Ruger 10/22® Disassembly and Bolt Removal

Occasionally, we get a request for information on how to remove the bolt from a 10/22 so the customer can send it to us for work. The 10/22 can look complicated if you have never taken one apart, but once you get inside you will soon see how simple it really is.

Before you begin, completely read and understand the Instruction Manual for Ruger Model 10/22. If you need a copy of this manual, click here to download one.

Safe and Unload the Rifle:

NOTE:  This sequence must be followed exactly as spelled out. Failure to do so can result in the rifle's chamber becoming loaded with a cartridge!

1.  Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction at all times and keep fingers outside the trigger guard. If the rifle is cocked, move the safety to the "on" position.

2.  Remove the magazine. Remember that even though the magazine has been removed, a cartridge remaining in the chamber can still be fired!

3.  Retract the bolt to its open position and lock it there. This should eject any cartridge in the chamber, but...

4.  Always visually double check the chamber to be certain it is empty.

The only "safe" rifle is one in which the bolt is open and the chamber and magazine is empty.

Trigger Group Removal

Once the rifle has been unloaded and the chamber has been visually checked to verify it is unloaded, allows the Bolt (B-10A) to close.

Loosen the Barrel Band Screw (B-69) and remove the Barrel Band (B-68). This step does not apply to certain Sporter Model rifles and others that have certain aftermarket stocks.

Loosen the Take-Down Screw (B-65).

Position the safety so an equal amount of the button is exposed on each side. If the safety is not in the middle when the barrel-receiver assembly is lifted out of the stock, damage may result.

Swing the barrel-receiver assembly upward away from the forearm of the Stock (B-4). Take care to assure that the two Receiver Cross Pins (B-5) and Bolt Stop Pin (B-46) do not fall out.

Remove the Trigger Assembly (B-2) by drifting out the two Receiver Cross Pins (B-5). Do not further disassemble the Trigger Assembly at this time.

Remove the Bolt Assembly

Position the rifle upside down so the Bolt (B-2) is fully accessible.

Drift out the Bolt Stop Pin (B-46), located on either side near the back end of the receiver.

Pull the Bolt Handle (B-48A) fully to the rear of the Receiver (B-1) using your left hand, and use the right hand to lift up on the front of the Bolt (B-10A) until it disengages from the Bolt Handle (B-48A).

Lift the Bolt (B-10A) out of the Receiver (B-1). If it does not come out readily, turn the rifle over and the Bolt (B-10A) will drop out of the Receiver (B-1).