Mark 3 won't lock bolt back

quickslider · Post by **quickslider** » Tue Mar 09, 2010 2:33 pm

I need a little help. I install a VQ sear, target trigger, and Sam's bushing on two of my Mark 3's. Now 9 times out of 10 the bolt will not lock back after the last shot on either gun. I've used both standard and high vel ammo. Since the conversion I have about 3000 rounds thru each and the problem seems to be getting worse. Any help

Thanks

Post by **Bullseye** » Tue Mar 09, 2010 5:28 pm

Currently I don't see any information to conclude that the VQ parts are causing the problem. It does sound like the bolt could be experiencing more drag and not cycling as far rearward. Or, the magazine follower button is incapable of engaging the bolt stop fast enough to catch the bolt. In both cases it sounds like a deep cleaning is in order. This means stripping all parts out of the frame, receiver, and then scrubbing the frame. Do not over oil. Place a few drops of oil on a cloth and then wipe the cloth on the surface of the frame, receiver, and parts. Reassemble everything and go out and shoot the pistol.

R,
Bullseye

quickslider · Post by **quickslider** » Wed Mar 10, 2010 11:57 am

Bullseye

I deep clean the gun after every shooting session.

blue68f100 · Post by **blue68f100** » Wed Mar 10, 2010 1:58 pm

Take a close look a the slide lock catch, it may be rounded over. If so take a file and square it back up. Make sure your grips are not interfering with the latch.

quickslider · Post by **quickslider** » Wed Mar 10, 2010 3:22 pm

I checked the slide lock catch and appears to be OK. The bolt will lock back every time by hand, just fails on the last shot.

Post by **Bullseye** » Wed Mar 10, 2010 4:55 pm

Check the magazines are the buttons feeling like they drag in the slots? Even a little is enough to throw the timing off.

Do you have factory or custom grips?

R,
Bullseye

quickslider · Post by **quickslider** » Wed Mar 10, 2010 7:54 pm

They are factory mags. I have several. One appears to be dragging but the rest seem OK.

quickslider · Post by **quickslider** » Wed Mar 10, 2010 7:55 pm

They are factory grips.

Post by **Bullseye** » Wed Mar 10, 2010 8:02 pm

I'm trying to eliminate anything that would cause the bolt catch to delay its travel upward and fail to catch the bolt in time.

Let me get this straight: You completely disassemble the pistol after each shooting down to the bare frame? That bolt catch lever and associated parts may have some fouling in behind it causing the delay.

R,
Bullseye

quickslider · Post by **quickslider** » Thu Mar 11, 2010 2:36 pm

Bullseye I misunderstood the deep cleaning. I only do deep cleanings about every 8000 rounds. I will try that.

Thank you

blue68f100 · Post by **blue68f100** » Thu Mar 11, 2010 2:59 pm

8000 rounds is a long time between cleaning. I do mine every 1500 to 2000, any longer and it starts having problem.

quickslider · Post by **quickslider** » Thu Mar 11, 2010 8:36 pm

I clean it everytime I shoot. 8000 rounds for a complete disassembly

langenc · Post by **langenc** » Mon Mar 29, 2010 11:24 pm

Im surprised no one has said "you are limp wristing it."

bigfatdave · Post by **bigfatdave** » Tue Mar 30, 2010 6:03 am

Ruger rimfires aren't really prone to malfunctions caused by poor recoil management.

langenc · Post by **langenc** » Tue Mar 30, 2010 8:46 am

Glad to hear that. The only reason I mentioned it cause that was the advice I recieved a year or so ago.