Help with High Standard 22 LR rifle

[Larryh128]

I have a High Standard built Sears semi-auto rifle that I'm playing with. It seems to be very accurate which I was hoping after owning a High Standard pistol for decades. The issue that I'm having is the rifle ejects & loads a round but the round loaded will fail to fire with a light hammer strike. If I cycle that round out that the rifle loaded by hand, they all fire. I'm using Federal auto match ammo which could be the issue if it's designed strictly for pistols, but it's pretty accurate so I've been playing with that. This rifle was a safe queen for decades until I liberated it. I've disassembled/lubed/ re-assembled as it was bone dry. Any suggestions/hints appreciated.

 

[SSL]

Two thoughts come to mind. First, you mentioned that it had been stored for years. If the firing pin spring was compressed during that whole time it could have lost strength and need to be replaced. Second, your rounds may be lightly contacting the rifling allowing the round to move slightly forward under the first strike cushioning the pin strike. Trying it again might work because the bullet has moved back enough for the rim to be seated properly.
Just guessing here. Try clambering a round and then remove it for inspection to see if there are rifling marks on the bullet. You might try other brands of ammo too.
Helps this helps. Let us know what you determine.

 

[TAJ45]

+1 on the spring. Maybe try some High Vel stuff, MiniMags etc. An outside chance chamber may be on the tight side or ammo a snidge fat?
Side note, I competed w a S&W model 41 for years, never a functioning prob. Picked it up, cleaned it and the last 5 yrs birthed CCI std vel likes a drop of oil on the top round of a mag loaded w 5. When I forget, I'll have an alibi string 3/5 times.
PS. Any chance it has a burr on chamber edge from the accidental dry fires? Quick snap cap fix is #6 drywall anchor. They even feed from my 41 mags........abt 10-12 for 2 bux at Home Depot or similar. I've used them for dry fire practice indoors for years.
Also for storing w last hammer drop.

 

[JohnKielly]

Try lubing the pin with moly or boron nitrite.

 

[AR Shooter]

You might post in the Rimfire forum rather than the 'small caliber' center-fire forum.
Also, join and post in the Rimfire Central forum. Kazillion rimfire shooters over there.

 

[Larryh128]

Thanks for the suggestions, I've been too busy to shoot it but I'm going to address those issues covered in replies. Thanks.

 

[JohnKielly]

Had a second thought. Maybe the bolt return spring(s) aren't holding the bolt in battery & needs replacing.