can't tighten front action screw Model 70

I put my Winchester Model 70 push feed into a new Boyd Classic stock. You may remember me cause I had that embarrassing thread about my botched glass bedding job in the original plastic "walmart" stock. Anyway, the rifle shoots much better in the new stock. It was a 2 1/2 to 3" shooter with the old stock but now with the same loads it shoots just over an inch and sometimes better.

The strange thing is that if I tighten the front action screw much more than just barely snug it puts stress on the action to the point where the bolt is very hard to close and open at the end of the travel (the last 1/8 of the turn or so). I am just using a small allen head wrench so I am not putting much torque on it at all. As a result the screw loosens up pretty quickly when I shoot it and have to retighten it frequently. I have messed around with tightening order (front to back, back to front) and it doesn't seem to matter much. Once I cinch up that front action screw the action starts to bind.

I thought about just putting some loctite on it and see how that works but there must be a reason this is happening and a real fix for it. Thinking about it seems like there must be some fitment issues around the recoil lug. Perhaps the recess isn't deep enough? Too deep? I will probably have to bed it eventually. I might even do that again myself (I know ... slow learner).

So, Smiths of the fire what do ya think is going on with this finicky front action screw?

Perhaps the screw is just a little too long and is projecting through the lug opening. Take the bolt out, look and feel the hole for the front action screw inside the receiver and tighten t up and see and feel if it is protruding.

That above, or it needs to be bedded at the receiver and tang.

I think you would be money ahead to have it professionally bedded. Once and done.

Originally Posted by SuburbanHunter

I put my Winchester Model 70 push feed into a new Boyd Classic stock. You may remember me cause I had that embarrassing thread about my botched glass bedding job in the original plastic "walmart" stock. Anyway, the rifle shoots much better in the new stock. It was a 2 1/2 to 3" shooter with the old stock but now with the same loads it shoots just over an inch and sometimes better.

The strange thing is that if I tighten the front action screw much more than just barely snug it puts stress on the action to the point where the bolt is very hard to close and open at the end of the travel (the last 1/8 of the turn or so). I am just using a small allen head wrench so I am not putting much torque on it at all. As a result the screw loosens up pretty quickly when I shoot it and have to retighten it frequently. I have messed around with tightening order (front to back, back to front) and it doesn't seem to matter much. Once I cinch up that front action screw the action starts to bind.

I thought about just putting some loctite on it and see how that works but there must be a reason this is happening and a real fix for it. Thinking about it seems like there must be some fitment issues around the recoil lug. Perhaps the recess isn't deep enough? Too deep? I will probably have to bed it eventually. I might even do that again myself (I know ... slow learner).

So, Smiths of the fire what do ya think is going on with this finicky front action screw?

First thing to do - remove the bolt and install the front action screw. Shine a small light into the receiver and you should be able to see the top of that screw.. Ensure that the tip is a hair BELOW that recess.. If not (and I'm betting it is) it's too long and needs to have a thread +/- removed.. Do that, then try again..

+1 on a proper bedding job. Do not shoot a M-70 with the screws loose, they are notorious for cracking stocks when shot with loose screws.

Screw is too long. Shorten it accordingly, an have it bedded.
Good luck, Tom

Thanks to everyone that weighed in on this. I shortened the screw by one thread as ya'll suggested and now it snugs up tight and the bolts travels freely. Thanks again. This forum is a great resource!

Originally Posted by R_H_Clark

I think you would be money ahead to have it professionally bedded. Once and done.

What fun is that? Sounds like the front screw. BTDT. But, I've been known to be misguided on internet....

Originally Posted by SuburbanHunter

I put my Winchester Model 70 push feed into a new Boyd Classic stock. You may remember me cause I had that embarrassing thread about my botched glass bedding job in the original plastic "walmart" stock. Anyway, the rifle shoots much better in the new stock. It was a 2 1/2 to 3" shooter with the old stock but now with the same loads it shoots just over an inch and sometimes better.

The strange thing is that if I tighten the front action screw much more than just barely snug it puts stress on the action to the point where the bolt is very hard to close and open at the end of the travel (the last 1/8 of the turn or so). I am just using a small allen head wrench so I am not putting much torque on it at all. As a result the screw loosens up pretty quickly when I shoot it and have to retighten it frequently. I have messed around with tightening order (front to back, back to front) and it doesn't seem to matter much. Once I cinch up that front action screw the action starts to bind.

I thought about just putting some loctite on it and see how that works but there must be a reason this is happening and a real fix for it. Thinking about it seems like there must be some fitment issues around the recoil lug. Perhaps the recess isn't deep enough? Too deep? I will probably have to bed it eventually. I might even do that again myself (I know ... slow learner).

So, Smiths of the fire what do ya think is going on with this finicky front action screw?

What's embarrassing about f'king up something mechanical. I do it all the time. Get over it!

. Now f'king up another living thing thru bad shooting, negligence, etc.... that's different!