I have a Mark X action in the shop with a stripped front screw hole (the screw into the recoil lug. What is the best way to handle that problem? My 1/4-22 tap just spins in the hole.

Bill Jacobs

Helicoil?

Will the screw see much use? A keensert would be more heavy-duty than a coil. You could use a bigger screw, replace the lug, do your own version of an insert, etc. There are a variety of options and I guess it depends on the typical time, money, quality tradeoffs.

btw, is it really 1/4-22? Being a gun I'm sure it's as bastard as possible, probably even left hand too. This might be a good opportunity to open it up to something that the rest of the world uses. $0.02

quote:

Originally posted by jpl:
btw, is it really 1/4-22? Being a gun I'm sure it's as bastard as possible, probably even left hand too. This might be a good opportunity to open it up to something that the rest of the world uses. $0.02

I believe Mausers use 1/4X22. It ain't a bastard. A Keensert would probably be too large in diameter.

I'd mill and thread it larger then make a bushing. Might see if a 1/4-20 helicoil will work. But I'd try it on a piece of scrap first. Anyone laser weld in that area?
Don

Is there enough meat in the lug to drill out to a slightly larger diameter and use a bigger screw?

Bill- I'm no gunsmith, but I repair machining and fabrication boo-boos every day (not really what I'd like to be doing, but needed)

If I recall correctly, the recoil lug is ~ 3/8 long, front to rear.

How about this.


Drill & ream the hole in the lug to .3125

Take some 3/8 CRS, long enough to give you the ability to drill thru and tap 1/4-22.

Turn the 3/8 piece to a .311 OD to a length equal to the depth of the hole in the lug. Part it off to leave a 3/8 OD flange of about .060 long at one end.

Press this insert into the lug, then tack with TIG on the 3/8 x .060 flange.

You would then only have to account for the extra flange in inletting the stock.

quote:

Originally posted by butchlambert:
I believe Mausers use 1/4X22. It ain't a bastard.

Only because this is a gun forum...

Personally, I like the 7mm idea.

quote:

Originally posted by jpl:

quote:

Originally posted by butchlambert:
I believe Mausers use 1/4X22. It ain't a bastard.

Only because this is a gun forum...

Personally, I like the 7mm idea.

You probably shop at Fastenal also.

quote:

Originally posted by butchlambert:

I believe Mausers use 1/4X22. It ain't a bastard. A Keensert would probably be too large in diameter.

* * * 1/4 x 22 TPI: * * *

Definition:
A thread size commonly found on Mauser rifles and nowhere else in the world.

But it aint a bastard !

I'm in total agreement with retapping and making a new screw. I've done the "fill with weld,drill and retap" thing and wouldn't hesitate to do it again on an upper grade gun, but this isn't an art project and will never be noticed.