Gunsmithing HELP! Removing old Redfield scope base fm Rem 700

mouse07410

mouse07410

Gunny Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Jan 5, 2010
1,265
2
MA, USA
#1
I am trying to replace old scope on my Rem 700 SA (in 308). For that I need to remove the old scope base as it's specific to Redfield Five Star Gold scope. The base is fastened to the receiver with three Torx screws - two in front and one in the rear.

<span style="font-style: italic">I must add that it was installed by a gunsmith about 8 years ago. Now that I'm undoing what he did, I'm noticing weird things - like some screws on the rings were loose, and some - overtight; but that's besides the point.</span>

Now the problem: two screws - the rear and the front-most ones - got out fine. The 2nd front screw (that sits closely behind the front ring) I just can't remove! When I apply force, it seems to shave the inner whatever of the screw head.

<span style="font-weight: bold">Please help</span>! How to remove the damn thing? I'm reasonably sure Loctite wasn't used there... Should I drop a bit of (penetrating) oil? CLP? WD-40? Sulfuric acid?!
 
#2
Re: HELP! Removing old Redfield scope base fm Rem 700

If you rounded out the head of the screw this could be a problem and the easiest way would be to take it to a smith or someone that has a mill and machine the head off. Then slot the shaft that is left in the receiver, apply a little heat, and remove it with a flat bladed driver.

If the head is still good and you can still get a bite on it apply some heat to the screw head with the tip of a soldering iron and see if that will break the Loc-Tite. I myself use a micro torch and heat the screw head and this does breaks the Loc-Tite every time. The micro torch also controls the heat and keeps it concentrated on the screw head so the receiver doesn’t heat up.
 
#4
Re: HELP! Removing old Redfield scope base fm Rem 700

The head seems semi-good at this point. Somewhat stripped, but there still seems to be some bite for the driver.

Machine shop is probably unavailable locally, and as the head is sunk into the scope base - I can't even figure what it would take to access that screw to mill the head and slot the shaft (<span style="font-style: italic">at this point I feel quite strongly about the smith who did the installation, and some words related to "shaft" do come to mind</span>
mad.gif
).

Thanks for the heat suggestion - I'll try it today and report what happens.
 
#5
Re: HELP! Removing old Redfield scope base fm Rem 700

Turn the receiver over, apply some K&N knock loose to the bottom of the screws, let it sit over night then try to remove, tap the head of the screwdriver with a mallet while applying pressure.

What ever you do do not strip the heads. Heat would be the next step, if that doesn,t work then it is a drill out and retap, at least it,s not the hole over the barrel.

Dill out is not as hard as it sound with a drill press and a good vice, if it is done with the correct size drill bit and every thing is strait all you will have to do is chase the threads not cut new ones.
 
#6
Re: HELP! Removing old Redfield scope base fm Rem 700

Heat is good. Get a set of the Torx drivers...drive the proper size in (after heating the base and screw with a propane torch) and it should unscrew without problems...just don't push it in...actually take the bit and insert it into the screw and hit the bit with a hammer (mediumly, if you get my drift) to fully size and seat the bit. It should come out without much difficulty. JMHO
 
#9
Re: HELP! Removing old Redfield scope base fm Rem 700

Heat is good.

If that fails to work, and a machine shop isn't available, use an old trick from my motorcycle mechanic days.

Snap on sells a hand held, impact bit driver. Use the closest allen or Torx bit you can tap into the screw head, there are also Phillips and flat bits available, make sure you use actual impact bits, this thing shatters lesser bits, like craftsman for instance. Push down, hold fast, and a couple smack with a 16 oz ball peen and the thing usually breaks even red loctite.

Bikes are bad about freezing old allen heads into cases, the Snap-on impact driver is the best for addressing that issue, plus they stand behind their stuff.
 
#10
Re: HELP! Removing old Redfield scope base fm Rem 700

Guys, thanks - I'm learning. Heating the screw is no problem - just need to figure: how much heat should I apply (main concern is to apply too much for the receiver, as this wretched screw and that darn base could melt for all I care
smile.gif
)?

Checked Snap-On online - looks impressive; but couldn't find any Torx bits, and concerned about using "non-impact" Torx bits from my other sets - would hate to see them chattered. Recommendations? Oh, and this trick sounds <span style="text-decoration: underline">lovely</span>!
 
