Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Gunsmithing Action with stripped scope mount

I bought an Savage 110 at a Pawn Shop and I went to plop a set of Talley Lightweights on it and I noticed that one of the holes for the mount screw was either tapped too large or more than likely has been stripped. I tried different screws and all just spin freely.

Do I have any options other than having the receiver re-drilled and tapped?

Thanks!!

I've never used them, but I saw these slightly oversized 6-48 tap and screws on the Brownell's website:

http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=795&title=.146

--shinbone

Do it right! have it D&T'd for 8x40's and never look back.
Small price to pay for accuracy/dependability.

Thanks,

Will the mount need to be re-drilled or is the hole large enough in most mounts to accept an 8x40?

Depends how big the hole has been drilled out.
Drill bit size would be a #29 (9/64") dec equivalent is .1360" measure the hole with a micrometer and see what you get.

Thanks for the help!

Your welcome, hope all works out.

Like I said, I've never used the Brownell's oversized 6-48 tap and screws (and I am not a gunsmith as anyone who reads my chamber casting thread will see), but it is my understanding that you just run the oversized tap into the stripped hole and then use the oversized screws. No drilling required, and it can all be done by hand. Sounds like a very simple repair job.

Tom264 is correct, though, that the 8-40 screws are preferred over the 6-48 screws.

--shinbone

Shinbone,

thanks for your help as well, I'm sure using over sized screws would work fine but I know me, I would always suspect I screwed up when tapping the stripped hole. I like the piece of mind of having a qualified person (e.g not me) drill and re-tap the stripped hole.

I don't blame you at all for letting a gunsmith fix it for you,I'd have done the same thing.

i have used thre brownells oversized 6-48 replacement several times with great success. it works for me!

The best answer is going up a size (8-40) by drilling reaming and tapping. Then use a torque wrench set at 25 inch pounds. MidayUSA sells the wheeler brand for about $35.00. This could be one of the best investments you ever make. All scope rings and bases should be put on using a torque wrench. If you have a heavy hand you should use a torque wrench installing your action in the stock also.
Nat Lambeth

Some bases are counterbored so the head of the screw is below the surface.I have had to take down the head or open up the base to accept the screw and the head.

Having a good gunsmith do the repair is certainly the safest way to go. Also, having a gunsmith actually mount the scope to avoid stripping the threads could be a good idea if you don't have an inch/lb torque wrench.

I once broke a mount screw in its hole. Snapped the head right off. I had to have a gunsmith remove it. After that pricey experience, I bought a Snap-On inch/lb torque driver, which has more than paid for itself in saved gunsmith fees by allowing me to properly mount a scope without risking stripped threads. I simple apply purple Locktite and torque the 6-48 base screws to 20 inch/lbs and I am good to go. I have never had a problem once I started using the torque driver, and the tiny 6-48 screws have proven at least adequate.

While the 8-40 screws are stronger and less likely to strip compared to the 6-48, once the gun is drilled and tapped for 8-40 screws, you will only be able to use mounts designed for 8-40 screws. While such mounts are out there, the 6-48 style mounts are much more common. I sure wish the manufacturers would embrace 8-40 screws as the standard, or have mounts integral to the receiver a-la-Ruger.

--shinbone

I have been wanting a wheeler torque screwdriver for awhile now, I just haven't been able to find one locally.

I will order one later today.

Now I just need to find a good smith in my area.

Thanks for the help!

brownells also sells counter sinks for 8-40 to convert your 6-48 scope bases. they work for me too.

How many of us CHANGE the scope bases on a rifle? Everyone I hunt and shoot with put one good one on and it stays there forever. I think you are making something of nothing with this argument. I bought a set of drills, chucking reamers, taps and counter-bores to convert 6-48s to 8-40s on most rifles. It's a good upgrade. An 8-40 screws is twice as strong as the smaller one.

Once I had the 6x48s and 8x40s side by side I was shocked to see the size difference. I still dont know why the manufactures would not just make the 8x40s standard. Of course I still dont know why they love to use oddball sizes on most of their screws. I gave up years ago and bought one of the gunsmithing kits from brownells that had a couple dozen of the most common screws found in firearms. It has saved me and friends a lot of agony waiting for the brown truck to drop off two screws.