Tightness of action screws on a bolt action

[bobnob]

Anyone ever owned a rifle that wouldn't shoot unless the action screws are REALLY TIGHT?

I've got a nice - if somewhat plain - Zastava Mauser in 270 Win. It initially had the plastic stock but I got a Boyd's walnut which I bedded the action into.

I had the devil's own time getting that thing to shoot consistently well! Figured it had to be bedding, as it was at worst a 1.5 moa rifle with the plastic, unbedded stock. In exasperation I even changed the mounts and the scope.

Anyway, when I was just about to give up I thought "Bugger it, I'm gonna tighten both action screws up until I'm near stripping them!"

Well whattaya' know? That thing started pegging everything into well under 1.25moa. Most under 1moa.


Anyone had similar experiences? Most advice you hear is that the action screws need not be overly tight. Go figure.


Any thoughts or knowledge to share guys?

 

[rick smith]

The highest inch pounds I have used was 65. I have seen some so tight that a cheater bar was almost necessary. Did you put pillars in the stock? Rick.

 

[bobnob]

Rick I thought someone would not unreasonably ask that.

The rear screw has a pillar, as that existed in the plastic stock. Just drilled the Boyd's out and used it.

The front action screw has none, though the recoil lug is bedded quite well.

What say you?

 

[rick smith]

was it bedded to that action? Or was it bedded to a slave action?Rick.

 

[bobnob]

If you mean the pillar, it was not bedded in the plastic stock and nor is it in the walnut one.

As far as the barreled action goes, it was not bedded in the original plastic stock. It was only screwed in, mass produced style. Now the rifle has had the recoil lug bedded and barrel free floated.


I have another Zastava, this one a stainless version and it is still in the plastic stock. I floated and bedded the action in this case and it tightened the groups from about 1.6 moa to 1.1 moa. With this one the screws need only be torqued to normal tightness.

 

[rick smith]

Have you tried loosening the screws one at a time and looking for movement of the barreled action? Rick.

 

[bobnob]

Yes and it doesn't move. It sits solid.

 

[rick smith]

are you using an inch pound torque wrench to tighten the screws? If so, what are the settings? Rick.

 

[bobnob]

I am using an Allen key - never owned a torque adjustable wrench, spanner or driver of any kind.

These action screws are very tight now though. But I usually tighten the rear screw a little tighter than the front, but generally neither any tighter than can be applied by using only my thumb and first two fingers.

 

[rick smith]

Using a thumb and first two fingers is probably not getting it too tight. I usually tighten both the same or the front tighter than the rear. Just what I was told by a custom rifle builder. Rick.

 

[SJB358]

A Fat Wrench or like tool is really worth the money if you have a few rifles. I really like setting my screws back to the same spot everytime. Gives me a little piece of mind when my internal TQ wrench could be wonkey.

 

[bobnob]

Yes I've been meaning to invest in one. I've always been a rough bush mechanic but the time has come.

Anyway this rifle is just another example of how they're all a bit different. Amazing how much it changed the accuracy and consistency of the thing by making it a lot tighter.