New 15-22, major FTE issues :(

[RedHotFuzz]

My CCW permit finally arrived so I went to my FFL today to pick up my new 15-22 that's been sitting at his shop for a couple of weeks. I immediately took it to the indoor range to make sure everything was functional. I had a new box of Federal bulk ammo as well as a box of the same ammo I bought a few years ago (didn't realize I had it). MAJOR FTE issues with ammo from both boxes. Major as in at least 5 jams per 25-round magazine. I have the aftermarket extractor but have not installed it yet. I'll do so and hope that solves the problem, but one shouldn't have to do that with a brand new rifle. Very disappointed thus far.

 

[VAHusker]

My CCW permit finally arrived so I went to my FFL today to pick up my new 15-22 that's been sitting at his shop for a couple of weeks. I immediately took it to the indoor range to make sure everything was functional. I had a new box of Federal bulk ammo as well as a box of the same ammo I bought a few years ago (didn't realize I had it). MAJOR FTE issues with ammo from both boxes. Major as in at least 5 jams per 25-round magazine. I have the aftermarket extractor but have not installed it yet. I'll do so and hope that solves the problem, but one shouldn't have to do that with a brand new rifle. Very disappointed thus far.

When you load the magazine only load 1 round at a time. Which means load the 1st 15 rounds by hand then only push down on the red slide far enough to put 1 round in at a time. Do not push the slide all the way down and make sure when you load they alternate in a zig zag pattern. Federal ammo works good in your riffle. I guarantee that'll work.


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[RedHotFuzz]

Yes, I did load this way. The rounds were correctly staggered.

 

[bamashooter]

When you load the magazine only load 1 round at a time. Which means load the 1st 15 rounds by hand then only push down on the red slide far enough to put 1 round in at a time. Do not push the slide all the way down and make sure when you load they alternate in a zig zag pattern. Federal ammo works good in your riffle. I guarantee that'll work.


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This and it's best to thoroughly clean the weapon followed by lubing. Some are worse than others but it doesn't take much anti-corrosion coating or preservative to mess up your day.

 

[Luger9x19]

I went to my FFL today to pick up my new 15-22......I immediately took it to the indoor range to make sure everything was functional.

Whenever acquiring any new firearm. Read the owners manual cover to cover and then field strip, clean and properly lube as the manual instructs. Only then should you take it to the range to test functionality.

Do that now and then go back to the range and test again. If you are still having trouble then come back here for assistance or call Smith & Wesson customer service.

 

[cavegeo]

Try plated bullets, my sons 15-22 prefers the plated bullets rather than the soft lead rounds.

Also try the heavier weight bullets which seems to help as the lighter ones don't seem to get the bolt to retract enough to feed the next round.

 

[touchoneoff]

These 15-22's seem to be pretty reliable...my brother has one. Maybe a good cleaning and some CCI Mini Mags might do the trick.

 

[lslblues]

I have the same gun, and had nothing but problems with Federal 22LR ammo. I switched over to CCI and have shot probably 500 rounds without a single issue.

 

[rickyblaze]

So the fired brass is stuck in the chamber? Maybe a rough chamber, I'd do as suggested and clean the chamber and bore really well. You'd be surprised of the crude from a new barrel

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[Destructo6]

So is the problem extraction (case left in chamber) or ejection (empty case crushed by closing bolt)?

 

[kramden]

My CCW permit finally arrived so I went to my FFL today to pick up my new 15-22 that's been sitting at his shop for a couple of weeks. I immediately took it to the indoor range to make sure everything was functional. I had a new box of Federal bulk ammo as well as a box of the same ammo I bought a few years ago (didn't realize I had it). MAJOR FTE issues with ammo from both boxes. Major as in at least 5 jams per 25-round magazine. I have the aftermarket extractor but have not installed it yet. I'll do so and hope that solves the problem, but one shouldn't have to do that with a brand new rifle. Very disappointed thus far.

I wound up spending $13 for a Volquartsen extractor. Completely eliminated the problem. Can't believe they come from the factory without this being fixed.

 

[rd97]

I had the same problem. Mine liked CCI but would have FTE with Federal Automatch. I talked with Customer service and sent the gun back. They replaced the ejector and it runs everything flawlessly. Who would have guessed it was the ejector?

 

[digitaleagle12]

My 15-22 when new had the same issues with ammo other than CCI Mini Mags.

I replaced the extractor with the VQ and it now shoots and ejects just about anything. I do get an FTE every once in a while with bulk ammo, but it made a huge difference.

I also think these rifles need a little break in time and I would recommend using CCI Mini Mags during this period.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

Mine eats anything .22!