How much screw torque! ~ The real answer to gun screw tightness.

[@chrisburnsed6349]

I could spend many hours in the workshop just hanging out with this guy talking and taking in his knowledge. There aren’t many like him left.

[@terrycostakis6284]

The man is a storehouse of information. I love "old school".

[@jude.25]

Going back through some of these, Gunblue. Wish I could hit the "like" button again. Praying you are safe and sound during this pandemic. God bless.

[@GunBlue490]

Thank you. I'll be posting a video soon. God bless.

[@garytree7729]

Being in the UK I get my new video notification the following day. It's always a treat to see a new video from this guy. In a world where common sense is not allowed anymore it's such a huge relief to listen to someone who has been there and done that and probably got more than one T-shirt to boot. I've never had a torque wrench, but increasingly recently thinking that I SHOULD. Why I'm not quite sure. My rifles do what I need them to, and have done for a while...and no torque wrench....! Great stuff as usual. Thank you for your time sir.

[@ChromeArty]

Absolutely. He is from an era that anyone worth their salt wants to get back to. Globalism is destroying western civilization. Ps. I finally bought myself torque wrenches for working on my motorcycle, and I will use one to install a scope, but that's it

[@1SmokedTurkey1]

@@ChromeArty "Globalism is destroying western civilization" That's ironic because western civilization is what created globalism. And fyi, it's not just destroying western civilization but all civilizations.

[@randmayfield5695]

Herter's catalog was my go to as a kid. I learned taxidermy, net making, candy making, and a bunch of other stuff.

[@mikewickerham8149]

Watching KZbin videos about firearm stuff I began to think I’ve been doing it all wrong for 40 years. It’s comforting to know that I haven’t.

[@billcamargo2476]

You just saved me $50. I was thinking that I should get a torque wrench but no more. Great, informative video as always.

[@edwaggonersr.7446]

I bought one three weeks ago. Darn.

[@mnrodriguez]

@@edwaggonersr.7446, nothing wrong with it. I like to avoid over or under tightening scopes.

[@edwaggonersr.7446]

@@mnrodriguez I never used one in the past, but I got to say, it was comforting to know what torque I was applying.

[@chuckpawlonek9202]

Thank you for making these videos. I always learn something watching them and appreciate that generations to come will be able to enjoy them.

[@terrystover7365]

I've been waiting on a current video to let you know I thoroughly enjoy watching and learning. You in my opinion are the best I've seen on you tube as far as a man who really knows what he's talking about. I've been around awhile and have been shooting since childhood, mostly bullseye pistol. I've shot with some over the years who were really good too. You once mentioned a man in one of your videos who I knew personally and that was Ferris Pindell. Ferris was a member of a gun club I belonged to for many years in Connersville, Indiana. We kept a copy of one of his winning targets in the clubhouse. He had put 10 rounds in the same hole, verified by the revolving disc behind the target. Thanks for sharing such a great knowledge and what you do for the sport. God bless you too.

[@GunBlue490]

Terry Stover You were fortunate to have known such a talented man, who left a terrific legacy with his partner.

[@Johnny-jr2lq]

GunBlue490 Sir if KZbin decides to can the gun channels how am I going to be able to access your videos Sir I don’t know what I’m going to do if your content isn’t available anymore I mean this from the bottom of my Sir

[@JW52654]

I love this guy's common sense approach 👍

[@smokeyg983]

This is a great video, very useful info. As a mechanic I've found that more problems are created by over tightening.

[@bayoumike544]

Same here. Being a mechanic is like being in the mofia ---- you can never truly leave.

[@ozziejim8472]

I love an intelligent chat about guns, and a reality check to boot. Thanks big fella.

[@tadeloach22]

As I watched the first ten minutes of this video, I thought you were going to miss the "Sweet Spot" argument. I had a Rem. 700 P .308 that was "Sick". It would only group with the front screw at 40 inch lbs and the back at 35. Any more, any less, and it wouldn't shoot for crap. So here is the point in short order and I am glad you pointed this out. If your gun isn't bedded correctly, or in general cheap factory setups, and torque on the action screws affect the accuracy, then you need to have that action bedded correctly to fix what you showed with your yard stick and jig. Great video!

[@BigDmike24]

👍

[@patmancrowley8509]

Thank you so much, Worthy Brother! Torque was a small question in the back of my mind but "intelligent tightening" is what I have relied upon for decades. God Bless you!

[@littledaddynesbit4193]

..so I tried it at the range, going from 2.0Nm to 3.0Nm in 0.1 intervals @100yards, 1 shot barrel warmer and 4 on target. It was interesting see groups from 2.5" to 3/4" . I shot one setting twice to check and it was identical. The free floating barrel is affected by torque due to the individual harmonics of the barrel, like a tuning fork. It's not "sick" it just has sweet spots where it vibrates less as the bullet travels down..I'm going to repeat the best settings next time at the range. If it's not reproducible, then it was down to me and the ammo!

