Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles Action-Screw Thread Wear?

I like to take my rifles out of their stocks at least once a year to lubricate, check etc. My question is that over a period of years, will this cause wear on the threads in the action screws or the corresponding female threads in the receiver? Thanks.

Eric,

This is not noted in the literature as a problem; however, buggering screw heads with a screwdriver is commonly seen.

I have older rifles of my own, and I haven't experienced this either. I don't take them apart on a yearly basis though, but I would not be afraid to do so.

I have had Remington M40X target rifles that the factory said to loosen the action screws after shooting, and retighten before shooting again (to avoid compressing the bedding).

jim

I do as Hunter Jim also, loosen the screws to protect the bedding. I also remove actions from my rifles quite often and some get torqued to 65 inch pounds repeatedly. 65 inch pounds will stretch the bolts threads and I change them out when this becomes evident. The threads in the action usually do not have a problem in my experience.
If just once a year you should not have any issues.
Nathan

Thanks for the replies. Its been awhile since I've looked at a tap and die set, but it appears from looking at my rifles' receivers that the threads in the female end are "thicker" than those on the screw. I wonder if it is designed this way on most mechanical things, the rationale being that for the most part it is always easier to replace a stripped/worn screw than the larger component?

Eric, you are worrying about a non-issue.

Just go shooting. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
Ted

I just make sure mine are clean and put a drop of oil on the screw when I assemble them. If they feel rough I'll run a tap thru them.

the female threads might look "thicker" because of the tap drill size used. They'll have a bigger flat on top than the screw threads...but they are the same pitch.