ISSC Owner's Question

[drift1122]

Well I'm gonna have to grab one if that's the case.

 

[Boneman]

Well I'm gonna have to grab one if that's the case.

You might want to contact them asap as when they contacted me yesterday, they were preparing to place an order with ISSC.

 

[drift1122]

Oh crap, thanks for the heads up!

 

[alter3d]

I'll assume so as North Sylva didn't require my PAL info for the order.

You don't need a PAL to buy a barrel, because a barrel on its own isn't a firearm. However, I'm pretty sure that the 12" Commando barrel will turn your MK22 into a restricted-class firearm, because it'll probably be under the 660mm OAL when folded.

The Commando barrel looks freaking awesome, but not sure it's awesome enough to turn my MK22 into a restricted. :/

 

[Boneman]

You don't need a PAL to buy a barrel, because a barrel on its own isn't a firearm. However, I'm pretty sure that the 12" Commando barrel will turn your MK22 into a restricted-class firearm, because it'll probably be under the 660mm OAL when folded.

The Commando barrel looks freaking awesome, but not sure it's awesome enough to turn my MK22 into a restricted. :/

So do you know what the 'process' is if I put a 12" barrel on and it makes the rifle restricted? Do I have to call the CFO or something?

I don't really care if it becomes restricted as I have my restricted license and belong to a gun club so what's the big deal?

 

[alter3d]

So do you know what the 'process' is if I put a 12" barrel on and it makes the rifle restricted? Do I have to call the CFO or something?

I don't really care if it becomes restricted as I have my restricted license and belong to a gun club so what's the big deal?

Not sure of the exact process since I've never been through it myself, but you do need to notify the CFO within 30 days of any modifications that affect the firearms' classification. They may get you to take the gun to a verifier to confirm the new classification.

I have my restricted license as well, and own several restricted firearms, but a big part of the MK22's appeal is its unrestricted status (TBH, I want to see the look on a CO's face when I take it out hunting... ). If I had wanted a restricted tacticool .22, I'd have just picked up an AR15 platform with a .22LR upper.

 

[Boneman]

Thanks for the info alter3d! I'm going to call the CFO to get information on the process and what is involved. If it's too much of a PITA, then I won't bother.

Edit: Maybe I will find a way to permanently fix the stock to solve the 'folding' issue. I don't like using it with the stock folded anyway (kind of stupid that it does IMHO).

 

[Boneman]

Hmmm, maybe I will just slide a Spikes Tactical fake can over the 16" barrel instead since I have the threaded 1/2 x 28 suppressor adaptor....

https://shopquestar.com/shopping65/shopexd.asp?id=1260&bc=no

The more I think about the added hassle of the rifle being 'too short', perhaps this is the way to go and still achieve a unique look?

 

[Johnny_Zanni]

If I did my math right it is 656.25ish millimeters when folded. So there is less then an inch to work with there. So it would indeed be restricted.

 

[Boneman]

If I did my math right it is 656.25ish millimeters when folded. So there is less then an inch to work with there. So it would indeed be restricted.

Well the threaded 1/2 x 28 suppressor adaptor will add at least a 1/2" or so...hmm. Going the fake can route would also be much cheaper - $60 vs. $125 for the barrel and another $150ish for the KX3 flash hider.

 

[Johnny_Zanni]

I like your idea boneman. Cause it will indeed keep the rifle non-restricted and you will still have the 10"/suppressed look.

 

[alter3d]

Well the threaded 1/2 x 28 suppressor adaptor will add at least a 1/2" or so...hmm. Going the fake can route would also be much cheaper - $60 vs. $125 for the barrel and another $150ish for the KX3 flash hider.

The suppressor adapter wouldn't count towards the OAL anyways unless you permanently attached it (e.g. welded it to the barrel) since it's not integral to the operation of the firearm.

 

[drift1122]

I like the fake can idea, something to think about.

