Two Savage 10ML-II Questions

[lefty red]

I've looked and searched here, over at Doug's, and Googled, but haven't found an answer to these two questions.

First, why a third screw in for the action?  This seems to be a popular suggested/must have for the 10ML/II.  Is it to keep the receiver "bedded" while removing the bolt for cleaning?

Second, to full bed or just bed the action and allow the barrel to be free floated?  I'm going to get the polymer stock.  I hunt in too much damp, humid, or flat out raining weather here in So IL and SEMO.  I love wood, but not the warping.

These are the only two things I'm going to have done to mine, just wondering if they are worth it.

Jerry   

[Busta]

Jerry,

I don't own a Savage, but I have shot a couple. You answered your first question. If you don't have the third screw, when you remove the rear screw (also is the bolt stop) you will get POI changes your next few shots. There is a guy that makes a wrench that allows you to remove the breech plug without bolt removal, but still doesn't allow you to remove the bolt. This does allow you to clean the plug and bore, without unbedding the receiver from the stock. It is basically a ratchet wrench that turns a 4 prong spanner.

I have not seen one of the Tupperware stocks with the 3rd screw, but I'm sure someone has done it. Modern Muzzleloaders or Doug's would be the place to have your questions answered, especially the bedding question, those guys are right on top of this subject.

[Slufoot]

As Busta already told you, you are right about the reason for the third screw.

I have bedded and added the third screw on two 10ML-II's with synthetic stocks. I also made and installed a third pillar before bedding. I like to fully bed the action and recoil lug and just a little of the barrel.
I feel this is a very good thing to do to your 10ml-II.

GOOD SHOOTING!
Slufoot

[lefty red]

Thanks for the input gentlemen.

I think I'm just going to go with the action bedding and no third screw.  From what I've read and heard from owners, you really only need to clean the 10ML-II about every hundred rounds.  I don't see me putting that many through my rifle in a year, so I'll just look into purchasing a breech removal tool.

Jerry