Stripped Scope Base Screws/Receiver

[Random Discharge]

I think I stripped at least two of the screws and/or receiver holes mounting a scope base on my Savage Model 16, stainless. That tighter, tighter, oops, suddenly looser feedback from the screwdriver was a dead giveaway.

The good news is that the lock-tite seems to be doing its job, and neither scope or bases show signs of movement. The rifle groups around 1"-1.5" at 100 yds. But what can I say....it really bugs me to know it's "not right."

Am I better of leaving well enough alone? Should I have larger holes tapped and get some larger screws? Get a quote from Savage to repair it? Never get near a do-it-yourself scope mounting job again ? Thanks for any advice.

 

[Wildalaska]

Take it to a gunsmith, he might be able to chase the threads..at the worst, he will drill and tap them out to 8/40.

Dont rely on the Loctite.

WildnotveryexpensivetofixAlaska

 

[GLOCKT]

For the price of a gunsmiths fix atleast $50 try and tapp and die it yourself.
Go to your local Sears and buy a small tapp and die set.Find your current thread size and tapp it 1 size over.
Replace the smaller screws with the larger size you just tapped for.
I had to do this for my SKS dust-cover scope mount assembly alot easier than it sounds and afterwards you got a small tapp and die set and the confidence of knowing you did it yourself.

 

[Art Eatman]

The big problem is if the "Oops" screws won't come out without breaking off, and you have to drill them out. They're usually very hard. Then, it's pretty much a job for a drill-press. Gotta keep things all lined up, and you don't want any more "Oops!" from anything slipping--like the drill bit against the receiver.

If you can just merely remove the screws, go on and replace them without so much grunt when tightening.

Art

 

[hps1]

Check www.brownells.com . They have special .146" taps & screws to replace stripped 6-48 base mounting screws. The 6-48 is .136" and Brownell says you do not need to drill before chasing stripped threads w/oversized tap.

Regards,
hps

 

[Skullboy]

Take the rifle into your local gunsmith.He shuold have all the proper tools to remove the screws if needed, and he will be able to ensure the holes are square and inline with the reciever when he goes to re-tap the holes.It is really easy to run the tap in at an angle.I would do what they do for Tactical rifles, have the reciever drilled and tapped for the next larger size(8X40 I believe).

HTH. SKBY.

 

[Random Discharge]

Thanks for the help everyone. I was able to get all the screws out, so that hurdle is cleared. I'll probably leave the tapping and mounting to someone without my propensity to overtighten everything. I've plenty of time between now and next season to think about a base and scope upgrade