Would more torque keep the bottom metal from moving laterally under recoil? I was thinking that if the bottom of the action screw isn't fixed in place with the stock (just like the top/action is secure due to the bedding job), then the rig is ultimately not stable. With the old plastic stock the rifle had a blind magazine, so the front action screw sat in a pillar escutcheon.

Here are videos I took this afternoon of the bottom metal and trigger guard (note: could not figure out how to embed).

Bottom Metal/Front Action Screw
https://player.vimeo.com/video/298771638


Trigger Guard/Rear Action Screw
https://player.vimeo.com/video/298771648


It may also be worth noting that on the bedding job I did a single layer of masking tape on the sides and front of the recoil lug. So there's a tiny bit of lateral play already (maybe I shouldn't have done the tape but it's what most people here seem to do).