The Heart of the Matter: Understanding the Remington Speedmaster 552
The Remington Speedmaster 552 has earned its place as a true American classic, a beloved .22 caliber rifle that has graced shooting ranges and hunting grounds for generations. Renowned for its reliability and accuracy, this semi-automatic beauty is a favorite amongst both seasoned marksmen and new shooters alike. However, like any mechanical marvel, the Speedmaster 552 is not immune to the occasional hiccup. This article dives deep into the common problems encountered with the Remington Speedmaster 552 problems, providing insights into their causes, along with practical, easy-to-follow solutions to keep your rifle performing at its best. Whether you’re a proud owner or considering purchasing one, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to troubleshoot and maintain your Remington Speedmaster 552.
Before we delve into the intricacies of troubleshooting, let’s briefly celebrate the legacy of this remarkable firearm. The Speedmaster 552, a variation of the Model 550, was introduced in 1957, offering a reliable and accurate .22 Long Rifle shooting experience. Its self-loading action, coupled with its ease of use, quickly solidified its reputation as a versatile and dependable rifle for plinking, small game hunting, and target shooting. The Remington Speedmaster 552 is a simple yet elegant design, built around a blowback operating system. The bolt is driven back by the energy of the spent cartridge, extracting and ejecting the empty case, and then feeding a fresh round from the magazine. While this system is inherently reliable, it’s essential to understand its mechanics to diagnose and resolve any potential issues that may arise.
Navigating the Common Challenges: Troubleshooting the Remington Speedmaster 552 Problems
Owning a Remington Speedmaster 552 is generally a pleasurable experience, but there are a few areas where problems can manifest. Recognizing these issues and understanding their root causes is the first step toward ensuring your rifle’s continued optimal performance. Let’s break down some of the most common complaints and their corresponding solutions.
Feeding Failures: When the Rifle Refuses to Eat
A Remington Speedmaster 552 that won’t feed reliably can be incredibly frustrating. This issue, often referred to as “failure to feed” (FTF), prevents the rifle from chambering a new round from the magazine. Several factors can contribute to this problem:
The Culprit: A Dirty World
A dirty chamber or bolt is a primary suspect. Carbon buildup, grease, and other debris can obstruct the smooth movement of the bolt and prevent the round from entering the chamber. The chamber might be dirty or sticky.
The Weak Link: Magazine Matters
A weak or damaged magazine is another common cause. The magazine’s spring might not be providing enough force to push the rounds upwards consistently. Inspect the magazine for any signs of damage like dents or cracks, and for any issues with how the follower moves and if it sits correctly.
Fuel for Thought: Ammunition’s Role
The ammunition itself can be the issue. Some .22 LR rounds are manufactured to higher quality standards than others. Inconsistencies in the cartridge dimensions or the bullet’s shape may lead to feeding problems. Using low-quality ammunition is often the starting point.
The Extractor’s Breakdown
A worn or damaged extractor can fail to properly grab the rim of the cartridge, preventing the round from being pulled from the magazine and into the chamber. This part is crucial for a semi-automatic rifle.
The Ramp’s Roadblock
The feed ramp, the angled surface at the front of the chamber, is what guides the bullet into the chamber. If the ramp is damaged, worn, or has excessive debris, it can prevent the round from entering.
Solution for Feeding Difficulties
To address FTF problems, start with a thorough cleaning of the chamber and bolt. Use a dedicated bore cleaner and a brush to remove any carbon and residue. Next, inspect your magazine. Replace it if you notice damage or a weak spring. Always use high-quality .22 LR ammunition from a reputable manufacturer. Carefully examine the extractor for damage. If needed, the extractor can be a relatively inexpensive part to replace. Finally, inspect the feed ramp for any obstructions. If you’re comfortable doing so, you can polish the feed ramp gently with a fine abrasive, but proceed with caution, and consult a gunsmith if you’re unsure.
Ejection Issues: When the Brass Stays Put
Failure to eject (FTE) is another common issue that can plague your Remington Speedmaster 552. This is when the empty cartridge casing fails to be ejected from the chamber after firing.
The Usual Suspect: Dirt and Grime
Similar to FTF, a dirty chamber or bolt can contribute to FTE. Carbon buildup can cause the empty casing to stick in the chamber.
The Grievance: Faulty Extractor
A worn or damaged extractor is a primary culprit. It is responsible for grabbing the empty casing and pulling it from the chamber.
The Fatigue: The Ejector Spring’s Failure
The ejector spring, which provides the force to eject the spent casing, can weaken over time. This can result in a less vigorous ejection.
The Ejector’s Woes
The ejector itself, the small part responsible for kicking the empty case out, can be damaged.
Ammunition’s Influence
Just as with feeding, using low-quality ammunition can also lead to FTE. Weak or underpowered loads may not generate enough force to cycle the action completely.
Resolving Ejection Failures
The first step is to thoroughly clean the chamber and bolt. Ensure there is no build up. Inspect the extractor for damage or wear. If worn, replacement is a straightforward process. Check the ejector spring and the ejector for any issues like breakage. Again, replacement parts are readily available. As always, try different ammunition.
Light Primer Strikes: The Fizzle and the Fail
Light primer strikes (LPS) occur when the firing pin doesn’t strike the primer of the .22 LR cartridge with enough force to ignite the propellant.
