I remember I had a problem about 6 years ago and the result wasn't pretty.
Tonight I took out the forearm band screw on a 1955 Model 94 and it won't line up to go back in. I've tried everything. It seems off center and the threads won't catch. A drift pin goes right thru cleanly.
The screw seemed a bit bent when it came out and got buggered up in the ensuing battle so I have to get a new one. (BTW what's a good source for these single screws?)

Perhaps after years off use these screws are always bent went they're removed and must always be replaced?

There must be a trick. I tried pulling the magazine to see if that would help but nada.

Come on, someone must know the trick.

Thanks, Rob

I'm no expert but I've had this problem too. I believe the problem occurs because the wood forearm stretches and bends the screw against the notch cut in the barrel. Recoil may be a factor but my hunch is that it is just the pressure from the wood expanding when its moisture content increases. Anyway, try tapping the screw straight on an anvil or other flat surface, then oiling it and try to gently screw it into the barrel band from the outside. If the threads are bent a little you can try using a knife blade to straighten them out. Use an el cheapo hunting knife and press the screw against the blade edge with your thumb and turn the screw with your other hand, this will push the threads back into their original shape. Just be careful and don't let that screw cam itself out of there or you will have a cut thumb! You can also do the same thing by putting the screw on a workbench edge and tapping the knife with a tiny hammer (2 oz.) while rolling the screw under it.

It also just occurred to me you could go to a hardware store and buy a countersunk head sheet metal screw in a little larger size and a tap and just tap it a little bigger and blue the screw, might solve the bending problem too.

I'm curious to find out a source for parts too, I'm looking for the side screw that is just in front of the 2 plug screws for the receiver sight, I put a B Square scope mount on my 94 many years ago and now want to put it back into its original configuration but can't find that little screw. Of course it has been about 20 years!

Hope this helps,

Mark

Mark,

Your assessment sounds correct to me, the two I have removed have both been bent. I went on line for USRAC and they have a parts breakdown so I ordered five of them from them. Good to keep in stock.
You may want to check the parts breakdown and call them at 800.817.4755 then #3 then #1.

These breakdowns are for the post-64 guns but the band screws didn't change so maybe your didn't either.

They also have a list of dealers in pre 64 parts.

One that was helpful is Jack First @ 605.343.8481

Rob

I went thru this myself a few years back. Gun Parts Corp list screws for these, however, they list two different ones for pre and post 64's. They show the pre 64 as being tapered and the post 64 as non tapered. Don't remember whether they will interchange or not.

By tapered I assume you mean a tapered shank?
The one that came out fo the gun is not tapered and it's from 1955.

Rob

Rob,
If I remember right, the shank was tapered, kinda hard to explain with out lookin' at one. But they do show the pre 64's bein' tapered. Maybe the screw you took out was replaced with the non tapered at one time? I'd get one of each and go from there.

Well here's what I had to do, sure is ass-backwards.

I checked the fit of the screw and band off the gun, off the gun but on the forearm and it was always good. But everytime I treid to fit it while on the gun no luck.
So I removed the magazine tube, slid the forearm forward to the sight ramp where the barrel is thinner. I assembled the forearm, screw and band, greased the barrel and forced the assembly back until the forearm seated in the frame, then I heard the screw "click" into the barrel recess. I then slid the magazine tube back in and tightened everything.

What a mess. And I have to do another since I'm installing a Leupold detacho-mount on it.

Got to be a better way.

Rob

Now that you are now highly qualified in this area of firearms experertise, then next one ought to be a piece of cake.

Why, yes indeed, if you need one done send it to me, guaranteed turnaround time of under 11 months.

Rob

USRA changed the band screws in the 80's to the tapered stlye.

The old one has a small thin head while the new tapered one has a long head that is tapered in the area just before it contacts the barrel.

The change was to strengthen the screw and make it easier to assemble. They will not interchange.

The threads on the old one are an odd duck, .108 x 56 tpi. We have the 1894 screws on hand and will be running some more shortly on a CNC lathe.

Also are adding Win 1886 screws and Stevens Favorite screws. These are not on the web site yet so contact us, www.gunpartsspecialist.com

Jim Wisner VP
Wisner's Inc

Well that's just ducky, USRAC told me the screws are all the same and will fit the older guns. They're on their way and once I confirm they've screwed up I'll call.

Thanks, Rob

I had the same problem on a Marlin 336 several years ago, it reminded me of the old Brownell's add "I tried oil, breakfree, even Bourbon". I finally took it to a friends gunshop and he mounted it in a vise and had it in before I could turn around. Just goes to show you what a craftsman can do. I do remember the part costing like $6.00, lots of money for one screw.

Good luck and good shooting.
Eterry

I did one on a Marlin recently and as I recall they have the threads right under the screw head and the far end is smooth. More like a threaded pin. Seems much better.