Where to find replacement front action bolt/screw

[VikingsGuy]

I recently moved my Ruger American Predator to a Boyd's laminate stock. This required two new bolts to connect the stock and action, as the factory originals were far too short for the new stock. I also swapped out the plastic mag clip and pillar bedded the action. With those changes, I can only get two full turns on the Boyd bolt (I only got 3 turns as shipped from Boyd's). I really think this needs to be 4 or 5 turns to properly secure the stock. Where can I find hardened bolts suitable for this task in various lengths? I tried Boyd's, but that is the only size they carry. It is a 1/4" shaft dia. and I need 1 1/16" shaft length (shipped from Boyd's was 63/64"). I am not sure of the threading speck. Any thoughts/sources?

 

[fishing4sanity]

Take the bolt into a fastener supply store and see if you get lucky enough to find it locally. Another option is Brownells online and see what they have.

 

[JohnCushman]

Maybe Midway USA or Cheaper than dirt? Try a local gunsmith as well.

 

[Gary]

This would probably be a long-shot and a last resort type of thing, but do you live near a vocational school? With a machine shop? Talk to an instructor, making your bolts would make a good class exercise.

 

[WapitiBob]

probably a 1/4-28. fastenall will order some for you.
There is no 63/64" length cap screw. Depending on the type it will be overall length or length under the head, in 1/8" increments. Flat heads are overall, button and socket head are under the head.

https://tinyurl.com/ybkmnzre

 

[nidahunter]

Our local ace hardware has an end cap with all of the thread patterns on it. That way you can determine which thread size it is and determine length from there.

 

[VikingsGuy]

There is no 63/64" length cap screw.
https://tinyurl.com/ybkmnzre

Probably sold as 1", but 63/64" was the unnecessarily precise measurement. Thanks for the link.

 

[Millsworks]

Sounds like the bolts you have are close to the right length.
Don't know if it's something you would be comfortable doing, but it is probably possible to just counter sink the area the head rests in on the stock. It wouldn't take much to get it deep enough, so a go slow and check approach should get it fixed.
The right type and size drill bit is very important though.
That's what I would definitely do.

 

[WapitiBob]

Drill bits make real bad countersinks, don't do that.

 

[mtmuley]

Drill bits make real bad countersinks, don't do that.

Ditto. mtmuley

 

[VikingsGuy]

Sounds like the bolts you have are close to the right length.
Don't know if it's something you would be comfortable doing, but it is probably possible to just counter sink the area the head rests in on the stock. It wouldn't take much to get it deep enough, so a go slow and check approach should get it fixed.
The right type and size drill bit is very important though.
That's what I would definitely do.

Not really possible in these particular circumstances given the head rests down in a recessed metal clip, but thanks for the thought anyway.

 

[VikingsGuy]

Thanks to all for thoughts. Can now confirm I need a black oxide 1/4"-28 button head alloy steel screw with shaft length of 1 1/16". Found 1 1/4" at Fastenal - will be cutting down to size.

 

[WapitiBob]

there ya go

 

[mtmuley]

Thanks to all for thoughts. Can now confirm I need a black oxide 1/4"-28 button head alloy steel screw with shaft length of 1 1/16". Found 1 1/4" at Fastenal - will be cutting down to size.

Don't cut, use a grinder. mtmuley

 

[Millsworks]

Still sounds like a stepped recess bit ( known as a counter bore drill bit) could have given the extra 3/32 or less space needed. A counter sink bit doesn't leave the flat bottom recess that is likely what is needed. There is certainly a difference.
But as said previously, if your skill level and tools aren't up to the task, then it's best not to use it as a learning experience.
Hope you can post up some pics of the finished product.
Was that issue caused by some glass bedding added to the stock or did it just fit that way from Boyd's?
Just curious.
Sounds like you're getting it done soon as you locate some new action screws.

 

[VikingsGuy]

Still sounds like a stepped recess bit ( known as a counter bore drill bit) could have given the extra 3/32 or less space needed. A counter sink bit doesn't leave the flat bottom recess that is likely what is needed. There is certainly a difference.
But as said previously, if your skill level and tools aren't up to the task, then it's best not to use it as a learning experience.
Hope you can post up some pics of the finished product.
Was that issue caused by some glass bedding added to the stock or did it just fit that way from Boyd's?
Just curious.
Sounds like you're getting it done soon as you locate some new action screws.

Arrived from boyd's with 1" screw and plastic magazine clip - I got 3.5 turns so thought ok. Pillar bedded & action bedded I got 3 turns. Switched from plastic magazine clip to a metal clip from boyd's I ended up at 2.5 turns.

As for the drilling - I have the right equipment and am comfortable with the techniques, just don't want make the metal clip too thin, easier to replace screw.

 

[VikingsGuy]

Don't cut, use a grinder. mtmuley

Good point.

 

[Millsworks]

Are you upgrading to a metal trigger guard? I have a Ruger American that I would like to switch out the plastic trigger guard on. I can't say I have seen an after market replacement for sale, but haven't searched for one.

 

[VikingsGuy]

Are you upgrading to a metal trigger guard? I have a Ruger American that I would like to switch out the plastic trigger guard on. I can't say I have seen an after market replacement for sale, but haven't searched for one.

Yes, I switched both the magazine catch and the trigger guard to Boyd’s metal, but they are only cut to fit the Boyd’s wood inletting, not the factory plastic stock.

 

[TBass]

Are you upgrading to a metal trigger guard? I have a Ruger American that I would like to switch out the plastic trigger guard on. I can't say I have seen an after market replacement for sale, but haven't searched for one.

If you're talking about the factory stock, the TG is a molded part of the stock. In other words, not easily swapped.