Stripped Action Screw Hole - Help!

[Brydawg512]

Hello all,

I'm finding myself in a bit of an unfortunate situation here...

I removed my barreled action (110 Hunter model in 300WM) from the Accustock for the first time today to sand down a part of the stock that contacted the barrel. I started to put it back together, working incrementally toward 40 in./lb. of torque. It felt just fine threading in, but upon removal, the front action screw hole is buggered up.

This is where I am at now. The screw will screw into this hole directly (albeit with some resistance due to messed up threads), however, doesn't seem "long" enough or have thread to grip onto when I add the stock into the equation and try to put it back together.

What are my options here? As of now, I have a buggered front action screw hole and I can't put the rifle back together.

Thank you all in advance.

[JW]

Go to the closest open hardware store and buy a 1/4- 28 tap ( if you don't already have one). Tap out the action screw hole that is damaged.( you might get by without doing this).

Also purchase a few 1/4 28 socket head cap screws longer than the original action screw and cut the new one to fit the length you need. (probably 1/8" to 3/16" longer than old one).

Then check to make sure the new screw is not protruding above the inside of the action when everything is put together and torqued..
I hope this helps.
Jack

[kjk200]

I am pretty sure the front action screw would be a blind hole in the bottom of the action, so make sure you get the bottom tap.
https://www.mcmaster.com/26955a88

[GrenGuy]

^^ No, the hole goes all the way through, as does the rear one. If the action bolts are too long they will interfere with the bolt operation.

[Robinhood]

The hole is not blind as stated by GreGuy. It is as mentioned by JW a 1/4-28 screw.

The original screw is probably damaged on the starter thread. Replace it. Make sure it is the correct length.

If you tap the action be very careful. Us a small file or hone to remove the buggers around the hole first, then tap.

If you have to go up to a 5/16-24 NF or a 5/16-32 NEF Make sure you can get the screws in the length you need first.

As GrenGuy said, too long of a screw will interfere with the bolt rotation.

Next time, take a wood working clamp and squeeze the action into the stock before you install the screw.

[oley55]

Not surprising to me at all. My 2018 Model 10 FCP-SR with Accustock had a too short front action screw from day one. Fortunately I was paying very close attention and realized that screw was only engaging for 1 1/2 turns. I found a cap head bolt (different size hex) and cut it to what I believed to be the correct length 3/4". Since the bolt/screw hole passes through the action's barrel threads I was afraid to let the bolt extend into the bolt chamber (for lack of a better description) and interfere with bolt head rotation. I currently have my barrel off and have a clear view and realize I could have been a bit longer and able to engage two more threads. So I wonder if a 1" screw would have been fine or not.

So as others said, chase those threads with a tap and then get a longer screw/bolt (1") and shorten as needed.

[Fuj']

.

Next time, take a wood working clamp and squeeze the action into the stock before you install the screw.

Sound advice. I use a welders type squeeze clamp with nylon blocks.
One of my other smith buddies prefers a ratchet strap when pulling
screws.