Capture screw problem

[svartkrutt]

I am restoring a rifle with a new stock. When I tighten down the receiver screws I have to back them off quite a bit to get the capture screws in. I would think a person would want the receiver screws tight? Should I be putting some type of shim washer under the receiver screws so the capture screws line up better?

 

[iron bender]

Do you have the correct action screws? They should have a radius notch in 3 spots. You should run the screws to stop and then back them off to the first notch.

 

[mike webb]

Personally i would use small washers to get the capture screws to index properly on the tightened action screws if I planned to shoot her.
IMO firing a rifle with loose action screws means the action is not pulled down at the tang or onto the recoil lug and can cause stock cracking and will definitely not shoot up to it's potential. My 2 cents.

 

[agalland]

I am restoring a rifle with a new stock. When I tighten down the receiver screws I have to back them off quite a bit to get the capture screws in. I would think a person would want the receiver screws tight? Should I be putting some type of shim washer under the receiver screws so the capture screws line up better?

Brownells has such washers. get them ..I have had to use them many times on stock MM that i have restored.
They are the ticket..amny times you need just one.
SBC

 

[Hambone]

Personally i would use small washers to get the capture screws to index properly on the tightened action screws if I planned to shoot her.
IMO firing a rifle with loose action screws means the action is not pulled down at the tang or onto the recoil lug and can cause stock cracking and will definitely not shoot up to it's potential. My 2 cents.

This, good advise. This is why the action screws were numbered. You could also go to a Vz.24 action screw with four cutouts, or get another set and grind the ends so that you can get another turn. In any event, be aware first of what MW said above as that is most important. Second, those little capture screws were of different sizes for different Mausers, the threads can be buggered, the heads can be torn off when tightening them down as against the action screws, and if they won't go in by hand or with a light touch, then rethink what you are doing because when they break off in there it's a real PITA. (Don't ask me how I know). I would strongly advise a chasing tap if the threads are buggered.

 

[svartkrutt]

I used about 24 gauge brass wire. wrapped it around a action screw once to get it round and opened it up a little. just flattened it out with a very small hammer on an anvil until it was the perfect thickness. Worked great and the screws are nice and tight with the capture screws installed.

Thanks for your help guys.