Tough screw

[Spotty]

I've got an old model R325BB Western Auto Supply/Revelation 20 gauge bolt action that's spent some time in a damp basement corner, so the stock no longer fits very well. I'd like to remove the stock and try to fit it better, but there's a screw in front of the magazine connecting to the receiver(I think) that just won't budge. I've tried penetrating oil and tapping a screwdriver with hammers of various weights in an attempt to loosen it. It appears that the previous owner tried to loosen it as well because there's a big chunk taken out of the screw slot, and it's difficult to keep even a hollow ground screwdriver in it. My father suggested using an impact driver, but before I do that I'd like to know a) whether an impact driver is a good idea b) whether there's some sort of trick to this model or if the screw is in there with some sort of glue/epoxy c) if I should go ahead and drill it out and try to find/manufacture a replacement. Also, if I do need to replace it, where's a good place to find gun screws?

Thanks a bunch.

 

[dfariswheel]

The best method of removing a resistant screw is to unplug a drill press and chuck a Brownell's gunsmith screwdriver bit up.

Position the gun on the press table and preferably use a vise to hold it.
Make SURE the screw head is absolutely square with the screwdriver bit, not at an angle.
Lower the bit into the screw slot and use a section of rod in the chuck to turn the quill while you maintain firm down pressure on the screw.

If this fails, you can use a screw extractor.
Last resort is to drill off the screw head.

For new screws, see Gun Parts Corporation.
According to their brand name conversion tables, the Western Auto 325 is actually a Mossberg Model 385 series
http://www.e-gunparts.com/model.asp?idDept=170

You can also buy Mossberg parts from:
http://www.havlinsales.com/

 

[Sunray]

If the head is damaged an impact driver won't help. You likely won't get enough resistance for one anyway. Give it a good long soak in your penetrating oil and ry again with a regular screwdriver. If that doesn't work, it's likely severely rusted in and you'll have to drill it out. Don't use a hand drill though. They're not accurate enough. Use a drill press.
Gunparts lists an R325B as a Mossberg 385T. There's no mention of an R325BB though.
http://www.e-gunparts.com/crossref.asp

 

[1 old 0311]

Heat the area with a small torch. Touch it with a piece of parafin wax. It will melt and go down into the threads. Let it cool, and try again. Usually works.

 

[pete f]

I was going to say buy her flowers and dinner and maybe a few drinks.....


try a good fitting screw driver, cover the receiver with oil and then add some heat to the screw driver with the torch, not enough to melt or burn anything, but enough to maybe let the heat break down the bond.


The drill press Idea is a great one too. that often works when nothing else will becuase you can get enough down force on the screw to hold the driver in there.

 

[Chawbaccer]

While you're trying everything else, put a HOT soldering iron on the screw for a while. Get it real hot and it might loosen up.

 

[GreyMauser]

"Starbrite Screwdriver Helper" is an oil-suspended lapping compound that increases the screwdriver's ability to bite into a bad screw head. Use it with the drill press and vise, after an oil soak and heat treatment. I get it at West Marine boating stores or on line at http://www.westmarine.com

 

[Spotty]

Thanks for all the suggestions and info, guys. Unfortunately I don't have a drill press, but I'll give it everything I've got.

Neat suggestion on the Starbrite stuff. I've never heard of that before.