Ruger 22/45 bolt release question

[spacecoast]

I just bought a plastic-framed 22/45 as another plinking pistol and cannot get the bolt to go forward on an empty chamber, whether or not the magazine is in, the safety is on/off or by pressing the bolt catch (which only seems to function when a round is in the magazine). So I am stuck with the bolt back on an empty chamber. When a round is in the magazine, everything seems to be OK (without having actually fired a round yet).

What am I doing wrong, or is this normal?

 

[g.willikers]

Does it go into battery if you just pull the bolt back and release it?

 

[weblance]

Pull the bolt back, and while holding the bolt lock lever down, release the bolt. If the bolt doesnt go forward, then something is wrong.

 

[jmstr]

Mark III or Mark II 22/55?

 

[spacecoast]

Mark III or Mark II 22/55?

It's a 4" Mark II Target (although it doesn't say Mark II), manufactured about 2000. No LCI. I think I found the problem, the gun had some old dried up oil in it and the bolt release was very stiff. I also found this...

I switched it out with the equivalent part in my older Mark II, cleaned and oiled everything and all is good now. I got a good price on the gun, so I can't be too upset about needing a $10 part.

Now to find the recoil spring assembly, Brownell's has it but I would like another magazine and they are out. Midway is out of both the assembly and the magazines.

 

[Pilot]

I have a four inch bull barrel MK II era 22/45. I can not sling shot the bolt but must use the slide release to chamber a round. I just thought this is how the pistol was designed.