 

[Boneman]

Mbus

Received my Magpul MBUS Gen II PTS sights today and got them mounted. They fit VERY snug on the rail (i.e had to tap with a mallet to get them to slide onto the rail). First impressions are they are pretty darn nice. The plastic they are made of is very solid and the springs in them seem very strong. Some minor rough casting edges, but very nice for $35.

They come with the front sight adjuster 'key' and on first inspection the front sight adjustment seems very solid compared to the stock ISSC front sight. The 'key' engages a locking collar on the front sight and pushes it down (spring loaded), so you can then turn and adjust the sight post up or down. When you remove the 'key', the locking collar springs back up and locks into one of 4 notches (every 1/4 turn). Pretty slick if you ask me. Out of the box these sights seem better and definitely on par with this ISSC sights.

Everyone likes to bag on PTS, but for range day fun and looks you can't beat it. I think PTS parts will stand up better on lower recoil firearms like .22. I will do a full test and review of them on my next range day, hopefully next weekend.

As a general FYI regarding PTS:
- PTS is licensed by Magpul
- Made in Hong Kong (not China)

 

[Boneman]

Here is some updated information regarding the 12" barrel taken from my emails abck and forth with Jeff Chow @ North Sylva;

Jeff:

Hi Dave,

We've been worried about the classification on importing this rifle as well. That is why we currently have no interest in bringing in the actual rifles.

However, according to the RCMP, this would not change the classification to Restricted.

We don't want to bring in a thousand Commando rifles, 6 months later have this classified as Restricted, and have to refund consumers for their purchase price, as we would have sold to the stores, not end users.
We've done it before at a huge loss.

We would still like to bring this in for you.

As the RCMP can sometimes change classifications out of the blue, if you do go ahead with the purchase and one day receive a letter from the Canadian Firearms Centre that your rifle is now Restricted, we have no problem taking back the barrel and refunding you and I would inform my RCMP contacts you have surrendered the barrel and to reclassify back to NR.

In other words, let's get this in for you. If the RCMP wakes up on the wrong side of the bed and considers you a threat to society, we'll take care of you.

Happens every now and then. Like how this year, the RCMP no longer considers compensators part of the barrel length on handguns and classified from Restricted to Prohibited. So, I have to import new barrels to retrofit from S&W, at our loss.

We're a business and need to make profit to survive, but we need to support the industry too.

I'll talk to some people tomorrow at the RCMP and try and get it for you in writing that your classification will NOT change.

My response:

Thank you for all the info Jeff. However, I have to disagree as the classification seems very clear as I read it on the CFO/RCMP web site that states a Restricted Firearm is:

"rifles and shotguns that can be fired when their overall length has been reduced by folding, telescoping or other means to less than 660 mm".

So if I put the 12" barrel on, with flash suppressor and because the stock can fold, it can be under 660mm (with stock folded). Therefore I would have to notify the CFO of my modifications and that would now make my MK22 rifle a class change to Restricted.

So even though this is a 'factory barrel' and not a cut down one, I believe that the overall 660mm issue trumps this would it not? Or am I reading this all wrong?

If you can get further details and something in writing from the RCMP then great and we can proceed with ordering one up. However I don't see anyone at the RCMP/CFO signing off on this modification as anything other than a classification change to Restricted.

Let me know how it turns out.

Jeff's response:

Well, I guess I have no choice but to get one in, install it on a rifle and get the measuring tape out.

Will let you know when I’ve done that

 

[drift1122]

Haha, I like that response.

 

[Fenix.NZ]

We're just about to get the Anschutz RX22 here in NZ..

Basically the ISSC receiver with a different barrel and 2x choices of stock.. a laminate wood skeleton stock or a polymer SCAR style folder.

i was going to preorder but i think ill wait and see how the anschutz rendition does on reliabilty

 

[drift1122]

So, a bit of an update. I FINALLY have my MK22 operating pretty reliably, but it required some kitchen-table gunsmithing and a bit of trial and error.

