Wood Screw Swivel Studs

Heavy Barrel · Oct 31, 2015

After fetching my Savage .308 out of the safe a couple weeks ago, I notice something that wasn't quite right.

When I would try to move the sling around the sling swivel on the butt-stock wouldn't budge. And that's when I noticed the rust. Only thing I could think of that could have caused this, is some bore solvent ran down the stock and the rest is history.

Checked everyone of my other rifles and nothing wrong with them. Just my .308. Thankfully I had a spare sling on hand.

I've contacted both the stock maker (McMillan), and Savage, to see if they are using just a standard wood screw swivel stud. So far I haven't got a reply. I know...be patient.

Are the swivel studs a standard item, no matter the brand, i.e Grovetec, Uncle Mike's, etc.. only difference is the length, threads, and color?

filmjunkie4ever · Oct 31, 2015

Heavy Barrel -

I have had this happen periodically over the years. Typically I think that over time the friction created between the inside area of the stud and the bearing surface of the swivel causes the finish to be worn off. Any moisture at all will go to work creating rust where there is no protective finish on the surface of the metal. Leave your gun in the truck over night in a humid area and you'll see what I mean.

Every year, to prevent this and of course the occasional squeak, I apply a few drops of Hoppe's gun oil (or equivalent) to the studs and swivels on my hunting rifles as part of my routine cleaning maintenance. I never see rust and I have not had any of them bind up as a result.

I believe that the studs are pretty much a standard size part on all rifles these days. Occasionally you'll see different sizes and styles available upon request. If you are looking to replace the original stud, take the old one with you to your local Sporting Goods outlet and find a match.

Good luck!

Dale

nvbroncrider · Oct 31, 2015

Use a little epoxy and you should never have the problem again.

Guy Miner · Oct 31, 2015

How is epoxy going to keep the sling swivels and the swing swivel studs from rusting?

cloverleaf · Oct 31, 2015

I have a can of random Dry Moly aerosol that I used on the steel bushings on the axles
(Why...I will never know) of the front casters of my wheelchair. They tend to rust stuck to the axles and when I need to change bearings or something I end up using a hammer and a vice to beat the axles out of the bushings. I soaked these bushings in the stuff let it dry and put the things back together. To date it has been over six months with no outward signs of rust. It sure helped but its a bit more messy than I might want to use on a rifle. My Wheelchair casters will see salt, snow slop etc, that I hope your rifle never will. That said in my unscientific testing EEZOX is the best rust proofer/protectant out there. CL