[@BigDmike24]

I'm agree. Same problem with my . 308 you got to find the sweet spot on the action screws. Composite stock and free floating barrel

[@thomasnixon7048]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge ! The funny thing is, last night I watched a video on how torque makes a difference and checked the prices of the wrench (ridiculous prices). and tonight I see your GREAT video with all the REAL knowledge..I have a Ruger American target and love it, I WILL buy a 10/22 and will forget about the torque wrench, Thanks again..

[@joed3264]

I have been buying from Brownell's since 1978. I torque my 10/22s to 25 in/lbs in a Titan stock. Don't have any wooden stock 10/22s. I have long since realized that every rifle has it's favorite action torque setting for best accuracy. Rarely has it been the factory setting.

[@markf3229]

First off thanks for the very informative video which was easily explained and understood. i came across your site because there was a shooter having problems with his Tikka CTR (which I have just purchased) in so far as inconsistent groups. He fixed the problem by adjusting the torque on the action screws by trial and error. At that time I did not know the role that screw played. From what you have explained he had bought a lemon. No need to fiddle around Thank you again.

[@mycarmails]

Thanks as always for your time and wealth of information. Hope you and yours are holding up well during this coronavirus pandemic. I consider you a national treasure so we can not afford to lose you. Best wishes from California.

[@GunBlue490]

Thank you. The Mrs., Benny and I are taking very good care of ourselves, and we're keeping up the prayers. Please do the same!

[@GNdina]

sir you are so knowledgeable. I always wondered about these newer Torx screws because it seems like I can keep going keep going but it's too much you need to back it off it seems sometimes. you're demonstration of the 1022 that's a perfect example of I say the factory making a good rifle. I hope you can appreciate my comment thank you keep up the good work

[@GunBlue490]

I certainly appreciate your comments. Thank you and God bless.

[@marcogram1216]

"Intelligent tight" Excellent description.

[@Foxxy11256]

I keep hearing about "tuning your accuracy" on a 10/22 with a torque wrench but it never made sense to me. Intuitively I thought it must be a band-aide for a bedding problem and now I have a much clearer understanding of what is going on. Thank you.

[@cedarhillkennels3252]

I can’t speak for the ruger 10/22 but a couple of of my bolt actions rifles give tourque values for the action screws, and like gun blue says if the manufacture suggests it in the owners manual I’m gonna use it. Pretty sure most newer savages suggest 35-45 inch pounds depending on the type of stock and I know my bergara says 55 inch pounds in its manual. I totally agree that rimfire don’t need to be tourqued but a center fire bolt action in my opinion should be. If the manufacture gives a tourque value for the screw I’m gonna use it

[@allenbmooresharinginformation]

The torque value may matter, but not necessarily. Sometimes manufacturers just give us answers that are made up out of convenience. When one of the long range tournament winners asked about the barrel break in mattering he was told by one company that they just told people that to quit getting asked the question so much.

[@cedarhillkennels3252]

Truley torque value doesn’t matter but I think it’s pretty well accepted that if you want more repeatable and consistent accuracy the action screws should be torqued every time the action is removed. Now the number you use, 35,45,55 inch pounds is probably irrelevant as long as you pick one and stay with it but, at the end of the day,do whatever works for you and your rifle, to each his own. I feel like we go through all these small minor steps in the reloading process to get better accuracy,torquing action screws just makes sense, to me at least

[@jeffreyfallon1325]

Herters catalog was amazing. Thanks for producing video on screw torque.

[@MrCervuselaphus]

Cerumbs!What this guy doesnt know does not matter. Thanks. I have a seen rifle tightened up to 'red-face' torque and the barrel was bent! Thanks for your sound advice. Cheers from Australia.

[@richwilcox9564]

Great information, carefully but simply explained.

[@360woodierc]

Just recently started watching your videos.All your videos are great really make sense on what’s needed or not needed to do.Thank you sir.

[@Strutingeagle]

Herters also published a guides manual which had information pertaining to hunting, fishing, survival, and woodsmanship. I have a copy from the 50s. Great book, the newer generation thinks they have invented what they call bushcraft now, but this stuff used to be called woodsmanship and taught to boy scouts decades earlier.

[@Paul-rp1ld]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience with us. It is greatly appreciated.

[@peachablemacaw]

I'm new to firearms and I watch your videos and follow your expertise verbatum. I'm being taught by the Master! :)

[@jessearroyo3927]

Always a pleasure to learn from you. You make it simple by using common sense. I feel better about whether or not I’m properly tightening screws on my various pistol and rifle projects. Thank you!

