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receiver plug screws... a noob with a question.

8K views 5 replies 4 participants last post by  Dale53 
#1 ·
i have a Mark III that i put the scope mount on and use it with a Red Dot sight. Love it for plinking. Anyway, i've temporarily taken it off.

Now, those tiny plug screws seem to keep going down into the receiver as if they would drop into the action of the pistol.

Question is: how do you keep these things stable? Loctite? It seemed to me when i removed them (properly, no forcing), they sort of "broke loose" as if they'd been tightened down. :eek:

I have this same problem on a marlin lever action.

Any thoughts?
 
#2 ·
You answered your own question... use a light grade of Loctite, preferably type 222 or equivalent! Clean the threads very well before applying with an non detergent cleaner (isopropyl alcohol or equivalent)!
 
#3 ·
Indeed it worked quite well. Perhaps even too well. :eek:

What I did: cleaned the screws and the threads with Crud Out or some such. Did it with a pipe cleaner to clean the threads well. Splashed the screw with Blue Loctite, screwed it in, and it held well.

Today, I've decided to mount the scope rail back onto the gun. Well, it was scary. The receiver plug screw was so tight that I literally turned the bit on my screwdriver 1/4 turn (ruined it). There was only a fraction of the screw head left when it finally came loose and came out. ...the whole time envisioning my engagement of a gunsmith to get this thing out for me. :(

Moral of the story is: Blue Loctite works, but you don't need to slather the threads with it. A small drop will probably do the job well. Perhaps there is a lighter type of Loctite that I'm unaware of.

Just saying. Hope this helps someone do a better job of using Loctite.
 
#5 ·
Tater,

The blue Loctite (242) is a strong but removable version for screws that are #6 (6-32) or larger. Loctite 222 is purple and designed for smaller screws but the blue should be removable if heated. Please do not use colors as your guide to selecting thread locking compounds as the color selections are not standard amongst the various manufacturers of thread locking compounds.

In the future, gently heat a joint that is supported with thread locking compound prior to attempting to remove the screw. Heating softens the residue and expands the joint to break the grip.

See the following thread for more useful information.

http://rugerforum.net/gunsmithing/14095-locktite-scope-base.html

Good luck!
 
#4 ·
easier to just use a set of 'plug screws' these have a cap on the upper (top) that "stops" the screw from going down and into the hole. Brownells andany good gunsmith supply will carry these,either blued or stainless.....................
 
#6 ·
Tater;
Lock-Tite CAN be problematic on occasion. After a particularly bad experience (I used too much blue lock-tite) that led me to having to drill the screws out of a bolt action receiver of an expensive rifle, I looked for a reliable but easier to remove thread locking compound.

I found it in Shellac. It absolutely locks the screws in but is quite easy to remove. The idea is NOT original with me, but came from reading about those early Colt Single Action revolvers that were forever loosening screws (the grip frame screws). The "old timers" used shellac. You know, it STILL works and is now my preferred thread locker for guns.

By the way, the rifle job above ended well but gave me "sweats & fits" until the work was finished.

Dale53
 
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