THE CLAIM – PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
If you have ever struggled with re-installing your charging handle and spring under the bolt in a Ruger 10/22, this is the answer! This solves the problem of properly aligning the bolt and charging handle when you take the Ruger 10/22 down fully. It makes this usually 15 minute project into a simple few minute task. Additionally, the tool can be used to remove the extractor and spring. This is a huge help when replacing a broken extractor or simply doing a deep clean. Turn these hassles into quick and simple tasks with the Gunsmither 10/22 Bolt Bar and Extractor Tool!
ADDITIONALLY:
The Gunsmither 10/22 Bolt Bar and Extractor Tool is 0.50” in width and approximately 0.133 inches thick. The tool consists of a short end (approximately 1.33 inches in length), an angled rise that is about 2.2 inches high, and then a longer end that is about 4.45 inches in length (handle?). The tool is made of aluminum with two 0.064-inch roll-pins that are used for the extractor removal, and which are spaced approximately 2.820 inches apart.
The short end is used for compressing the Cocking Handle, Guide Rod & Recoil Spring Assembly.
THE REALITY:
I am in agreement with the product description regarding the frustration that can be experienced while trying to install the bolt into the 10/22 carbine. If you have an optic attached, which many 10/22 operators have, the frustration level increases as you try to protect the optics while attempting to install the bolt. The alternative is to remove the optics and expect to re-zero at the next range session.
The issue is that while you are supposed to draw the bolt handle/guide rod to the rear to install the bolt, the Cocking Handle, Guide Rod & Recoil Spring Assembly does not stay straight when attempting to move it rearward in an attempt to mate it to the bolt while just using the Cocking Handle. There is a notch in the bolt that drops onto the Cocking Handle, Guide Rod & Recoil Spring Assembly, and this notch in the bolt is not very wide.
In the past, I have used a small hex-head wrench, and even a small flat-tip screwdriver, to push the right side of the Cocking Handle, Guide Rod & Recoil Spring Assembly in an attempt to keep the assembly straight enough so that the bolt notch would mate with the guide rod. I have also used 90-degree small angle brackets to some degree of success. Back in my mind, I knew that I had to come up something better – and then I came across the Gunsmither 10/22 Bolt Bar and Extractor Tool and decided to give it a chance to see if it was worth the money.
I had a project in mind that would give the tool a chance to prove itself. The Ruger 10/22 Target Model 1262 was to receive a Volquartsen Match Hammer and Sear (after much success in the Ruger 10/22 Target Model 1121). Since I had to remove the trigger assembly from the action, this would be an opportune time to remove the bolt assembly for cleaning and inspection. For evaluation purposes, I had also ordered a “Eagle’s Talon” Extractor for Ruger 10/22 by TANDEMKROSS to replace the standard extractor, since the product had excellent reviews. Since the Gunsmither 10/22 Bolt Bar and Extractor Tool is for both the bolt installation and an extractor tool, it was going to be put to the test.
Note that the Ruger 10/22 Target Model 1262 has a Nikon Rimfire II 3-9×40 BDC scope mounted; I had to protect the scope while removing and installing the bolt assembly, or remove the scope and affect the zero. I chose to protect it. I use a Scope Shield to wrap around the scope. I also use a folded towel to further cushion the scope. While I have used a Tipton “Best Gun Vice” I find that the installing the bolt is easily performed simply by laying the action across my lap with the muzzle facing to the left (I am right-handed).
Before I get started, take a look at the 10/22 bolt assembly so that when I reference parts you know what part I am referencing:
Item #8 – Bolt
Item #9 – Firing Pin
Item #10 – Firing Pin Rebound Spring
Item #11 – Firing Pin Stop Pin
Item #12 – Extractor
Item #13 – Extractor Spring
Item #14 – Extractor Plunger
Item #15 – Cocking Handle, Guide Rod & Recoil Spring Assembly
BOLT REMOVAL:
To remove the bolt, you must first remove the Bolt. As noted previously, I lay the action across my lap with the muzzle facing to the left.
- Position the rifle upside down so the bolt is fully accessible.
- Drift out the bolt stop pin, located at the rear of the receiver. (With the Volquartsen Bolt Buffer, I simply use a Glock Tool to push the bolt stop pin out of the receiver.)
- Pull the Cocking Handle with the thumb of the right hand until the bolt is against the rear of the receiver.
- Use the left hand to lift up the front of the bolt until it is disengaged from the Cocking handle.
- Remove the Cocking Handle, Guide Rod & Recoil Spring Assembly through the ejection port.
- Lift bolt out of receiver. If it does not come out readily, turn the rifle with the bottom of the receiver facing down and the bolt will (normally) drop out of the receiver.
Now is a good time to clean and inspect the bolt, firing pin, and receiver housing.
EXTRACTOR REPLACEMENT:
The Gunsmither 10/22 Bolt Bar and Extractor Tool has two stainless-steel pins that are used for both extractor removal and installation. The Extractor (Item #12) is under spring tension. The Extractor Spring (Item #13) and Extractor Plunger (Item # 14) fit into a channel and keeps the Extractor in place within the bolt. The Extractor Spring needs to be compressed to remove and install the Extractor. If one is not careful about holding the Extractor Spring and Extractor Plunger in place, a search may ensue for these items after the Extractor is removed. A common method to prevent Extractor Spring and Extractor Plunger loss is to place some sort of soft barrier in front of the bolt. I advise this regardless of the method or tool that is used to remove the Extractor.
The “Eagle’s Talon” Extractor for Ruger 10/22 by TANDEMKROSS comes with an Extractor Spring.