Tightening up all the bolts on the rifle didn't really help my light primer strike problem. I followed the guide here: http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_6_41/244302_.html to file down the firing pin so that it strikes the rim harder. I only cut 3 links off of the firing pin return spring, though I'm actually thinking of doing another 2 or so (and maybe doing a bit more filing) since I'm still getting occasional light strikes. (edit: Yes, I know that guide is for the GSG-5, but the firing pin block in the MK22 is the exact same design.)

One caveat to note that bit me in the ass when reassembling the bolt assembly -- be careful with the orientation of the 2 breech block return springs. They're tapered (wider end should be at the rear), and if you put them in backwards (at least the one on ejection port side), you'll get malfunctions caused by the spring binding against the rest of the assembly (in my case, the breech jammed 3/4 open after running 3 mags through and I could neither close nor open it with the charging handle.

Applying lube to all the moving parts rear of the firing pin seems to make things run smoother too; I used a "solid" lube (FrogLube paste).

I had my "fixed" gun out at the range today -- first 2 mags of CCI Stinger ran FLAWLESSLY... not a single FTF, FTE or light strike. Next mag had 1 light strike. Then I ran a bunch of mags of cheap Winchester 555 bulk stuff -- I ran about 15 mags worth of that stuff and it ran much better than expected (about 8 light strikes per 6 mags). I think with a bit more finessing of the firing pin and spring I might be able to get it to work perfectly even with cheap ammo.

I highly recommend stuffing the rear stock with batting as well. It REALLY helps reduce the "ringing" you get through the stock on every round.

It's been a hell of an adventure getting this thing to work reliably. Would I recommend this gun to other owners? Maybe. If you're willing to do a lot of (warranty-voiding) work yourself and deal with a lot of frustration... sure. It's a hell of a fun plinker, and it's uncommon enough that you get a lot of attention at the range -- it's definitely not a 10/22. But if you're looking for something reliable out of the box -- definitely not.

I modified my return spring the same as you did here, works 100x better!!!

 

[Tango-down]

If you plan to buy this rifle, DON'T!
I bought mine 3 months ago and had it out 3 times. From the get go I had stoppage issues. no stove pipes but plenty of fail to ejects and mis/double feeds. At first I thought it may have been a cleaning issue and followed the manufacturers Manual but the problems continued.
I took it back to the shop where I bought it and a few days later was told that it was ready for pickup and good to go. The staff told me that it needed some tightening with a couple of the screws inside the rifle! ( kind of odd cause no other firearm I own needed me to personally rip the gun apart and tighten the screws prior to use).
Back to the range I went. Fired about 15 rounds and the problems started again. It actually got worst. Every second round a live round would get stuck in the barrel ( primer not struck) and had to be ejected manually. I tried several types and brands of 22 ammo without any luck. I think it is most likely a mechanical issue. I will take it back to the shop and see what they are going to do with it now.
Overall very disappointing, considering it is probably the most expensive 22 out there.
Goes to show you, just because it's Austrian, doesn't mean it has the same quality as a Gluck.

 

[Boneman]

Yes some have their problems, some don't. Seems to be a bit of a crap shoot on what you get.

There are plenty of "kitchen table fixes" that will resolve most of the issues you are experiencing. I know, I know, a brand new gun shouldn't have to be fixed - fully agree. However, if you are willing to put in a little bit of effort and if you really like the gun, then the fixes can be done. Will it be 100%, probably not, but it should end up far better than what you are currently experiencing.

I know the guys on the FN forum have been in touch directly with ISSC, so hopefully a rev. 2 of the MK22 will be better. Not much help to you I know.

All the fixes with detailed testing and results are here if you are interested: http://fnforum.net/forums/fn-scar-16s/25613-issc-mk22-supressors-scopes-acessories-etc-23.html

I urge you to spend some time and read through it start to finish if you are interested in keeping your MK22.

I would start with replacing the 2 rear bolts behind the BCG with longer ones.

Also, the 'recommended cleaning" in the owners manual is a joke and could be part of your issue. One needs to remove the BCG, take it apart and clean it thoroughly in order to get it properly clean. This weapon needs to be clean and lightly lubed (including magazines) to function properly.