Thread: Rossi 7122M Failure to Fire

Hi Guys,

Hoping someone with more knowledge than me is able to help.

Recently picked up a 2nd hand Rossi 7122M semi auto 22 magnum.
Took it to the range to try out. Loaded the 10 round mag with 5 rounds of Hornady V-Max 30gr.
Pulled the cocking lever which loaded the 1st round, pulled the trigger and the round didn't fire.
Ejected the round and it didn't have a strike mark from the firing pin.
Reloaded the round manually while keeping the mag in place and this time it fired as did the next 4 rounds.
This happens every time i reload.

Any thoughts on what might be the cause ?

As it's a 2nd hand rifle and I don't know its history Could the firing pin head be stunted due to dry firing ?
Could excessive headspace be the cause ?

TIA !

Originally Posted by garethb

Hi Guys,

Hoping someone with more knowledge than me is able to help.

Recently picked up a 2nd hand Rossi 7122M semi auto 22 magnum.
Took it to the range to try out. Loaded the 10 round mag with 5 rounds of Hornady V-Max 30gr.
Pulled the cocking lever which loaded the 1st round, pulled the trigger and the round didn't fire.
Ejected the round and it didn't have a strike mark from the firing pin.
Reloaded the round manually while keeping the mag in place and this time it fired as did the next 4 rounds.
This happens every time i reload.

Any thoughts on what might be the cause ?

As it's a 2nd hand rifle and I don't know its history Could the firing pin head be stunted due to dry firing ?
Could excessive headspace be the cause ?

TIA !

First thing to do is make sure its clean, include all parts and the chamber, I have a heap of 22s through here with faults, a great many being just dirty.

I recently read a claim that Rossi firing pin springs lose their tension. A mate with a Rossi .223 has experienced ‘soft’ primer strike resulting in multiple misfires.

Sounds more like your manual cocking to begin with isn't hard enough,or bolt isn't slamming shut hard enough perhaps?

Seems strange that first round didn’t leave a mark, if it was just dirty I would still expect light primer strike at least. Are you sure the hammer was fully engaged and fell on the firing pin? Semi autos can be very finicky, too much oil can slow down the firing pin and collect burnt powder which then turns into a slurry, especially if you’re running a suppressor.

I have 7122M too. It starts to give me problem when it needs a clean. After cleaning, it turns back to normal. However, my 7122M prefers heavier rounds. It doesn't recycle well with the 30gr ammo.

Strip it clean the yellow crud out of the bolt and you should be fine. They accumulate a lot of unburnt powder in my experience.

Had a eureka moment while trying to get to sleep.

Turns out the firing pin retaining pin was missing from the bolt.
Downloaded the manual and realised the pin was missing. Bugger.

Well, I guess that's the risk you take buying a 2nd hand firearm from a stranger!