[@jimsilva4915]

I sat down and put my glasses on to watch your video. After awhile I notice that your glasses as well as mine was missing the right side arm. I must say that really made my day . Thanks for the informative videos. Aloha

[@Huggybear101]

I love all of his videos......old school gunsmithing at its best.

[@alegroman4294]

How about installing a scope mount onto a receiver of a center fire rifle like .308 or 30-06? Almost all online instructions call for a torque wrench to be used or risk the mount shooting loose from the heavy recoil of the rifle.

[@Raevenswood]

Prussian blue is the same stuff they use to lap valves when you get a valve job on your engine. it shows high and low contact points very well.

[@terryfarrell1757]

Thank you much for your time. Learned a great deal

[@oletimer9091]

Love this man's vids he has lots of knowledge great stuff 👍.

[@pickin4you]

Action screw tightness I agree 100%. But there are so many guys today, that get too big on scope bases and rings that they need to know. Also, aluminum cannot take as much toque as steel, as on a ring or a base on an aluminum receiver.

[@GreenKnight1979]

I was just asking myself this yesterday. Thank-you for your work. God bless!

[@aktrapper6126]

I have never torqued action screws up until recently. I notice both Ruger American and Tikki list the torque for their action screws. I did not rush out and buy a torque wrench because I already owned one being a mechanic. I don't think it is necessary but at least I know I'm getting the same torque every time I reassemble the Gun. If I didn't already own a torque wrench I wouldn't waste time or money buying one though.

[@RockinRack]

Also for scope rings usually 15-20"lbs and I always hand snug to what I've determined to be about 30-35" lbs and never had any issues. I did 18 specifically on a vortex mount per friends request before and he brought it back with a loose scope. I just did my normal monkey torque and he never had an issue. I feel the 18lb spec is so you don't crush a cheap scope or something

[@myalternatemeswordofthefor4928]

Thats what I figure as well.However, after seeing some youtube videos Ive come up with half a theory. After sighting in your rig you might find it still shoots a bit high, so over torquing the 1022 will bring the barrel down a bit. producing a fine tune. If you find the gun shoots a tad bit low then loosening it will bring the barrel up a bit. Making it shoot a little higher. Fine tuning it to center point.

[@michaelo1492]

Once again you give straight forward advice. Thank you and God Bless.

[@timothylewis2709]

At last some common engineering sense, thank you !

[@wyattearp6883]

Funny that you bought up Herter's. Not only do I have several old Herter's catalogs and a Herter's snowmobile. Many Years ago I lived in Glenwood, MN had a Herter's store. It was the Cabela's and Bass Pro Shop of the day. Miss that store or more important that era.

[@davejones67]

Why do many manufacturers recommend certain torque settings then? Are you saying they are poorly built?

[@MrJoshap]

God bless you too. I've thoroughly enjoyed your views and you sharing your skills.

[@sammylacks4937]

Ive Googled, checked with others that shoot or hunt and the closest gunsmith I have found is hundreds of miles from me. I know my limits and like to do all Im capible of doing. You have helped me in that respect. Thank you.

[@GunBlue490]

@@sammylacks4937 You're welcome.

[@Pops-ym2wp]

Thanks again for another great teaching video. I have a question specifically about the model 77 ruger mark II and hawkeye rifles. I had to replace a plastic stock on a 308 with a new one and the help desk told me to torque the front action screw to 95 in-lbs. Their online help videos say the same thing. None of my M77 barrels are free floated. My Wheeler torque wrench max is 60 in-lbs. Would you think that setting is high enough, or just turn it until it is tight? All the stocks are plastic. Thanks again.

[@greenhouse114]

With the new KZbin censorship, you need to get your content over to Full30. The GunBlue490 content is a treasure that needs to be preserved.

[@justanobserver530]

I want to find the right size dished screws to replace the factory allen head that are used on my savage rifles. The wood is too soft and the heads of the screws are too narrow, to have a "stop" position. I have other "newer" rifles that use allen head screws that you know when they're tight, not savage though

[@redtobertshateshandles]

My Prussian blue is in a deep Tupperware container with all my other small tubes, sachets and bottles of stuff.

[@TheNutriarat]

Glad to have you back. Great video.

[@hildtonmcconnell5626]

I have Savages Mark II a TR and a FVT and the bough have free floating barrels and that is the way they came, and bough will shoot dime size groups at 50 yd. and never had a problem with them. And they are .22 lr.

[@craiglacount89]

I have been trying to determine how much torque to apply to a Ruger M77 MkII. So I do what we all seem to do these days and I search the internet. I came across a video featuring a Ruger Factory Rep explaining how much torque to apply to the action screws. Amazingly his advise was to apply 80 lbs of torque to the action screws. We’ll my torque driver maxes out at 60 lbs. so I thought I would try to tighten those screws to the maximum my torque driver could measure it was ridiculous how hard I had to try to apply that much pressure. Why would Ruger publish this?

