Stuck scope base screws?

hank4elk

Very Active Member
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1,825
Trying to remove the Leupold bases that have been on since I got the rifle in 86'. Had in in the Tipton vise and no budge.Soaking in penintrating oil now.
How do I get them out without shearing/breaking? Tap proper size tool in 1st? Tighten a bit, then try loosen?
Small back plug screw is mini slot.
All 4 have to come out for me to mount new Talley bases.
Any help?
I have deer hunt coming up in week and need to mount new scope that just arrived.....late.
 
Sometimes using a screwdriver that fits the slot and giving it a few smart raps with a small hammer will loosen the screw where you can remove it.
Another way would be to use a heat gun or small propane torch and heat the metal and screw to around 300 degrees will do it also. Just do not over heat it.

RELH
 
It's not that uncommon.

Sometimes you will break the screws and sometimes you will round them out and have to drill the heads out and remove them with vice grips.
















Stay thirsty my friends
 
I had one rust in place that would not budge. I tried everything. I took it to a smith; 15 bucks and 15 minutes later I was out the door. The right tools help.
 
Thanks folks.
Talked to nearest(100mi) smith this morn and he said,"Then you better bring it in",so I missed him today. I know it's common.
He said they used different locktite back in those days,often freezes.Needs heat. I'll have to take it off the Hogue stock,so's not to melt it.
I've done the drill/tapout/easyout stuff before.Even have the drill press.Parts/tools are the hard thing to get here,besides good help.................
So it's off to Socorro and the gunsmith Monday. I hear he's good.
And he made it seem like no big deal,you'll be hunting next weekend. Maybe I can get him to replace the 2 funky sight screw caps the last smith stuck in too..........
Grandpa always said,"Use the right tools & parts for the job".
 
I'm thinking that might be the smart move.
Also might wait till after hunts,we know smith's take longer than a woman getting ready.....
I'll take the drive Mon.,get supplies and see what he say's.....taking new scope and base and hope he doesn't say,"Come back in 9 mo's"......or,He might just whip it out.
 
Guy knows guns.
He had it off and no breaks in a couple minutes. He said only reason it came off without heat was me putting penetrating oil on for 2 days. He had taken it off stock and in a real vise,but torch was on the bench. Showed me the old red locktite that had come off screws and was under base.
He had old base off,new bases and scope on and boresighted in a 1/2 hr. $35
Not that I don't trust his judgement,but I checked it out with my Wheeler torque screwdriver. Loose. He does things by touch/feel.
I remounted it,torqued leveled and had it dialed in again in 1/2 hr.
To the range tomorrow...thanks for the help guys. Your tips saved me time and money.
 

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