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Gunsmithing Arrrgg-stripped Badger base screw

KYpatriot

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Mar 31, 2009
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Ok, was mounting a new scope on my Rem 5r and was checking the torque on the badger base and action screws, didnt want to find a problem with those AFTER sighting in. Simple enough right??

Wrong! Seems I mistakenly had the FAT wrench on 30 in-lb instead of 15 and torqued the front screw (the short one) right off. Un-freakin believable. Just spent the last two hours cleaning out that blind hole/removing screw remnants. Was a little surprised that it only took 30 in-lbs to do that but then again it is twice what is called for.

Luckily didnt damage the action threads. Since tomorrow was my only chance for the range this week now will have to wait to shoot until NEXT week, after I order some more screws from Badger. Will call them in the morning.

Not a big deal but I hate it when I turn a 20 min job into a two hour job....just needed to vent.

BTW, does everyone use loctite on your bases? If so red green or blue? Badger calls for red loctite but I dont know - will it ever come off if I need it to with that? I have also heard you can "true" up the base by bedding it - how would I know if this rifle needs that? If the action screws or receiver is not milled true I guess this could torque/twist the base but is this really a problem with a steel one piece base like a badger 20 moa(especially at only 15 in-lb)???
 
Re: Arrrgg-stripped Badger base screw

Just talked to Marty at Badger he is sending new screws free of charge. Great customer service - refreshing these days. So besides feeling like an idiot I guess all is well.
 
Re: Arrrgg-stripped Badger base screw

i had 3 stripped heads on an EGW base.
ended up drilling the heads off and using pliers to turn the shafts out...

plenty of horror stories on base screws in the halls of us basment gunsmith types.
 
Re: Arrrgg-stripped Badger base screw

oh, and if you do use loctite, use BLUE and use about HALF of what you think would be too LITTLE, that stuff is serious.

you dont even need it on the threads, just a pinch around the head of the screw would do fine, as long as everything is propery torqued. (unless a torch is part of your base removal took kit)
 
Re: Arrrgg-stripped Badger base screw

I've never had a problem with Badger bases fitting and needing bedding. Take a feeler gauge and check the front and back. I tighten the front then check the back and then vice versa. I use a .0010 flat gauge
 
Re: Arrrgg-stripped Badger base screw

i just empathize with a 20 minute job turning into 2 hours.

+1 to 7890 unless youre using an OLD receiver then the badger rail <span style="text-decoration: underline">should</span> be dead on.