Procedure for tightening bolts to receiver

[charles p]

When returning a Rem M700 action to its stock, what order are the bolts tightened and to what torque?
Is it different for wood and synthetic stocks?
Does the order and torque differ by rifle manufacturer/model?

[gunnut69]

I load the front screw first then the rear. The final torquing is in the same sequence. If there is a middle screw (Remington ADL, Winchester M70) the middle screw is tightened just enough to keep it tight. Too much will warp the action and accuracy will suffer. The Ruger M77 uses an angled front screw that seats the action as it's tightened. If you work it first all will be well, otherwise it takes a few shots to settle the action into the stock a bit. I really don't believe the torque has a great bearing on the rifle's shooting ability if the bedding is properly set up. Over torquing can damage the bedding by crushing the wood and causing twist in the action. Front bolt pretty tight, rear snug+ and the middle if present, just above finger tight..

[TNyoteboy]

When I went to a Remington field armorers school they taught me the following sequence: Stand the stock up on it's buttplate and insert the action. Starting with the front action screw, tighten to 15 in/lbs then the rear the same. Then front to 30 in/lbs, then the rear the same. End with the front action screw at 45 in/lbs and the rear the same. This way you're evenly tightening the action down to the stock and not cranking that front down all the way and then tightening the rear, stressing the action.