Vertical Stringing in Handi's--- How Tight Should the Buttstock Screw Be?

[McLernon]

I can't help but wonder what effect the tightness of the buttstock has on vertical stringing when the gun is supported well out on the fore-stock. Flexing of the buttstock due to a 'not-so-tight' bolt would theoretically be less of an issue if the gun is supported under the hinge pin (which is very close to the center of gravity of the gun) and might explain why Handi's tend not to string vertically when supported under the hinge pin. Any way I just put a new stock set on my Handi and I am now wondering just how high I should have torqued the bolt. Any one have a number?

Thanks

McLernon

[quickdtoo]

I don't know how tight, but loctited and tight! I know of a post that was made here or elsewhere that a stock bolt came loose, it ruined a hunt cuz they didn't have the tools to tighten it, just a heads up that relates to the subject!

Tim

[jbtazgrabber]

a lug wrench <ONE way> has a screw driver slot for takeing off the hubcap workes to take the stock off in a emergency...   ive had them loosen before so i put a lock washer on them..........jb

[Cknerr]

I torque mine to 45 inch pounds for starters. You want to keep the pressure at a minimum to prevent damaging wood. If you can tell it is too little: stock wiggles, group stringing etc, go up in 10 inch pound increments.

If that doesn't change anything and everything seems to be tight and functioning correctly, you probably have the wrong powder charge (usually not enough). This is one of the most common causes of vertical stringing.

Good luck,
Chris

[Fred M]

Mc Lernen.
Even  semi hardwood like Douglas Fir has a compresive strenght paralell to grain of 1600psi. Real hard wood has even more. No worry about compressing the wood.

So snug up that bolt with a flat and lock washer with a 9/16 socket, 20-30 ft/lbs sounds about right? I put the stock in beween my knees and tighten the bolt real tight. The Handi stock has a lot of bearing surface.

Lock tide is OK too on the thread, but I don't think it is needed. The lock washer will keep the stock tight.

[McLernon]

Thanks for the responses folks. I tightened up the stock bolt on both my Handi's really tight. Let's see if it makes a difference.

McLernon