[@hawkeyeinthehouse2995]

Thank you for your interesting and informative video, learned a lot about the relationship between the barreled action and the stock. I would greatly appreciate if you can help me with information pertaining to the comment after this one. I curious if you have any possible information that can help me find out when and where the stock on the Mauser 22lr rifle might have been changed or replaced for the stock that it resides in now since the rifle was made back in the early 30's in Germany. Did they do business in Germany or just the USA? THANK YOU IF YOU CAN HELP ME FIND OUT MORE ABOUT MY VERY NICE OLD MAUSER 22LR.🤔😉👍😁

[@GunBlue490]

I am by no account an expert in Mauser firearms history. However, I can say with a fair degree of confidence that while they licensed their patents to other countries, Mauser sporting rifles, and any military rifles bearing the Mauser logo were made solely in Germany. Germany was under US occupation until 1952, and still recovering in the post WWII era, well into the 50s, and their war production arms and munitions factories had been entirely obliterated. To my knowledge, Mauser's first post war production was in the manufacturing of instruments, and it was some years before they resumed sporting arms production. Replacement stocks have been made by countless firms, and by independent custom craftsmen. Personal hobbyists and small gunsmiths certainly made many, too. I would look for an identification, date, or numerical stamp or code on the stock interior or under the buttplate. Any large company would typically brand their product, though not always. Bearing none, would be an indication that it was made by either a gunsmith or hobbyist.

[@hawkeyeinthehouse2995]

@@GunBlue490 THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR PROMPT RESPONSE TO MY QUESTION. I ALSO APPRECIATE YOUR HELP ON THE POSSIBLE ORIGIN OF THE STOCK AND RIFLE THAT I BOUGHT RECENTLY. IT'S A BEAUTIFUL WELL MADE RIFLE THAT IS MADE OF THE BEST MATERIAL AND CRAFTSMANSHIP FOR ITS TIME. THEY DON'T MAKE THEM LIKE THIS NOW FOR ALMOST ANY PRICE. I WILL CHERISH IT.😉👍😁

[@ely336]

Enjoyed your video as always. I have a question about the new Ruger PC take down carbine that they just released about the reassembly of the stock and action. In their instruction Manuel the suggest 65 inch lbs of pressure on the two screws that hold the action in the stock. Secure the two #10-32 take-down screws to 65 inch-pounds with a 5/32” hex wrench (see Figure 9). Seems like a lot but they were tight when I removed the action to put in the Glock magazine well. My fat wrench only s goes to 60. Is their a way to get the 65 inch lbs that they recommend with out a t wrench?

[@swkohnle08]

Excellent video Sir. I always learn from you and look forward to seeing your videos. Thank you.

[@jeffreymilosevich1957]

helped a lot had torgue wrenches in amazon cart didnt buy it . one thing learned was if not broke dont fix it

[@patrikmeijer7437]

Yet another great video with useful advice, keep it up sir!

[@daveshadenuff187]

Great video man!!!! Very informative,and full of great information…

[@captainamer71]

Well knowing that ruger doesnt use ir inow what a torque wrench is and also knwoing that for a precision rifle altering the torque on the action screws does infact change the group size. Now i understand why every ruger rifle i have ever owned except for a ruger american predator i kept All the rest shot horribly aka 1.5-3 moa. I get what youre saying about the acrew bottoming out and warped stocks But it does matter My CZ 457 chassis rifle has shot a 7 shot group less than 0.5 moa there was absolutely no wind and i had a good nights sleep and the next group was still under moa Everything on that day was just perfect My uncle was shooting his favorite ruger 77/22 and was very excited to getting 2 moa groups Wow i ended uo very long winded Anyway thanks for the half hour video to say basically just tighten thing and dont worry about how tight they are it doesnt matter

[@mblakey4736]

When I first heard about the possible effects that different torque settings to the take down screw "might" have on a Ruger 10/22 I saw this video and thought why bother? THEN I saw other videos that claimed otherwise, so true to my nature I thought I would test this theory out myself not taking any so-called "expert's" opinion. I have a pretty much bone stock 1974 10/22 carbine and after much testing (many groups shot with different settings with the same lot ammo) I can say without a shadow of a doubt it makes a HUGE difference in accuracy! I tested at every tension between 10 and 20 in/lb. 20 in/lb gave the worst results, while (in my gun anyway) 12 in/lb was by far the best. Accuracy increased from 1.5" 5-shot groups down to .325" at 25 yds. Each individual gun/stock combination might like it's own preferred torque, but in my case I'm glad I didn't blindly take someone else's word for it!

[@GunBlue490]

Your stock is slightly warped, causing the barrel to push upwards as you increase screw pressure, as I demonstrated in the video. The repair is as follows: Wrap sandpaper around a long straight wooden dowel and sand the barrel channel flat. Your paper will remove the high spots first. Once truly flat and sandpaper contacts the entire length, the barrel will lay in the channel with no uneven pressure and all torque issues will vanish.