#11
Re: HELP! Removing old Redfield scope base fm Rem 700

Buy the Snap-On torx bits, they will hold up, and if they dont, they are covered under warranty. I have used my Snap-On torx bits with the impact driver before, they usually twist a little before they break. I have even used a 1/2" drive air impact on the Snap-on torx bits.
 
#12
Re: HELP! Removing old Redfield scope base fm Rem 700

Had a similar problem a month ago and solved it with a dremel tool. Cut the base just above and below the screw without touching the screw. Cut all the way through the base just before getting to barrel. With the amount of cutting material you will take off bend the base up and seperate, it should break right off. Lift the base on the other end and it will allow you to seperate it from the screw. Enough of the screw will be sticking up for you to reomove with a small needle nose plyers. Worked for me without any damage to barrel or screw hole and new screws fit right in. Good Luck.
 
#13
Re: HELP! Removing old Redfield scope base fm Rem 700

My sad reports so far. I've found that this one screw does go through the receiver - so there's the "exit hole". I got Kroil there and let it sit overnight (inverted the receiver). Next morning turned it proper side up, put sone Kroil near the screw head, let it sit for about 30 minutes. Then tried unscrewing (including the "medium hammer" step
smile.gif
). No joy!! The darn thing didn't even flinch.

Next I tried heat - but as I couldn't find my small butane torch (and I don't have a propane torch yet) - I used my micro soldering iron (Cold Heat from Radio Shack which happened to be at hand). <span style="text-decoration: underline">Again no joy!</span> The damn screw didn't move.

My next plan is to get some real heat, and if that fails - I'd be out of ideas.

Comments?
 
#14
Re: HELP! Removing old Redfield scope base fm Rem 700

Do you have a 1/4" ratchet and screwdriver bits to attach to the ratchet? And do you still have a screw slot to work with, it is a flat head right? If yes on both, push down on the ratchet and hit the handle with a 16oz. hammer. Sometimes fasteners need to be removed with bursts of energy instead of steady pressure, hence the invention of the impact driver. You would be making the same action but you can "feel" how much force is being applied.
 
#15
Re: HELP! Removing old Redfield scope base fm Rem 700

I had the same issue about two months ago. The only difference in how I removed the screw with what you have mentioned is that I had to tighten the other screws down again to ballance the bind.

Kroil, handled torx driver, light mallet.

I would send it to someone before adding "some real heat" (provided you still don't have access to a mill or drill press). Turn around time on something like this is minimal and the shipping would probably cost more than the work.

Good Luck
 
#17
Re: HELP! Removing old Redfield scope base fm Rem 700

I'd put the other three screws in tight.
Then it's either two things.

1. He used no locktite and the screw threads are pulling up against the threads on the action. Maybe the other three screws will pull the base down a little to relieve the tension on that one stuck screw. If you still can't get out put it in a drill press and drill the head off the screw. Remove the other 3 screws and there will be a nub sticking out of the action. You should be able to unscrew it with your fingers. Or get a small pair of side cutters and unscrew it. Just make sure it was not locktited in place. You might have a hard time removing it.


2. He used locktite. Still leave the three other screws in place tight. Then heat up the action around the screw to loosen up the locktite. I use a heat gun. Get it good and hot then try to remove the screw.

If you still can't get it out take it to a good gunsmith. He might cuss you but he will get it out.
 
#18
Re: HELP! Removing old Redfield scope base fm Rem

Well, the screw is sufficiently stripped now that none of the bits I have gets a grip on it.

I see two choices open. One - follow the good advice of Doug308 and get the Screw Extractor (BTW the order has already been placed). The other one - get a drill, drill the screw head away completely, remove the base - and use strong pliers to unscrew/remove the remaining headless stub.

Oh what a mess.
mad.gif


P.S. I can't put the other screws back because there were only three of them total (two out, one stuck) and I've lost one of those I removed.
 
#19
Re: HELP! Removing old Redfield scope base fm Rem

Thanks to Hogstooth and his friends - the old base is off my rifle (and the new base is on - but that's a different story). The screw had to be drilled (I did most of it), and then the old base needed a nice whack with a nice hammer. Once that was done - the base came off, and a pair of pliers got the screw off.

Thank you guys for helpful suggestions - I've learned much listening, and then watching how it is done.

<span style="font-weight: bold">I feel relieved!</span>
smile.gif
 
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