like there may be some damage to the indexing lugs (plastic) in the upper. Now way to tell without removing the barrel itself...which is a bit of a job needing a tool and the vise.

 

[TheMaineEvent]

S&W stands behind their product more than most companies, but their warranty is for the first person who buys the rifle. If you tell them you bought the rifle from someone else, they very well could charge you for the repairs. They may charge you anyway given the nature of the damage, but telling them your not the original owner can likely make a difference. Just sayin...

 

[yzf128r]

Just straighten them.

 

[gm272gs]

You could try to straighten them.

For reference, I just put a caliper on my bolt. The slots in the (silver) bolt measure .70" across. The rails on the (black) rear piece measure .70" at the back (where they are joined to the cylindrical plastic piece) and .068" at the open front (where the two rails slide into the bolt slots). Apparently they build in a slight inward cant towards the open ends of those rails, at least on mine they did.

 

[Gopher Slayer]

If the barrel is twisted in the receiver, trying to straighten the rails alone will do nothing.

S&W said they would take care of this guy, and a "gunsmith" was responsible for the facepalm.
http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-m-p-15-22/303171-m-p-15-22-a.html

 

[gm272gs]

Holy moley, I hope it's not that.

 

[keyvisuals]

Just a quick update . . . Spoke to S&W and the rifle is on it's way to them. I'll post an update when they get back to me.

 

[Majorlk]

This is why one never buys a used firearm sight-unseen and untested, no matter how good a deal something looks to be. If you can't actually inspect and fire the firearm, pass up the deal.

 

[keyvisuals]

Live and learn . . .

This is why one never buys a used firearm sight-unseen and untested, no matter how good a deal something looks to be. If you can't actually inspect and fire the firearm, pass up the deal.

It was only my second firearm purchase. Lesson learned though.

 

[yugowego]

It was only my second firearm purchase. Lesson learned though.

Dont worry... you'll more than likely have more new than used parts when it comes back from S&W... they are the best in the buisness when it comes to CS

 

[keyvisuals]

Just wanted to let everyone know that S&W sent my rifle back, fixed at no charge

They replaced the Bolt Assembly. Apparently nothing else was wrong with the rifle. Seeing as I'm not the original owner, it was really awesome and un-expected customer service!

Thanks S&W!!!

 

[Jeffro57]

Every time I hear a story with a great ending like yours, it makes me even prouder to own a Smith & Wesson. Customer service second to none!

 

[Tennreb]

Indeed. Fine American firearms and service.
Glad it all turned out well.