Savage 111 action screws loosening?

banditt007 · November 22, 2008, 10:09 PM

This is my first centerfire rifle, that i personally own. so i am unaware if this is normal or not.

anyway, shot the gun say 120 rds. (30-06) went back to the range groups were all over the place. came home and took a look over the gun, action screws loose. tightened them up (firmly snug, didnt want to strip but didnt want too loose either) went back to the range shot say 20 rounds, and one of the two screws i was able to get another 1/2 turn out of. another 20 rounds later same thing.

so should i loctite this? seems ridiculous that i even need to. i feel like i could possibly get a little tighter. but am approaching stripping the dam things.

I cannot take this gun back apart for a couple weeks, deer season is another couple weeks longer and i do not want to lose zero.

jhgreasemonkey · November 22, 2008, 10:15 PM

Quote:

so should i loctite this? seems ridiculous that i even need to

You can locktite the screws. But checking them when you clean your rifle is normal maintenance. It's normal for them to rattle loose from repeated recoil.

MeekAndMild · November 22, 2008, 10:53 PM

Loctite is one way to do it and a torque wrench is another. Here is a link to one man's opinion on the matter. Just remember though that if you use a torque wrench DON'T lubricate the screws with loctite or anything else or they'll overtighten. Also, if you use one of these Wheeler torque drivers, you may break the bits if you use too high a setting. I broke one not too long ago, trying to torque to 60 pounds. Really dumb. http://www.gunsandhunting.com/midway_feb07.html

Jimro · November 23, 2008, 01:10 AM

That would be 60 inch pounds, not foot pounds.

Also clean the threads with 90% alcohol and let dry before torquing.

Jimro

troy_mclure · November 23, 2008, 06:18 AM

ive got the savage 111 in 7mm rem mag. i had to loctite most of my screws, the torque wrench only kept them tight for a few sessions.
just use the lightest loctite available.

jrothWA · November 23, 2008, 03:48 PM

clear nial polish.

It's what I used for "hunter sight-in" at my club.
wipe both the screws and the tapped receiver holes with acetone or denatured alcohol, put a spot of polish on threads then screw them in-place. Let dry about twenty minute.

November 22, 2008, 10:09 PM	#1
banditt007 Senior Member Join Date: March 19, 2006 Posts: 692	Savage 111 action screws loosening? This is my first centerfire rifle, that i personally own. so i am unaware if this is normal or not. anyway, shot the gun say 120 rds. (30-06) went back to the range groups were all over the place. came home and took a look over the gun, action screws loose. tightened them up (firmly snug, didnt want to strip but didnt want too loose either) went back to the range shot say 20 rounds, and one of the two screws i was able to get another 1/2 turn out of. another 20 rounds later same thing. so should i loctite this? seems ridiculous that i even need to. i feel like i could possibly get a little tighter. but am approaching stripping the dam things. I cannot take this gun back apart for a couple weeks, deer season is another couple weeks longer and i do not want to lose zero.

November 22, 2008, 10:53 PM	#3
MeekAndMild Senior Member Join Date: August 2, 2001 Posts: 4,988	Loctite is one way to do it and a torque wrench is another. Here is a link to one man's opinion on the matter. Just remember though that if you use a torque wrench DON'T lubricate the screws with loctite or anything else or they'll overtighten. Also, if you use one of these Wheeler torque drivers, you may break the bits if you use too high a setting. I broke one not too long ago, trying to torque to 60 pounds. Really dumb. http://www.gunsandhunting.com/midway_feb07.html __________________ In a few years when the dust finally clears and people start counting their change there is a pretty good chance that President Obama may become known as The Great Absquatulator. You heard it first here on TFL.

November 23, 2008, 01:10 AM	#4
Jimro Senior Member Join Date: October 18, 2006 Posts: 4,330	That would be 60 inch pounds, not foot pounds. Also clean the threads with 90% alcohol and let dry before torquing. Jimro __________________ "Gorsh" said Goofy as secondary explosions racked the beaten zone, "Did I do that?" http://randomthoughtsandguns.blogspot.com/

November 23, 2008, 06:18 AM	#5
troy_mclure Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 2008 Location: gulf of mexico Posts: 2,716	ive got the savage 111 in 7mm rem mag. i had to loctite most of my screws, the torque wrench only kept them tight for a few sessions. just use the lightest loctite available. __________________ There is only one tactical principle which is not subject to change. It is to use the means at hand to inflict the maximum amount of wound, death, and destruction on the enemy in the minimum amount of time."

November 23, 2008, 03:48 PM	#6
jrothWA Senior Member Join Date: November 11, 2006 Posts: 1,832	Use.. clear nial polish. It's what I used for "hunter sight-in" at my club. wipe both the screws and the tapped receiver holes with acetone or denatured alcohol, put a spot of polish on threads then screw them in-place. Let dry about twenty minute.