Ruger American Ranch 5.56 Bolt Won’t Lock — Need Help Diagnosing

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Sidhuman

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Hey folks,

I’ve run into a strange issue with my Ruger American Ranch in 5.56. After storing it in my safe for a couple of months (post-cleaning and shooting), I took it out for a range trip and noticed the bolt won’t lock into battery—whether the chamber is empty or not, and regardless of whether the mag is inserted.

  • Chamber is clean
  • Bolt won’t lock closed
  • Tried with and without magazine
  • No visible damage or obstruction
Has anyone experienced this before? Any tips or similar experiences would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/589549407513395358/
 
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Try loosening the forward action screw a half turn.

Then a whole turn.

If this solves it, modify the screw by sanding off a 32nd of an inch or so. ???

I know the bolt logs are different but i have had this issue in a couple rifles and this solved it.
 
Beeron said:
Try loosening the forward action screw a half turn.

Then a whole turn.

If this solves it, modify the screw by sanding off a 32nd of an inch or so. ???

I know the bolt logs are different but i have had this issue in a couple rifles and this solved it.
Click to expand...
I took the stock off and the bolt is still not closing.
 
Sidhuman said:
After storing it in my safe for a couple of months (post-cleaning and shooting)...
Click to expand...
I would check that the cleaning supplies you used didn't leave a residue or debris behind.
Re-oiling may not have been complete.
If you made any mechanical changes since the last live fire then undo those.
The bolt is in the fire position instead of the cocked position when action is open.
 
Lodi said:
I would check that the cleaning supplies you used didn't leave a residue or debris behind.
Re-oiling may not have been complete.
If you made any mechanical changes since the last live fire then undo those.
The bolt is in the fire position instead of the cocked position when action is open.
Click to expand...
Cleaned it again and there's no residue. Bolt isn't in the firing position as I can't see the firing pin. No mechanical changes were done after the last use.
 
Thats a head scratcher.

Do u have a bore scope?

You might want to look at the lug races to see if there is an obstruction.

Also, with the bolt removed, rotate the cocking piece and see if it clicks into “fired” position ??
 
I"m totally unfamiliar with this rifle, however I believe from a "trouble shooting" standpoint that, you need to make sure the bolt is assembled correctly, go back to the manual, or Youtube and make sure it's assembled correctly? I had a Savage bolt that was a bit tricky in reassembly.
 
Sidhuman said:
Cleaned it again and there's no residue. No mechanical changes were done after the last use.
Click to expand...

I rifle was fine...you worked on it...now it doesn't work.

You did something you shouldn't have.
You didn't do something you should have.
The rifle broke all by itself when no one was looking.

Start again and verify that everything is as it should be, don't make assumptions.
 
Im going to say the bolt is in the fired position, you say its not cause the firing pins not protruding, many firearms firing pins dont protrude when fired.
 
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