[@mblakey4736]

@@GunBlue490 My repair was 12 in/lb of torque.. why in the hell would I go through all that other crap? My gun is now accurate and I'm not going to mess with it!

[@johnfordham8133]

I agree, but scopes and some rifles need a little coaxing, before the pain of bedding ad infinitum.

[@hawkeyeinthehouse2995]

I found it very interesting how you spoke about the company of HERTERS. I bought an old single shot Mauser 22lr in very nice condition don't think it was a trainer because it didn't have tangent sight (ES340N). It has a BEAUTIFUL STOCK that has been expertly inletted and it has Herters as the manufacturer of the stock Did they also make stocks to order or blanks? It's not just a Plain Jane stock it's actually high grade, looks like possibly Tiger stripe Maple.What time period was Herters in business?

[@GunBlue490]

Herters made many blanks, and semi-inletted stocks to various degrees of completion. I don't believe they made fully finished stocks.

[@thetoecutter13]

There is a lot of talk about KZbin banning videos that show, well, it seems like they worded it to include anything related to firearms. If by chance your channel gets shut down could you please put your videos on another platform and let us know how to find you. I'm not going to miss the idiots shooting ARs at engine blocks and zombie targets but you Sir are a teacher and an asset to the sport. Frankly the only thing I watch on KZbin is historical docs and you. Hopefully you don't go anywhere but if it looks like they are going to shut you down please don't leave us completely. Thank you sir for everything you've done, your military and police service and the service you have done all of us watching. God bless you Sir.

[@richardpugliese3391]

Thank you for sharing a wealth of information!!😃

[@shoaibmushtaq5249]

Hello sir I have two test I enrolled force measurement above 500 tan what kind of think or any sensor I can use???

[@qwertydgglifeenthusiast8732]

I love your videos and want to compliment you on being one of the more down to earth and wise firearms channels on youtube. My question is in response to your rifle cartridge videos. I would like your opinion on a hunting cartridge that is popular in autoloading rifles and can be a dual purpose hunting and possible self-defense cartridge. This would preferably be a rifle $600 or cheaper on the new market but can be more expensive as I don't mind used rifles. Some that I know of include some offereings from remington and the new browning BAR MKIII

[@markmclean5651]

I liked your Luke 15 message. I have 20 year old Marlin 882, 22 mag. It does not hold a group as well as it did, so looking on KZbin, many (6 or more I looked at) said to float barrel. I did noticed my wood was oil soaked and touching the barrel, so I floated all but 1” from screw that hold’s stock to barrel! (Have not been able to shoot it yet). But the next day “your” video came up as recommended to me by KZbin, you mentioned that a floated barrel may cause barrel to sag! Wish I would of seen your KZbin first. Worried now when and if the barrel will sag, what would you recommend? Being only used for squirrels, Ebay has a used synthetic stock for $55!? Thanks.

[@GunBlue490]

It may not sag like a Ruger does, depending on how tightly the barrel is fitted. Some 22s shoot like dynamite with free floating. The test is simple. Take some 1x3" strips of card stock to the range. Set up with a good rest at 50 yards. First, try it without shimming. Then, use increasingly thicker layers under the barrel about 2 inches back from the front end of the stock and see if things improve or deteriorate as pressure increases. Some 22s like very firm pressure and you will find the sweet spot by firing 3 or 4 shot groups with each change. Heavy pressure will require loosening your stock screw. Use acetone to degrease the stock, outside where vapors can't explode. If it works well with shims, you can use them as a gauge to elevate the barrel while you make a platform with epoxy paste or epoxy clay just behind the cards until it hardens. Be sure to use neutral color shoe polish on the barrel as a release agent wherever you apply epoxy to the stock!!! Or you can get really fancy and bed the entire barrel, following my two videos. Hardware stores carry both the epoxy putty or clay. You can alternatively build a dam with two ropes of plumbers putty positioned up front behind the temporary cards, and use Devcon epoxy gel between them.

[@markmclean5651]

@@GunBlue490 Thanks a lot, that was very clear. I did not know I could get stuff at hardware! I've learned a lot from your channel, thanks. See you There :)

[@GunBlue490]

@@markmclean5651 You're welcome. God bless and enjoy your rifle.

[@walterpalmer2749]

Question: What might be your recommendations on screwdriver sets for working on guns so as not to mess up either the screw or blueing ?

[@williamhorn8701]

I'm curious what your thoughts are about thread-locking products like Loctite and such. I've even heard of people using clear nail polish to make sure screws stay in. My thought is it's all bunk but I'm curious what an Armorer thinks about this?

[@TexanUSMC8089]

Most manufacturers say about 35 inch pounds on a plastic or wood stock without pillars. With steel pillars or metal frame stocks it can be 45-60.

