Screw tension on Winchester 70

[WSM MAGNUM]

I have a Model 70 that I was cleaning today. And as I was putting the rifle back together again, I was tightening the screw under the stock (where the floorplate is) that holds the stock and barrel together. I was unsure on how tight this screw should be. I was thinking if I go too tight, I would pull the stock into the barrel defeating the floating and bedding of the stock. I did`nt crank down on the screw for it to do that, but I am unsure of just how tight this screw should be. I would think it should be just a little tighter past when it becomes snug.
How tight do you tighten yours?
Will the amount of tension on this screw affect shot groups?

 

[James K]

Yes, that tension can affect the group, and variation in tension can cause vertical "stringing." That is especially true with the pre-64 Model 70, which has a fairly thin receiver cross-section at mid-point. As to the exact "right" tension, maybe there is some torque figure, but there would be no single figure for all guns. It would vary with the bedding, barrel diameter, etc., etc. I always just snugged it down by feel, and didn't worry unless the customer complained about his rifle not shooting. Few did, and then the problem was usually something else.

Jim

 

[Scorch]

If the barrel was bedded and floated properly, the receiver should always come back to the same point. You will be tightening the fron guard screw and it will suddenly stop. No gradual tension, no crushing the stock, it just stops. But there are an awful lot of bedding jobs where the smith just pours some bedding compound into the stock and tightens the screws, not knowing that the bedding has to be relieved to do it right. For what it's worth, you see a lot of rifles done halfway.

The standard for tightening guardscrews was usually 30-35 inch-lbs, but that depends largely on whether or not the stock is properly bedded. So, like Jim said, tighten it to where you have it snug.

 

[Harry Bonar]

mod 70

Sir:
If it's that "center screw" just tighten it barely si it holds the front of the trigger guard down - it is not an action tightening screw.
Harry B.
P.S. The front and rear screws are the action tightening screws - people say about 60 inch pounds but I just tighten them as tight I get them with moderate pressure!