I posted this by mistake in the medium category.
I was at the range today and was shooting my Browning A-Bolt Stalker 375 H&H today. I started shooting at 100 to check zero. it checked ok. I went out to 200yds and as I was shooting it started being erratic. I was puzzled because I have shot this rifle quite a bit. I decided to check the screws and the one behind the trigger was very loose (3-4 turns) and the one in front of mag was loose. Obviously, once I tightened them it acted like it should. When Igothome I called Browning Cust. Service and the rep told me that should not happen, scews backing off. My question, with the size of this rifle is it possible that those screws backed off from the shooting?

Screws will work loose. Blue Loc-tite will fix that.

Of course they "shouldn't" come loose, but they do. It pays to keep an eye on them, and remember that the effect can be just as bad when they're over-tightened as when they're loose.

Airplane rides can play hell with action screws on any rifle, which is why all international hunters carry some kind of rifle tool kit that includes assorted drivers.

Check out the Real Avid gun tool; quite handy and a small package. I also carry a Swiss Army Climbers knife and a Leatherman tool. Have had cause to use each one at some point over the years. The Climbers knife has come in handy for opening wine bottles in some pretty damn remote areas, as well!

When I moved to a much drier area of the country I noticed my action screws were somewhat looser than when I lived near the coast. Wood must have dried out. Personally I would not use Loc Tite. Rather use nail polish.

Take a look at the Wheeler Torque Wrench (FAT). They give you values for action screws for wood, fiberglass stocks with or without pillars. All so for your scope rings and bases. No more farmer or three finger tight for me.

Just use blue lock tight and forget it!-Rob

Wrong.It takes skill to tighten your guard screws.

quote:

Originally posted by shootaway:
Wrong.It takes skill to tighten your guard screws.

George- is there a reason you are such an ass, or do you just enjoy it?

I dont just shoot and reload for nothing.I learn from what I do with every single shot fired.I believe I have spent alot of my time and energy-talent devoted to this practice.So I come on here and discuss what I have learned over the years.If you did not take shooting that serious and think whatever I said is bull then that is fine.I just need to share whatever I learned regardless if almost everyone disagrees with me-its that simple.

To tighten the guard screws properly you need to degrease the threads and screws first.
You then need red loctite because blue is worthless.
Then,you need to tighten with a special device or method that gives the proper torque needed usually takin g the screw to its stress limits.There is a term for this that a knowledgable gunsmith will know.
This way a guard screw on a hunting rifle will never become loose(or almost).
If you do it this way there is a chance the rifle will come through with the shot when you really need it even if you have slacked off and forgotten to check things.

I was wondering how long before someone implied something. There is an add'l reason I asked the question. I was at a range I have been a member of for quite awhile yesterday. I casually at best know some of these guys. The Range Officer I know well. I heard some people commenting on the report of my 300WM and the 375. When you go down to the 200 you go over behind the 100 berm. It would be very possible for someone to loosen the screws. I am not saying that happened. I have had rings work loose. I just checked my 300WM last week and thought I checked the 375 also. I spoke with Browning again this morning and the rep checked with someone else "The Guru" and they still say they see no reason that those screws should work loose. I do have a FAT torque wrench and a gun travel kit that I take wherever I'm going. I have torqued them both to 50in-lbs with blue loctite. That is why I made this post. I have a suggestion for the "Skilled" one. If something seems so inane to you, why don't you just keep on moving?

You have two toolboxes but one is certainly empty.

quote:

Originally posted by shootaway:
To tighten the guard screws properly you need to degrease the threads and screws first.
You then need red loctite because blue is worthless.
Then,you need to tighten with a special device or method that gives the proper torque needed usually takin g the screw to its stress limits.There is a term for this that a knowledgable gunsmith will know.
This way a guard screw on a hunting rifle will never become loose(or almost).
If you do it this way there is a chance the rifle will come through with the shot when you really need it even if you have slacked off and forgotten to check things.

quote:

Originally posted by shootaway:
You have two toolboxes but one is certainly empty.

As opposed to both of yours?