[@GunBlue490]

Manufacturers generally have never said anything historically about torque measurements. I've studied under the roofs of three manufacturers; Smith & Wesson, Ruger, and Remington, and professionally worked with Winchester, and Sigarms, and nobody ever suggested torque as a working value. Gun screws are not manifold bolts or lug nuts, and they don't require tightness beyond that which has fully tightened the materials under reasonable pressure. In fact, the only parts that have absolute specified torque are such parts as barrels and such that are only for factory assembly. Even then, they measure by "POSITION", and not by torque. Folks call them and ask this silly question, and then they are forced to put the caller on hold or transfer him to some white collared engineer in the R&D section to satisfy the caller. The real answer is very simple. It's like putting a ketchup cap on; you stop when it stops with reasonable hand pressure with standard tools, and you don't need to measure that fact or approach the breaking limit of the screw or driver bit.

[@zanepetty3193]

Hi there. Thanks for the good content. I’m worried my 10/22 has had the take down screw over tightened. Could you explain how to check for that please?

[@GunBlue490]

Your screw should be set in a brass escutcheon that's embedded into the stock which bears the screw head pressure to prevent burial into the wood or splitting it. The normal position of the escutcheon is to be flush or very slightly below the wood or plastic surface. The screw and threaded hole in the action are either intact and working normally, or they aren't. If the screw or escutcheon is damaged, simply give the Ruger folks a call and they will happily ship you a new one. If you applied lots of torque but everything is still normal in appearance and function, you're good. The screw is supposed to be hand tightened with normal hand pressure that can be reasonably applied with a simple screwdriver, as such rifles have been treated since the 1800s, which were typically designed to be tightened using nothing more than a coin.

[@zanepetty3193]

Ok thank you! I am most worried about the bedding in the stock and the little ledge in the stock that the front of receiver rests on (pillar?). As you said, I don’t want to have to tighten the screw that tight every time now. By the way, my screw has an Allen head. Is there any way to send images of it ?

[@comlbbeau]

Excellent presentation, as usual. I do own a FAT wrench, purchased primarily for mounting scope rings, which do advertise torque settings. I gather you probably employ the TAR technique to that arena too... That's About Right - by hand.

[@GunBlue490]

comlbbeau The reason ring manufacturers cite torque settings is to prevent scope tube damage or snapped screws, because so many clueless folks overtighten them. We now live in a world where so few kids grow up with a father who taught them mechanical things, and you can't learn what a screwdriver feels like in college. No, a fat wrench is absolutely not necessary to "set" a scope screw to a torque value. When the screw is resistant to being turned, simply stop. Beyond that, the scope tube is in danger. I have never in my life had a scope slip in even the most heavy calibers. Snug to stop will do.

[@mikem.3412]

As usual, an excellent video with very useful info. But, how about you Gunblue? How are you getting along? It seems that you are surviving the two nor-easterns that hit recently, with a 3rd on its way. God bless you and family, and stay safe. We love you around here brother. We could have used some of that snow out here in the Midwest.

[@j.l.8000]

I have 2 points... First for a run of the mill hunting or plinking rifle, the action torque is not critical. BUT...on a precision firearm, action torque value can have considerable influence on point of impact and group size. Second point is just fyi...I have drivers that has a flat blade and a round profile end. They are used on Dzus fasteners. These are used mainly in aviation applications.

[@GunBlue490]

Torque is absolutely not critical with a correctly bedded action. It's only critical when action screws are see-sawing or twisting an action over a poor bed. If your gun has a critical sweet spot that needs a torque setting, it's got a sour bed. Action screws are for retaining actions, not for tuning. Guns are not aircraft. I know a little bit about precision guns.

[@oilhammer04]

I enjoy your videos. Thank you for sharing your insights.

[@virginia7370]

Good info. Thank you ... Curious, what receiver sight do you have mounted on that Ruger 10/22 Sporter?

[@uralbob1]

Don't forget the Herter's snowmobiles! We had one!

[@REBELSCL]

How about when installing both a scope mount and the scope into the scope rings? Isn’t a torque driver necessarily for that? Every mount I’ve seen lists specific torque pounds for both the mount and the rings… I imagine the rings spec is so you don’t crush the scope tube itself but I imagine that would be almost impossible by hand….

[@GunBlue490]

That's true for the instructions you've read, but it certainly hasn't been true for the most popular scope rings and mounts made for decades, to include Lyman, Leupold, Weaver, and the original Redfield brand. The reason for that is simple. Most such systems come packaged with allen wrenches that mate to the screws. Allen wrenches are unique in that they are self limiting, and will not exert excessive torque. When the allen wrench begins to bend, that's sufficient. It's completely unnecessary to use a torque wrench on scope screws. Yes, one can very easily crush or dent a scope tube with a screwdriver. Because of the fantastic leverage involved with screw threads, rings will hold a scope securely on the heaviest magnums with only modest screw torque. Consider what a screw thread is: It's an inclined plane. Car jacks and house jacks employ simple threads that multiply force by hundreds.

