Here are our most Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Modified magazines?
The CST Auto Bolt Stop works by relaying directly on the cartridge rim. If there is no cartridge rim present, then the bolt gets stopped. This simple concept requires a clearance cut in the magazine to expose the cartridge rim. Each CST Auto Bolt Stop kit comes with one modified Ruger 10-round magazine with extra magazines also available. Unmodified magazines will not work with the CST Auto Bolt Stop. Without the necessary clearance cut in the rear of the magazine mouth, the bolt stop mechanism will be put in a bind and will not allow forward movement of the bolt, rendering the rifle inoperable. This can lead to damage to the auto bolt stop mechanism that is not covered by the warranty. All CST modified magazines are completely compatible with factory 10/22 rifles, with or without the auto bolt stop installed. To accommodate shooters, CST will modify mail-in factory magazines in good working order as well as offering new modified magazines. (See the Modified Magazine link).
2. Are aftermarket magazines compatible with the CST Auto Bolt Stop?
Several attempts to modify aftermarket magazines were all found to produce unsatisfactory results. Most companies have departed from the steel throat configuration that Ruger uses with their rotary magazines. This usually orients the cartridge incorrectly and creates incorrect geometry for the auto bolt stop device to work properly. Also keep in mind that some aftermarket magazines function unreliably right out of the box. Most serious 10/22 shooters will agree that the Ruger magazines are the most reliable.
3. Customer supplied modified magazines?
CST Modified Magazines can be purchased new or you can mail in your magazines for modification. The used magazines must be free of defects and in good working order. Older magazines with the slotted head screw may not be suitable for modification. For the magazines to release correctly from the rifle with the bolt locked open, some material must be removed from the face of the magazine screw. The slot in older magazines may be eliminated during this process. The warranty applies to new CST modified magazines as well as customer supplied CST modified magazines.
4. How is the CST Auto Bolt Stop different than other bolt locks / releases?
Products entitled automatic bolt locks or automatic bolt releases are not to be confused with the CST Auto Bolt Stop. The CST Auto Bolt Stop is the only last shot bolt hold-open device available for the 10/22. No other 10/22 product on the market automatically stops the bolt when the rifle is empty. There is not a tiny tab to manually manipulate to lock the bolt open. With the CST Auto Bolt Stop simply pull back the bolt on an empty 10/22 and the bolt locks. Next time your local range officer asks for you to unload your 10/22 and lock the bolt open, simply remove your magazine and pull back the bolt. You just rendered your rifle unloaded and safe with the bolt locked open for inspection. Want to test out that automatic bolt lock? Try locking the bolt open and then tap the butt of the rifle on a table. More times than not, the bolt will slip off those aftermarket bolt locks. With a CST Auto Bolt Stop, your bolt is securely locked open and will not slip off.
5. Is my trigger group compatible with the CST Auto Bolt Stop?
The CST Auto Bolt Stop was designed to drop in and function with factory 10/22 trigger assemblies. It is not compatible with trigger assemblies departing from the original Ruger design, such as the Jewell or KIDD trigger assembly. Once installed in a factory style trigger assembly, the CST Auto Bolt Stop does not interact with the sear, trigger, magazine latch, or hammer and should be completely compatible with aftermarket products of this type.
6. Will the CST Auto Bolt Stop work with .22LR and .22 magnum as well as the .17HMR?
The .22 long rifle version auto bolt stop is not compatible with the .22 magnum version. A special version auto bolt stop is available for .22 magnum and .17 HMR shooters. The device itself is lengthened to accommodate the longer bolt in the magnum rifle, as well as a .22 magnum modified magazine replaces the .22 long rifle magazine included in auto bolt stop kits. The .22 magnum configuration also works for shooters with a .17 HMR chambered rifle, using the same modified magazine.
7. Will the CST Auto Bolt Stop work with the .17 Mach 2?
The .22LR version Auto Bolt Stop Kit (#1001) can operate correctly in .17 Mach 2 converted rifles. The special VQ .17M2 heavy match bolt will require some modifying to function with the Auto Bolt Stop. The attached piece of tungsten to the bottom of the bolt will need an enlarged contact surface to engage the bolt stop, as well as a smooth cut made across the left flat head screw. Consult our labor rates to have modifications performed to VQ bolts.
