Savage Axis XP Picatinny Rail Questions/Advice

[shop3567]

Hello Everyone,


I recently have been working on long range target shooting with my .308 Savage Axis XP. I am seeking advice from shooters about what might be the best path forward for my system.

I purchased a Monstrum Picatinny Rail and after sending ~70 rounds down range I noticed a very slight wobble on the rail. I broke it down and I noticed two major things:

1. The screw second away from me/shooter had broke. (Obviously the vibrations/force broke the screw)
2. The marks on the rail from rubbing against the metal above the ejection port.

When I set up my system I followed torque specs for Monstrum Picatinny Rail.
I used Blue Loctite to ensure the screws wouldn't back out or move over time.
I also used a new screw for the two screws closest to me/shooter: Forster Slotted Oval .200" Diameter Head Screws 6-48 Blue - 1/4"

Just for reference, I was originally using the 1/8" screws but the vibrations were backing them out so I decided to try using a longer screw.

Any suggestions on how to set up my rail better or if there is a better solution?

Thanks for any help!

[shop3567]

Photos for reference

[Dave Hoback]

Make certain the rail is not either warped or twisted first. Place the rail on the Action on a level service with light behind the Action. Do you see light from under the rail & Action either in the front or rear? That’s a tell.

Most here will recommend using the known brands for their high quality. Warne, Leupold, EGW & Talley are the most notable. There are a few others of smaller companies as well. I’ve trusted & used Talley rails for many years.

Just looking, it seems your rail has some fairly pronounced, uneven machining marks. Just that could be causing induced stress when torquing. One thing you can do is lap the rail to the Action a little better. Get some high grit thin sandpaper. 1000grit maybe. Cut a piece and mold it to the round curves of the Action, where the rail sits. Then set the rail in place & gentle slide forward & back to lightly lap the bottom of the rail surfaces. Also, when setting up, clean the screw holes in the Action with Acetone or Alcohol 100%. The screws as well. Make certain all the threads are 100% free from contaminants. Apply the Blue Loctite & allow to dry on the threads just a bit, before inserting & torquing the screws.

[charlie b]

Is it just me or do the holes in the rail seem larger? Just wondered if the rail was drilled for 8-40 and receiver for 6-48.

If they are correct then follow Dave's advise. Loctite needs very clean surfaces to do it's job on such small screws. FWIW, the two mating surfaces provide the friction that helps hold things from moving, which is why the lapping Dave mentioned can help a lot.

[shop3567]

Thank you both for the help and advice so far. Once I get the broken screw out I'll try using a higher quality rail as well as lapping the rail before I mount it.

Re:Charlie_b, the perspective on the rail vs. action is probably what you see. The photo I took had the rail close to the camera vs. the action so it might look bigger.

I found this thread re: questions on rear action screw sizes for .308 Savage:

https://www.savageshooters.com/showt...-Action-Screws

[Dave Hoback]

Curious, why did you bring up a thread about the Action screws?

Also, I wouldn’t use those Forster screws. Any of the higher quality rails available will have the proper Torx screws included. BTW: what is the Serial # of your Action? Those with Serial Numbers higher than N936371 all have 8-40 screws. But you are positive yours is 6-48?

Here is the Warne rail. (Available standard or 20MOA.)
https://www.amazon.com/Warne-Scope-M...ng%2C75&sr=1-9

And here the Leupold. It’s actually drilled for both the Axis & 110 LA. (Available standard or 20MOA.)
https://www.amazon.com/Leupold-171338-Hunting-Shooting-Equipment/dp/B078NG162K/ref=sr_1_20?crid=2JUHRO1L4XT9K&keywords=Savage%2BA xis%2FEdge%2BPicatinny%2Brail&qid=1698602819&s=spo rting-goods&sprefix=savage%2Baxis%2Fedge%2Bpicatinny%2Br ail%2Csporting%2C75&sr=1-20&th=

If you wanted Talley, I’d recommend getting it directly from Talley as you can specify which screws & they will send the correct. Amazon for instance, only lists the Talley rail with the 8-40 screws.