The Beretta U22 Neos is a .22 LR semi-automatic pistol. LR stands for Long Rifle. It is a single-action pistol that uses a slide blow-back system. Beretta claims the U22 Neos to be suitable for a beginner, yet to be customizable enough to suit the experienced marksman.
But, there are some Beretta U22 Neos problems that you should know about.
Known issues with the Beretta U22 Neos are failure to feed, stovepiping, the slide release lever not working, failure to return to battery, and trigger failure.
Now, before moving on to the guide to get your Beretta U22 Neos problems fixed, these are some of the features and specifications of the U22 Neos.
Features & Specifications of the Beretta U22 Neos:
| Beretta U22 Neos Specs | |
| Cartridge | .22LR |
| Capacity | 10 Rounds |
| Barrel Length | 4.5/6 Inches |
| Weight | 31.7/36.2 Ounces (Unloaded) |
| Length | 8.8/10.3 Inches |
| Width | 1.5 Inches |
| Height | 5.2 Inches |
| Safety | Ambidextrous Manual Safety Lever |
| Sights | Fully Adjustable Rear Sight, Removable Front Sight |
Common Beretta U22 Neos Problems and Solutions
The table below showcases most of the Beretta U22 Neos problems. I will provide steps to Beretta U22 Neos troubleshooting as well.
Quick Overview of the Problems and Solutions
| Beretta U22 Neos Problems | Solutions |
| Failure to Feed | Eliminating limp wrists, cleaning/lubricating, changing ammo/mag, polishing the feed ramp |
| Stovepiping | Lubing the extractor/polishing the breech face |
| Slide Release Lever Not Working | Taking out the slide catch spring |
| Failure to Return to Battery | Cleaning the gun, breaking it in, polishing the ramp |
| Trigger Failure | Adjusting the trigger bar |
1. Failure to Feed:
The Beretta U22 Neos is quite susceptible to failure to feed issues. Such issues tend to occur due to a number of reasons.
These reasons include limp wrists, a dirty gun, ammo, and magazine incompatibility. Limp wrists can cause cycling issues. As well as low-power ammo and incompatible magazines.
Solution:
The solution should tackle all the issues mentioned above. You should hold the gun as firmly as possible while shooting. As well as keeping it well lubricated and cleaned at all times.
You could also try shooting better quality powerful ammo to see if that could fix the issue somehow. Also, it is recommended to use factory magazines (Fig 1) instead of off-brand ones.
One user also mentioned that polishing the feed ramp has helped eliminate the “failure to feed” issue for his Beretta U22 Neos.
2. Stovepiping:
Stovepipes are bullet shells that get stuck on their way out. Although, stovepipes are quite rare on the Beretta U22 Neos, but not impossible.
Solution:
The solution tends to be a well-lubed extractor. You should lube the extractor appropriately. And then slowly move the slide back and forth to smoothen it out. This should resolve the issue with the stovepipes.
Polishing the breech face will also enable the shell to slide up and under the extractor easier.
3. Slide Release Lever Not Working:
The slide release lever on the Beretta U22 Neos often gets stuck. After firing a clip, the slide may lock open. And if you load another clip and pull back on the slide, nothing may happen.
Yet the release lever will continue to stay up. And you may have to actually push it down to get the slide to close.
The issue could be that the Neos is not keeping enough pressure on the release lever to keep the post and spring solidly in its mounting hole.
Solution:
Several users who have claimed to lose the slide catch spring/slide stop springs or taken it out themselves willingly have stated that it makes the slide release lever more efficient.
The slide catch spring or the slide stop spring (Fig 2) is used to rotate the lever back down as you slingshot the slide close after replacing or removing a magazine.
If you prefer to thumb the release to close the slide, then you will most likely not need this part.
4. Failure to Return to Battery:
This seems to be quite a prevalent issue with the Beretta U22 Neos. It will fire the first round and chamber the next, but it won’t fire the second round. The shooter may have to manually rack the slide to get the second round to fire.
Solution:
You may need to clean the slide rails and the feed ramp. As well as working the action back and forth for a decent amount of time to properly break in the gun.
One user suggested polishing the feed ramp with a dremel. However, it is highly advised to leave this task to a professional gunsmith. As amateur work could mess up the functionality of the gun.
5. Trigger Failure:
Although rare, the trigger on the Beretta U22 Neos may malfunction. In such as issue, if the shooter pulls the trigger, the gun would not fire. If the trigger is released and then pulled again the gun fires.
Solution:
One user mentioned that he had the same problem and had sent his gun back to Beretta for servicing. The note that came back with the gun said that the slide and the trigger bar were replaced.
But if the issue still persists, the trigger bar assembly (Fig 3) will need to be readjusted. This should solve the problem entirely.
User Feedback on Beretta U22 Neos
Although the Beretta U22 Neos has gone through several rough patches along with a recall by Beretta, it is still regarded as a great firearm by many users.
One user wrote a review on the official product page of the Beretta U22 Neos Inox that his gun has never failed to feed or fire any brand of ammo. As well as mentions that cleaning the gun is also fairly easy.
Although this user did not face FTF issues, other users of the gun certainly have. As can be seen on this thread from the Rim Fire Central forum.
Others have also raised their voice against the trigger reset issue of the Beretta U22 Neos, such as this one user on a different thread on the Rim Fire Central forum.
One user on the Highroad forum mentioned how he’s happy with his Beretta U22 Neos, and also stated that it is a great choice for plinking.
On another Reddit post, users seemed to express both positive and negative reviews of the U22 Storm.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which rail mount system is used on the Beretta U22 Neos?
Weaver rail mount.
Does the Beretta U22 Neos have a discrete “loaded chamber” indicator?
No.
Why was the Beretta U22 Neos recalled by Beretta?
Because some pistols would fire even if the safety is on.
Is the safety of the Beretta U22 Neos ambidextrous?
Yes.
Where is the magazine release on the Beretta U22 Neos?
Above the trigger guard.
Conclusion
Although the Beretta U22 Neos does seem to have its own issues to deal with, most newer models should not run into problems as after the recall, a lot of quality improvements were made.
However, if you still run into any of the above-mentioned Beretta U22 Neos problems, this article will hopefully guide you through solving the issue yourself.
Related Posts:
