Lite strikes AGAIN

[iflyfish]

I have an older 15 22 that has been back to S&W twice for lite strikes (over a year ago). I have not been able to shoot much during the last year. The last month I have been out several times. I continue to get 2-3 lite strikes per mag. I took apart the bolt to check the firming pin last night. It looks like it has been filed down on several sides.
The lite strike on the rounds leave no mark or a very slight hit on the very edge of the rim. Different ammo (cci, federal 550, Winchester m-22). Different mags. Different round (1st, 2nd 6th).
It do not want to send it to smith for the third time. I am wondering if it could be anything other than the firing pin?

 

[ballistictoyz]

im bettin on a short firing pin--that's what I had wrong

 

[Rundover]

Either its a worn firing pin, dirty firing pin channel, or weak hammer spring.

 

[Majorlk]

Either its a worn firing pin, dirty firing pin channel, or weak hammer spring.

This gets my vote. The channel should be clean and DRY, no wet lubricant whatsoever. The only lube that should be used in a firing pin channel is DRY graphite.

 

[yugowego]

I would also check for a broke or incorrectly installed hammer/trigger spring.

 

[iflyfish]

Thanks. Being that it so inconsistent I have suspected something in the trigger. The rounds that fire (95%) are smacked hard and deep. I have considered breaking down the trigger group but have hesitated.

I did remove the foreign pin expecting to see a lot of buildup and gunk but it was actually clean. I have been dripping CLP in there though. Never heard that I should run it dry.

I'll clean it (and leave it dry) and check the trigger. And try again.

Thanks again.

 

[yugowego]

Thanks. Being that it so inconsistent I have suspected something in the trigger. The rounds that fire (95%) are smacked hard and deep. I have considered breaking down the trigger group but have hesitated.

I did remove the foreign pin expecting to see a lot of buildup and gunk but it was actually clean. I have been dripping CLP in there though. Never heard that I should run it dry.

I'll clean it (and leave it dry) and check the trigger. And try again.

Thanks again.

only thing that you lube is the bolt rails (only slightly)... everything else should be dry

 

[iflyfish]

Took it apart and cleaned it out, left it dry. Did the best cleaning I could do on the trigger. Won't be able to test it till Friday.

Thanks for the help.

 

[iflyfish]

Finally got back to the range today. I fired four mags (100 rounds). Not one lite strike! It has to be the fact I have been loading up the bolt and firing pin with oil.
Thanks for putting me on the rite track!!

 

[photoracer]

Oil is a rifle's best friend, and also it's worst enemy.