How hard is it to remove a M70 .375H&H barreled action from the stock with cross bolts? Basically, how does one deal with the cross bolts?

They must unscrew, correct? Maybe they had slots in them before the stock was finished and were then sanded down, removing the slots. You will probably have to drill them out or drill them to such a point that you can use an easy-out on them. Anybody else got any ideas?

You don't need to remove the crossbolts to remove the barreled action. The crossbolts are through the wood, to create compression and keep it from splitting under recoil. You remove it same as any other barreled action, by pulling out the action screws and lifting it out.

If you do need to remove the crossbolts for some reason, if it is like my 2001 Safari Express it takes a small allen head, or maybe it is that star looking one, either way they can be removed. Crossbolts are usually meant to stay in. the ones that have been inset and then wood plugs put over them are where you would have trouble.

Red

Everyone here pretty much knows I’m not the sharpest tool in the shed but I‘ll ask any way. Why do you want to remove the cross bolts from your stock? If it’s like a supergrade they are permanently glued in and covered with ebony. I’m not sure what you are trying to do?

Shawn

Dago: Thank you for the information..I have never fooled with a Safaris Express (which is what I am referring to), or any other rifle with cross bolts. I did not know how cross bolts functioned (and I am not sure I do now).

bluetick: The idea is not to take the cross bolts out but to take the barreled action off the stock. If the cross bolts do not play a role in attaching the stock to the action, they become a mute point. Anyway, this model does not have a swivel stud in the forearm and it needs one..it comes with a barrel band. To install a good swivel stud, and to do it properly, it is best to take the action off the stock. The swivel stud is needed to attach a Harris bipod, if and when needed.

Rootbeer: Thank you for the input.

rwj
the crossbolts are inserted through the stock at the front of the magazine box and depending on calibre, the rear of the magazine, through the timber mortise between the trigger and mag. box also.
The reason for the crossbolts are to have a preloaded tension on the stock at these points to counteract the bowing of the stock when the barrelled action is forced rearward when the rifle is fired.
Being that the action has a recoil lug which prevents it (hopefully) from moving rearward, the stresses are directed elsewhere, hense the need for the crossbolts.

What I'd like to know is , how are the crossbolts indexed, and once they are indexed, if you remove them for reblueing, are they easy to re-index?

mix3006: Thank you for the explaination.

mix, are you talking about indexed for alignment of the heads or ??

alignment of the heads on the safari express has been made moot, rather than using a spanner wrench, would have two recessed indentation in the head of the crossbolt, each side, that in a custom or well done would align the same (and horizontal to the bore ideally) they have them engraved, by machine I am sure, and use the allen head or whatever. that way regardless of where they are turned to they look fine.

if you are talking about indexing of where it is in the wood, they probably have a jig that does the hohle cut for them. I doubt there is enough play (although I haven't removed mine) for them to be put in wrong.

was that what you were asking? if more than that we'll have to get a stockmaker on here to tell us cause I don't know

Red

Sorry Red ; I had the picture in my head but it didn't make it to my two typing fingers.
I'm interested in the Talley magnum crossbolts with the two drilled holes for tightening, and your exactly right, I want them to run parallel with the bore line.
What do you have to do?

Is there a proper max or min torque for crossbolts?

This discussion about crossbolts is becoming so anal it's funny.

Yes I agree, not the most interesting thread going but as I was told when I was a young fella ; if you don't know the answer, keep your eyes and ears open and your mouth shut.
Makes sense to me.

quote:

Originally posted by rwj:
How hard is it to remove a M70 .375H&H barreled action from the stock with cross bolts? Basically, how does one deal with the cross bolts?

Leave the crossbolts alone!! They don't touch any of the steel of the barrel or the action!! All they do is reinforce the stock & spread the recoil forces to keep the wood from splitting!!