action screw torque ?

[rebs]

I want to replace the trigger spring on my Tikka T3x so I have to remove the barreled action from the stock.
What is the best way to find out what the action screw torque is so I can put it back with the same amount of torque?

 

[ShtrRdy]

Can you make a mark on the screw and stock? Then you can return the screw to the same position when you reassemble. I usually use a black permanent marker to make a thin line.

 

[Clancy]

Plastic or metal bottom assembly?

 

[rebs]

Plastic or metal bottom assembly?

metal, I have a torque gauge. How would I find out what the torque is now before taking it apart

 

[memilanuk]

Take your torque driver, set it to some value well below what you expect the actual torque to be - say 25 ft inch lbs. Try it (in the correct direction, tightening) - if the driver clicks over before you get movement, try again with a little more - say 30. Keep trying until you get a little movement before the driver clicks over. At that point you should have the value bracketed pretty close.

 

[LVLAaron]

Don't overthink it. Put it back together at 35-60ish lbs and figure out what works best.

 

[TaperPin]

What LVLAaron said. Tikka’s are often said to require light torque because the screw head would pull through the plastic bottom hardware.

 

[dantiff2]

^^THIS^^ If it's not in a chassis or if it does not have pillars installed then tread lightly. Start low and work up so you don't do as TaperPin has mentioned.

 

[TaperPin]

There is a magazine issue that pops up sometimes with Tikkas and action screw torque. Due to manufacturing tolerances, sometimes full torque can cause the magazine to not engage. If there was a thin washer between the bottom metal and stock, that’s what that was for - just a simple spacer. You’re much better off having full torque and the washer, even if you have to cut one out of thin aluminum, than less than ideal torque.

By the way, the Tikka recommends 62 inch lbs for the metal trigger guard and 44 inch lbs plastic trigger guard - you can download a manual directly from the Sako/Tikka website.

I’d be very surprised if your gun would shoot any better at a lower torque. After sitting a long time some people have measured action screw torque at a very low number, under 10 inch lbs, and there’s no way any rifle is going to shoot well with an action barely held down with finger tight screws.

 

[Clancy]

metal, I have a torque gauge. How would I find out what the torque is now before taking it apart

The torque setting is different for plastic than it is for metal. 60 inch pounds will crack that plastic.

 

[Dos XX]

 

[Uncle Bruce]

Take your torque driver, set it to some value well below what you expect the actual torque to be - say 25 ft lbs. Try it (in the correct direction, tightening) - if the driver clicks over before you get movement, try again with a little more - say 30. Keep trying until you get a little movement before the driver clicks over. At that point you should have the value bracketed pretty close.

INCH pounds