The object is to compress the Extractor Spring/Extractor Plunger with the front pin of the Gunsmither 10/22 Bolt Bar and Extractor Tool, then “hook” the rear pin on the rear of the bolt to hold the spring and plunger in place. This allows you to pluck-out the Extractor and also to install a replacement Extractor. Then, release the pressure on the Extractor Spring that will, once again, hold the Extractor in place. Anyway, that is the goal. Since the Extractor Spring and Extractor Plunger had to be removed entirely from the bolt to install the new spring and plunger, it would be interesting to see how I could control that spring tension with the Gunsmither 10/22 Bolt Bar and Extractor Tool.
BOLT INSTALLATION – THE GUNSMITHER 10/22 BOLT BAR AND EXTRACTOR TOOL WAY:
With the new Extractor in place, it was time to install the bolt using the Gunsmither 10/22 Bolt Bar and Extractor Tool.
If your 10/22 does not have an optic mounted, you can place the action upside down for better access to the Bolt Handle and Bolt. Since I have an optic mounted, my approach is a little different; I protect the optic at all cost!
Before beginning, I cut a business card to a size that will fit in the front of the receiver for use as a layer of protection between the tool, the front of the receiver, and the rear of the barrel.
- Support and secure the rear of the receiver to prevent rearward movement while installing the bolt assembly. (As noted before, I lay the action across my lap with the muzzle facing to the left.)
- Position the rear, pointed end of the recoil spring guide rod in the mating recess near the right rear side of the receiver. The recoil spring must be flat against the side and “bottom” of the receiver.
- Lay the bolt into the receiver. The bolt should slide freely within the bolt channel.
- Push the bolt rearward until it is against the rear of the receiver. You should be able to lift the front of the bolt at this point.
- Pull the Cocking Handle, with the thumb of the right hand, to the rear just enough to insert the edge of the short end against the Cocking Handle, Guide Rod & Recoil Spring Assembly.
- While holding the Cocking Handle, Guide Rod & Recoil Spring Assembly in place, push the handle (the long end) of the tool downward toward the barrel slightly, the edge of the tool will fully engage the leading edge of the Cocking Handle and will begin to push the Cocking handle to teh rear of the receiver.
- Lift the front of the bolt slightly to allow the Cocking Handle (and tool) to slide beneath the bolt as they are moving rearward.
- As the Cocking Handle passes beneath the bolt, apply a slight downward pressure on the bolt with the thumb of the right hand. With the bolt to the rear, and the tool pushing the Cocking Handle to the rear, at some point you will hear and feel a click as the recessed section of the top of the bolt aligns with the Cocking Handle.
- While holding the bolt and Cocking Handle, Guide Rod & Recoil Spring Assembly in place with the thumb of the right hand, remove the Gunsmither 10/22 Bolt Bar and Extractor Tool. Note: If you added a layer of protection between the tool and the front of the receiver, remove the layer of protection.
- Press down on the bolt at the front to completely lock in the bolt with the Cocking Handle. You may have to do some wiggling of the Cocking Handle to achieve this. There will be a resounding click as the bolt completely locks into place.
- Slowly release the pressure on the bolt to allow the bolt handle (with bolt attached) to slowly move forward.
- Install the Bolt Stop Pin. (In my case, it was the Volquartsen Bolt Stop Buffer.)
- Cycle the bolt handle a few times to be certain the components are correctly assembled.
Authors Note:
I removed and installed the bolt several times to get the “feel” of things.
No cuss words were used in the making of this procedure nor was the environment harmed in any way.
INSTALL THE TRIGGER UNIT:
Follow the instructions provided by Ruger to install the Trigger Guard Assembly.
INSTALL THE ACTION TO THE STOCK:
Follow the instructions provided by Ruger to install the action to the stock.
Tighten the Take-Down Screw to 20 inch pounds.
PERFORM A FINAL OPERATION/SAFETY CHECK:
Follow the instructions provided by Ruger for performing a function and safety check.
THE FINAL ANALYSIS:
The installation of the bolt assembly into the receiver of the 10/22 can be frustrating. Having a tool available that simplifies the installation definitely made me a more productive person. That is not to say that installing the bolt still is not frustrating; it is simply less frustrating.
The tool is excellent for replacing the extractor. It does take a little jiggling of the tool to get it to snap into place at the rear of the bolt. Once the Extractor Spring and Plunger is full compressed, the spring tension will hold the tool in place while you change out the extractor. If the Extractor Spring is to be replaced, the tool allows for easy removal, but caution should still be used since the tool can slip off the Plunger if you are not careful. I always have something to prevent the Extractor Spring and Plunger from flying out should the tool slip. A cotton T-shirt serves as a good backstop. I have read where someone used a large plastic bag to catch the parts – not a bad idea.
The Gunsmither 10/22 Bolt Bar and Extractor Tool cost between $12.99 and $14.99, depending on the source. You may find an alternative to assist you in installing the bolt assembly, but since the Gunsmither 10/22 Bolt Bar and Extractor Tool serves a dual function; simplifying the bolt installation and Extractor, the tool has been worth the cost IMHO.
RESOURCES:
- Gunsmither 10/22 Bolt Bar and Extractor Tool: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B012TPXPX2/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
- Installing the 10-22 Bolt w/ Gunsmither™ Bolt Tool (Instructional Video By the Inventor): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JvmWmsaRUQI
- “Eagle’s Talon” Extractor for Ruger 10/22 by TANDEMKROSS : https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00UY27W0K/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
