Installing New Stock, help

[Val]

I bought a Boyds walnut stock for my Savage 116 Stainless Steel 300 RUM. I removed the action and it appears that a minimum amount of work is necessary to have the action fit into the new stock. The question I have is regards to the stock assembly screws. Are their some inserts available that will keep the screws from gouging into the stock wood for a better fit and prevention of wear? I've never done this kind of work on a rifle before and could use some detailed direction from you knowlegeable  folks. I'm going to see if I can figure out how to glass bed it.

[gunnut69]

I think you are talking about the action screws.  They pass throught the front of the trigger guard and either the front of the magazine assembly or an escutcheon set in in the bottom of the stock.  The latter is the case when the rifle has what's known as a blind magazine. Are these the screws of which you are speaking.  Below is a link to a exploded diagram.  There is also a rear wood screw whose main purpose is to retain the rear of the trigger guard. The action screws are listed as no. 1 & 2. Number 1 will need an excutcheon.  Either a Savage original or a shop made one.  The excutcheon from the factory stock can simply be driven out and used in the new stock..  We'll be more to help if we can. And of course, welcome to our board..
http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/schematics/schemmfg.aspx?schemid=318&m=14&mn=Savage%c2%ae&model=112+-+116+SS+Top+Loading+

[Val]

Thanks for the exploded view. I am indeed talking about the action screws. I've never tried replacing a stock before. I'm going to try and learn to glass bed it before I install. I tried screwing in the action screws and apparently the holes are not perfectly lined up. I couldn't get the screws started. I think I have to do some minor inletting work which may improve the fit.

[gunnut69]

The action needs a good bed around the action screws and the first few inches of the barrel.  The recoil lug should NOT touch the bottom of it's mortise or the sides, only the rear of the lug should be in contact with the stock.  The action screws should not be in contact with their holes at all and should not be bottomed in the action holes. The magazine box should have a tiny bit of play so that it doesn't bind when the action screws are tightened.  This can cause warping of the action and poor accuracy.  Poor bedding with a thumper such as the RUM can lead to stock splitting and even parts damage..   Glass bedding has been discussed in this thread before.  Please review what has been said and if there are further questions, just ask.