So I have a Ruger 10/22 Takedown I got probably 8-10 years ago. Someone Karma's me a cheap red dot, so I mounted the included Ruger scope base. I did everything right, even bought a FatWrench to get the torque right. (Hey, I'm almost never against getting a new tool!) However, the second screw from the back is partially stripped and won't hold snug. I believe it came this way from the factory, but it's way too late to do anything about it now. Plus, I pulled the mount and put a set of TruGlo's on it I never got around to installing. So the question may be moot, as I may never put optics on it.

However, the question: How is something like this fixed? I assume gunsmith, and I also assume it's something similar to a helicoil in the automotive world. Am I correct?

Anyone know of a qualified smith in the Augusta GA area?

Is it aluminum?

I was told several times helicoil options are not recommended for aluminum. No idea why.

I'd be afraid any proper repair would be a significant portion of a new 10/22 but hopefully someone here has some magic.

Is it possible to simply drill and tap to a larger size?

Good question. The barrel is stainless, but the receiver may be aluminum. The Ruger website doesn't say. I suppose one option might be an aftermarket receiver. or I could just find the original allen screws and locktite the heck out of that one.

quote:

Originally posted by OttoSig:
Is it possible to simply drill and tap to a larger size?

My first thought.
And I believe Ruger 10/22 receivers are aluminum.

The receiver is aluminum and the fix is to drill it out the next size up and thread for that.and of course all the other screw holes in the receiver so they all match.

quote:

However, the question: How is something like this fixed? I assume gunsmith, and I also assume it's something similar to a helicoil in the automotive world. Am I correct?

I've fix more than a handful of stripped base screw holes over the years including 10/22 receivers. Yes the production receivers are aluminum, aftermarket ones that I have seen are stainless.

Option 1 DRILL and tap to the next oversize screw size from the stock 6-48 to say a 8-40. One issue with this method is the scope base counterbore will now need to be opened up for the now larger cap screw or screw head diameter with a tool such as a flat bottom end mill.

Option 2 go to a place like brownells and get something like an Oversize #6, .146-48 tap and screw the right length.

Heli-coil is not an option here because the wall thickness of the receiver material is lacking in this case. Not because it is aluminum. God only knows how many holes I've tapped in aluminum for Heli-coils in my career.

Another tip is get slightly longer screws than you need and than fit and grind them to length just below flush with the under side of the receiver. Many mount / screw combinations lack full thread engagement on 10/22s. This is one of the reasons threads in the receiver can be easily stripped..

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Jelly,