Author Topic: Tighten the screws (Read 443 times)

longwinters · « **on:** January 17, 2004, 03:04:18 PM »

What is the commonly held view concerning the amount that you tighten the screws on a bolt action forend? These screws are the ones that hold the action to the forend. I had one of my rifles apart and now am second guessing how tight I have snugged them up.

long

gunnut69 · « **Reply #1 on:** January 17, 2004, 09:09:49 PM »

If you are talking about the front action screw then it shouldn't matter. If the bedding is good just 'very' tight should be fine. Not so tight the screw driver is ready to fail but quite tight. The rear a bit less tight and, if present, the center screw just tight enough to keep it from backing out.. If your talking about the screw that pierces the forearm and enters a block on the barrel then there is really no set amount. Some even leave them out as part of the free floating process. It is possible to use an inch pound torque wrench but I've not seen it make a big difference. If the rifle is properly bedded, it should make little difference.

longwinters · « **Reply #2 on:** January 18, 2004, 08:09:39 AM »

Whew! Thanks for straightening me out Gunnut. I thought it was just the opposite. :oops:

long

gunnut69 · « **Reply #3 on:** January 18, 2004, 11:21:33 AM »

I properly bedded the front screw will tighten against a hard stop. The force past that point is irrelevant. If the bedding isn't right the spongyness in the bedding will allow the force used to tighten the screw to effect the rifles' performance. The middle screw, used in some actions, can warp the action if over tightened. There are a few exceptions such as the 740 remington autioloaders. In those the forearm screw is used to tension the barrel and can make the rifle shoot better or worse..