The Clogged Pipeline: Dirty Firing Pin
A dirty or gummy firing pin can be sluggish and fail to strike the primer with sufficient force. Dirt and old lubricant are likely the reasons.
The Weak Link: A Worn Spring
A weak firing pin spring won’t provide the necessary force. It is not pushing the firing pin hard enough.
The Hidden Obstacle: Debris in the Channel
Debris can accumulate in the firing pin channel, hindering the firing pin’s movement. Check the small channel.
The Worn Striker: The Firing Pin Itself
The firing pin itself can be worn or damaged, reducing its effectiveness.
Dealing with Light Primer Strikes
Cleaning the firing pin and its channel is the first priority. Disassemble the bolt (carefully, following your owner’s manual) and clean the firing pin and the channel with a suitable solvent. Replace the firing pin spring if it appears weak or compressed. Inspect the firing pin for damage.
Accuracy Deterioration: When Your Shots Go Astray
Accuracy issues can arise in any firearm and are frustrating, particularly for a rifle intended for precision shooting.
The Shaky Foundation: The Barrel’s Role
A loose or damaged barrel can affect accuracy. Examine how the barrel fits in the receiver.
The Scope’s Contribution
If your rifle is equipped with a scope, ensure the scope rings are secure and the scope itself is functioning correctly.
The Unseen Movement: Receiver and Stock Issues
Loose screws on the receiver or stock can cause inconsistencies in the rifle’s alignment.
The Ammunition’s Influence
Poor-quality ammunition or the wrong type of ammunition for your rifle can impact accuracy.
The Dirt Factor: Dirty Barrel
A dirty barrel can accumulate fouling that affects the bullet’s trajectory.
Addressing Accuracy Challenges
Check and tighten the barrel if it is loose. Inspect and adjust your scope. Tighten all screws on the receiver and stock. Try different types of ammunition. Clean the barrel thoroughly with a bore brush and cleaning solvent. A clean barrel is essential for maintaining accuracy.
Magazine Malfunctions: A Common Cause
The Remington Speedmaster 552 uses a tube magazine, which, while generally reliable, can also present challenges.
The Worn or Ruined Magazine
A damaged or worn magazine can fail to properly feed rounds.
The Weakened Spring: The Problem
A weak magazine spring is going to impede performance, as it will not allow for proper feeding.
The Obstruction: Debris Inside
Debris inside the magazine can cause jams and feeding problems.
Solving Magazine Problems
Inspect the magazine. Replace if damaged. Consider replacing the magazine spring. Keep the magazine clean.
Other Issues Worth Mentioning
While the above problems are the most common, other issues may arise:
Broken springs.
Problems with the stock (cracks, etc.)
Minor wear and tear is possible.
The Art of Maintenance and Cleaning: Preserving Your Speedmaster
Preventing problems is always preferable to fixing them. Regular maintenance and cleaning are the keys to extending the life and ensuring the reliable performance of your Remington Speedmaster 552.
Setting a Routine: The Cleaning Schedule
How often you clean your rifle depends on how frequently you use it. A good rule of thumb is to clean it after every shooting session or every few sessions, depending on the number of rounds fired. It’s always better to be too cautious.
The Field Strip: Unveiling the Components
Familiarize yourself with the basic field stripping procedure outlined in your owner’s manual. This involves disassembling the rifle into its main components (barrel, receiver, bolt, stock). This allows for thorough cleaning.
The Cleaning Drill: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Field strip the rifle.
2. Clean the barrel using a bore brush, cleaning solvent, and patches. Push the brush and patches through the barrel from the chamber end to the muzzle end.
3. Clean the bolt and chamber, removing any carbon buildup.
4. Clean the firing pin and firing pin channel.
5. Lightly lubricate the appropriate parts with gun oil. Avoid over-lubricating, which can attract debris.
6. Reassemble the rifle, following the field stripping procedure in reverse.
Tools of the Trade: The Right Supplies
Invest in quality cleaning supplies, including a bore brush of the correct caliber, cleaning solvent, gun oil, patches, and a cleaning rod.
Proactive Measures: Maintaining Your Remington Speedmaster 552
Regular maintenance isn’t just about cleaning; it’s about proactive measures to prevent problems before they arise.
The Inspection Routine: Early Detection
Make it a habit to inspect your rifle before each shooting session. Check the magazine, the bolt, and the overall condition of the rifle.
Safe Storage: Protecting Your Investment
Store your rifle in a dry, secure location, away from extreme temperatures and humidity. This will help prevent rust and corrosion.
The Long Game: Part Replacement
Be prepared to replace worn parts as needed. Extractor springs, firing pin springs, and magazine springs are common wear items.
When to Seek Expertise
If you’re uncomfortable performing certain repairs or if you encounter persistent problems, don’t hesitate to consult a qualified gunsmith.
The Last Word: Enjoying Your Rifle
The Remington Speedmaster 552 is a fine rifle, and the common problems you might encounter can be easily addressed with the correct knowledge and care. By understanding the mechanics of the rifle, recognizing potential issues, and implementing a regular cleaning and maintenance routine, you can ensure years of reliable service and shooting enjoyment. Don’t be intimidated by the occasional malfunction; embrace the opportunity to learn about your rifle and enhance your shooting experience. By diligently taking care of your Remington Speedmaster 552, you’ll be able to pass it down to future generations. Embrace the legacy, and most importantly, enjoy the time spent behind the trigger.