[@REBELSCL]

@@GunBlue490 Thanks much for your advice… I’m debating whether to take it to a gunsmith and have them do it…

[@railroader8728]

Does this apply with mounting scope rings as well?

[@GunBlue490]

Scope rings have crushed and marred countless scope tubes. Leupold and other makers now supply L shaped Allen wrenches for a very good reason. The wrench is it's own torque limit. Tighten alternately and stop immediately when it begins to bend. The grasp of rings with moderately tight screws is sufficient to hold any scope with any recoil.

[@railroader8728]

Thank you Sir!

[@georgevlahandreas1659]

Always makes good solid sense. Experience is everything.... Thanks for all the good info GunBlue490

[@Johnny-jr2lq]

Mr gunblue I don’t want to lose all your videos sir so if things go southbound with KZbin were am I going to be able to access your content

[@leemckenzie8471]

I love your videos and have watched several of them several times. I was lucky enough to inherit my dad’s 10/22 carbine and H&R Ultra Wildcat chambered in .223 Remington with a Sako L461 receiver. I love shooting both of them and my children are already disagreeing on who will inherit them. I recently purchased a Ruger American Predator in .223 Remington, because I love reloading that caliber (now for two guns). Anyway, the bolt on the Ruger has a lot of machining scratches that really look bad. Is it OK to polish those out of the bolt if I only polish the raised portions behind the groove that is behind the locking lugs? I trust your advice and look forward to more videos.

[@dptocci]

Mr. GunBlue, what do you think about the Ruger PC Carbine, and would you do a video on the take down and cleaning of one of these interesting rifles. I just bought one and like it alot. Thank you.

[@scottr1661]

Love the Central Grocery apron! Just had a muffuletta from there the other day.

[@GunBlue490]

Remote Desktop The whole thing???

[@scottr1661]

Lol. Darn close. Had a 1/4 piece left over. Let me know if you enjoy them and I will send you one whole muff. I enjoy your videos!

[@GunBlue490]

Remote Desktop I do enjoy them, but I wouldn't want you to do that. Thank you for the wonderful offer! I also enjoyed the beignets at Café Do Monde. Wonderful food everywhere.

[@Iceflame38]

I replaced the stock on my Ruger 10/22, and I have been wondering about this very thing since then. Thank you so much for this. One question though.... I watched another video on KZbin around a year ago where a guy apply to different amounts of torque to the takedown screw and it dramatically changed where the bullet struck the target, as he demonstrated by firing the gun after each adjustment. If I remember right, he got the best groupings at somewhere around between 30 and 35 lb of torque, but I watch all of your videos, and I trust your advice more than anyone else's, so I'm going to use what you say. I am very concerned about the stock that I put on my new gun though, because there is no bedding at all. Is there a way to check as to whether or not my new stock is performing as it should, because if I do need to add a slight amount of bedding, I will need to take it to a gunsmith to have it done, which I will do if necessary. I'm just wondering if there is a simple way to check whether or not the stock is properly supporting the barrel?

[@Iceflame38]

Never mind.... You pretty much answered my question toward the end of your video. I'm not really sure what the blue stuff is you were talking about, but hopefully my gunsmith will know.

[@lmbear]

If action screw torque has an effect on accuracy, that means you have a bedding issue. This is a tell tale sign of a mechanical issue with your rifle.

[@chrismills4213]

Another great video from the best 👍

[@jonasbruzas2651]

whats best torque wrenth for barrel fiting to action ?

[@GunBlue490]

A 1/2 inch drive is necessary, along with the appropriate bit that fits whatever barrel or barrel nut you are using. An AR-15 actually doesn't require a torque wrench to measure, because the range is a very wide 30 to 80 pounds. The most important tool is a 20 inch breaker bar. It's tightened snugly and backed off a half dozen times to settle the threads, then tightened to the nearest passage for the gas tube to pass without contact. Please watch my AR-15 barrel mounting video on that procedure.

[@jonasbruzas2651]

​@@GunBlue490 many thanks,my interested 308 cal ,competition rifle barrel fiting , Tekton wrench its good ?

