Ruger KM77VT Mark II Bolt-Action Rifle
I have a .223 Ruger KM77VT Mark II Bolt-Action Rifle. I have had problems with the floor plate opening while shooting or it being nearly impossible to open after shooting. The scope needs to be rezeroed after forcing it open and getting it to close.Would glass bedding help?
Thanks Steve

I own the same rifle in .22-250 and never had your problem. My first thought would go to a defective locking of the floorplate, like a weak spring, a burr on the latch, etc. However, you say that forcing it back in place, interferes with your scope's zero ?!? This might suggest an inletting fault, stressing the action. Have you checked contact with lipstick, looking for high spots ? If this appears to be the problem, a pass with a wood chisel would be the cure.

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Andr�

Also, you may want to tighten the action screws in accordance to the instructions on the owner's manual. The front screw is angled to bring the action tight on the stock and towards the rear. This one should be tightened first, and as tight as possible. After tightening the front screw, then tighten the trigger guard screws as follows:

With both screws loose, start tightening them as you alternate from one to the other. Turn each screw clockwise just a fraction of a thread, then do the same with the other one. Continue alternating from one screw to the next until the rear screw (by the stock's grip) stops turning. At this point, don't tighten the middle screw anymore, but tighten the rear screw (by the grip) some more.

With the action screws tightened in such a way, the front screw will be very tight, the middle screw will be "snuggly" tightened, and the rear screw will be tight.

I hope this helps. I have never had such a problem with my M77 MK-II, but the floor plate of a Winchester Model 70 I own does that when I over-tighten the middle screw.

[This message has been edited by Ray, Alaska (edited 03-14-2002).]

Thank you all
I never did tighten the action screws in accordance to the instructions on the owner's manual. I also did not make it clear that the reason the floor plate will not open is that the barrel is pushing the floor plate so tight against the trigger guard I could not move it. I also feel I may have a bedding problem.
Thanks again
steve