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Author Topic: Scope base screw size  (Read 1107 times)

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Offline handirifle

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Scope base screw size
« on: July 19, 2007, 02:56:56 PM »
I know, or at least I've been told, there is no std screw size for scope base mounts, but it sure seems like every one I've bought from Wal mart, or anyplace, has always fit.  Something is standard.

What size is the normal ones.  This is for a savage rimfire (sorry but cannot get an answer anywhere else) and I THINK they are 6-48, but not sure.

Just came back from Home Depot, smallest they had was 6-32.  I drilled a hole in aluminum, and I tried to see if the screw would go in, and nope it doesn't.  The threads on the screw look tighter than on the tap.

So are they 6-48?  If so where can I get that size?
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Offline quickdtoo

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Re: Scope base screw size
« Reply #1 on: July 19, 2007, 02:59:38 PM »
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Offline handirifle

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Re: Scope base screw size
« Reply #2 on: July 19, 2007, 03:20:57 PM »
Thanks Quick
I figured if anyone knew you would.  believe it not i read the second post before, several times, still don't see it there, but it WAS in the first one.

Any idea who might carry one, without resorting to mail order?

The gunsmith only charge $5 per hole, BUT he's about 3-4 weeks behind.  No thanks.
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Offline cwlongshot

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Re: Scope base screw size
« Reply #3 on: July 19, 2007, 03:21:46 PM »
You will not find this size at any hardware/home improvement place. they are "gun" screws and have unique thread pitches.  If you have a Buddie who works at a machine shoppe..you strand a chance...but generally no one will have these taps OR screws. They are unique to the gun industry.

 You can get the taps and screws from BROWNELLS / MIDWAY.

BTW, 6-32 is the weakest thread going!!

 CW
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Offline quickdtoo

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Re: Scope base screw size
« Reply #4 on: July 19, 2007, 03:25:55 PM »
I order Brownell's 6-48 T10 torx screws for H&R bases, the number is in the FAQs.

Tim
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Offline trotterlg

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Re: Scope base screw size
« Reply #5 on: July 19, 2007, 05:46:25 PM »
The 6-48 is a NS thread (National Special)  You may have some luck at pawn shops that sell guns, they usually have a box of them around to replace missing screws and mount scopes on guns they sell, also some bases take a screw that is flat where it goes from the screw to the head and some bases take one that is tapered.   Some sporting goods stores have some with their weaver bases, and if you only need a couple I could probably find some used ones in the bottom of a box some place.   Larry

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Offline handirifle

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Re: Scope base screw size
« Reply #6 on: July 19, 2007, 06:17:02 PM »
OK I guess mail order it is.  Thanks guys.
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Offline handirifle

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Re: Scope base screw size
« Reply #7 on: July 19, 2007, 06:22:07 PM »
One more question.  Is a "bottom" tap what I need to tap a blind hole, one that doesn't go all the way through?  Two of the holes will go all the way through, two will not.  I assume the holes that will go through, use a plug tap, yes?
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Offline quickdtoo

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Re: Scope base screw size
« Reply #8 on: July 19, 2007, 06:32:59 PM »
That's my take on it, but you can make a bottom tap out of a regular tap by grinding the tip off.! Brownell's sells em cheap if you're ordering them.  ;) Their small parts shipping is less than $5 too!! ;D I ordered 5 of the 4-48 taps cuz they're so fragile!! ::)

Tim
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Offline handirifle

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Re: Scope base screw size
« Reply #9 on: July 19, 2007, 06:36:48 PM »
Maybe I'm looking in the wrong place but the only ones I see are almost $14 each :o, not what I'd call cheap.  I found some Hanson models on Midway for $1.79.

OK I found some that were $4.40.  I wonder if they're better than Midway's?
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Offline quickdtoo

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Re: Scope base screw size
« Reply #10 on: July 19, 2007, 06:43:56 PM »
The 6-48 taps are $2.43 each. Be sure to get the right drill bit for it too. ;)

Tim

http://www.brownells.com/aspx/ns/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=6876&title=WIRE+GAUGE+CARBON+TAPS+%26+DIES
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Offline handirifle

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Re: Scope base screw size
« Reply #11 on: July 19, 2007, 06:56:25 PM »
OK just ordered 4 of each.  I already had the right drill size, thos are available locally.  Thanks
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Offline quickdtoo

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Re: Scope base screw size
« Reply #12 on: July 19, 2007, 06:59:24 PM »
You'll have em Monday for sure, they're quick to ship!! ;) I've placed small orders in the morning and had them ship the same day!! ;D

Tim
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Offline hotjob

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Re: Scope base screw size
« Reply #13 on: July 20, 2007, 07:09:27 AM »
I have the screws if you need some. I can save you some money. Use a plug tap for thru holes and a bottom tap for blind holes. Try to get a bottom tap if you can. Grinding a plug tap is not the best thing to do.  You can break it off real easy if it is not relieved correct, then you will have big problems.
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Offline handirifle

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Re: Scope base screw size
« Reply #14 on: July 20, 2007, 08:11:23 AM »
Thanks, I may need a couple.  But I think I'll buy a set of Weaver 45 bases, and it'll have them.

I odered 4 of the bottom taps and 4 plug taps.

Quick,
Got an email from Brownells this AM, they were shipped already ;)
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Offline quickdtoo

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Re: Scope base screw size
« Reply #15 on: July 20, 2007, 08:43:47 AM »
 ;D Told ya they're quick!!! ;)

I've been drillin and tappin for a loooong time, a little over 50yrs, those small taps break real easy any way you look at it. :-X I don't ever remember buying a special bottom tap for any project, just use what I have, same for my Dad and grandfather before him who taught me automotive skills when I was very young, use whatcha got and be careful doing it, go slow, back out and clean the threads as you go, and you'll git er done. ;) When taking the taper off to make a bottom tap, you have to grind very slow, just a tad at a time to keep from annealing it. I've had lots of practice lately with the  4-48 Winchester hammer extensions on H&R hammers, the only tap I've broke is one I dropped  while in the handle!! >:(

Tim

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Offline trotterlg

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Re: Scope base screw size
« Reply #16 on: July 21, 2007, 10:44:39 AM »
Tall story Quick, if you have been tapping holes for 50 years I know you have broken more than one tap.  Larry
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Offline quickdtoo

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Re: Scope base screw size
« Reply #17 on: July 21, 2007, 11:00:36 AM »
That's just of the 4-48s, I bought one locally for $6 at the local bolt shop where I get the button head stock bolts.  I've broke too many to count or remember!! ::) And they don't need to be modified to break, either!! ;D

Tim
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