[@cb7677]

Great video, you hit the nail (or screw) right on the head with this one. Being apart of that younger generation that thinks they need a torque device for everything, I really appreciate the information. Next, if only I could install a rollpin without damaging whatever it's going in...hah :)

[@nickmcwilliams685]

If you can't tell when tight is tight a torque wrench is cheap. I've seen several scopes killed by overtightened rings. Also marked up AR uppers/destroyed fasteners on steel guns from overtightened bases. Not everybody is a gunsmith, mechanic, in the trades, etc. You can buy a torque wrench for less than a gunsmith would charge to mount a single scope probably. I'm a technician and I use a torque wrench when I install scopes and stock screws on guns that aren't bedded. This way they come apart and go back the same. I completely agree its not necessary but 40 bucks or less for an inch pound torque wrench isn't a big deal to me. I've seen the effects of tuning a poorly bedded gun with the screws and my opinion is although it does work, if it is that sensitive try fix the bedding. The less crap I have to adjust the better generally.

[@GunBlue490]

The reason that Leupold supplies an allen or torx wrench with their rings and bases is quite simple; they limit the degree to which a screw may be secured, and provide perfect torque. Yes, a torque driver will do the same thing, but no scope needs to have severe tightening, and stock screws are simply tightened until the screw will no longer turn with a driver. A stock that "tunes" accuracy with torque is a temporary fix for a poor bedding job that should be corrected.

[@nickmcwilliams685]

@@GunBlue490 I agree, if people would follow the instructions it would be completely unnecessary. The torque wrench is just another protection against a crushed tube, loose mount or stripped fastener. I've seen so many people mess up fasteners on scope rings because they are afraid its going to move, its hard for me to refrain from mentioning how cheap and simple a torque wrench is. I work in a manufacturing plant and I see destroyed fasteners all the time because people think you need to He-man tighten everything. To illustrate my point, the Phillips screw was designed to make the drive fail before the threads, it was well understood that operators will tend to over tighten (particularly with power tools), hence short little wrenches, fasteners designed to limit torque etc. Being a pecky person interested in repeatability and precision I bought an inch pound torque wrench, so I use it. I freely admit its unnecessary. Speaking of action torque, I haven't had the time and nerve to test an O'Conner method bedding job as described by Harold Vaughn in Rifle Accuracy Facts. It describes putting a 10 to 20 pound upward load on the barrel using the stock to dampen harmonics. I assume this is adjusted with different spacers in the front of the stock and perhaps the front screw action torque. It would appear that in this process you deliberately create a "squishy" bed so that the stock functions as a spring dampener on the barrel and then you adjust that somehow. Perhaps I'll buy an inexpensive .22 to try this one some day. Have you ever seen this method tried?

[@thomaspounds9031]

I really enjoy your videos. What’s your name and have you written any books or articles?

[@matthewbeaver5026]

Does this apply with a castle nut on the stock of an ar? I just cover both sides with cloth to not scuff the surfaces and grabbed both sides with chanel-locks and snugged down, all seems to be well so far no backing as of yet (only150-180rounds) I did not stake it, I may change the stock in the future Any reply is greatly appreciated

[@larrymor]

I have an M77 with tang safely in 270 Win that I purchased in 1977. It has never grouped satisfactorily to me. I have tried a few things like a better scope and rings to no avail. I saw a gunsmith from Ruger on a video saying that there is a screw at the front of the action that needs to be tightened to 90 inch pounds to restore accuracy. I've not tried that. Will that help accuracy?

[@GunBlue490]

Larry Morgan That angled screw causes issues. Yes, you can loosen all screws, then tighten the front angled screw to that 90 inch pounds (not foot pounds!). Tighten the tang screw firmly. Lastly, the middle screw should not be tightened more than finger tight with a drop of thread lock to retain it. Before securing the action with the front screw, but after putting a few pounds of firm pressure on the screw, bump the muzzle into a wood floor or solid wood surface to seat it rearward.

[@PeterAgostiniJdcap26]

How about scope rings and mounts ? Ty

[@GunBlue490]

Quality brand scope rings and bases are supplied with the appropriate "L" shape Allen wrench, or the installer may provide his own. The long standing engineering principle of such wrenches is that they provide the perfect degree of torque to the screw when the long shank reaches its comfortable limit with a person's fingers. When the shank begins to bend, that limit is reached. I do not recommend screwdrivers without this built-in limitation, so a person simply applies reasonable tightness. Rings can easily crush a scope tube and must be comfortably snugged, alternating cross-wise by small increments until moderate resistance is felt, and no more. Well engineered rings simply do not slip. Base screws have 6/48 gunsmith threads that have very shallow, fine pitch, which is designed to provide terrific holding power and resist backing out. A drop of medium Loc-Tite can be applied to the base screws if it's not already done by the supplier.

[@PeterAgostiniJdcap26]

@@GunBlue490 so you don’t recommend a wheeler torque screw driver set to 20 I think it is for bkl rings ? Ty

[@mnrodriguez]

I use a torque wrench. Much easier and precise.

[@michaelspinelli6510]

Awesome, excellent, and a very true video.

[@The-Homecook-0000]

what do you think about the Mp compact 2.0 .......Also what Ar 15 do your domed for a good bang for your buck...

[@TheUser7062]

Thanks. Very useful information