VintageWeaverMount

CloseTolerance · May 7, 2016

There was a screw missing from my old Weaver mount.

One of the two screws labeled #18 on the patent picture was the missing screw.
This screw is a 6-40 slotted cap screw.
I brought the gun, scope and mount to a local gunsmith.
He removed the remaining 6-40 screw and replaced both of them with 6-32 torx flat head screws.
What can be done to salvage my old weaver mount?
Can a 6-40 tap be run through the thin steel?
Can a 6-40 screw be forced back through the thin steel?
Can a 6-32 tap be run through the holes?
Is there enough material to attempt any of the above?
Will the 6-32 screw hold?
What do you think, can my old mount be salvaged?

CalG · May 7, 2016

A person with patience could likely peen all around the damaged hole with a planishing hammer or punches in an effort to close up the hole enough to give good material to run that -40 tap through. At that location, It will require some creative anvil configurations and a bit of flexing of the ring. In the same way, the rework will not show. I don't think i would ask the fellow who ran the -32 tap through the hole. that was inconsiderate.

Looking carefully at the patent illustration, there appears to be room for a threaded "insert" that could be readily soldered into oversized holes. a loss of originality, but better in every other way.

michiganbuck · May 7, 2016

You could tap it 8-36 and make two new screws with the right head. nobody would know the difference.
6-40 .138 dia 8-36 dia .164
Could even consider 10-32 (dia .190) or a metric thread.

CloseTolerance · May 7, 2016

Thank you
Both good ideas

michiganbuck · May 7, 2016

But first call Williams Gun Sight. they have had some odd parts for me.
http://www.williamsgunsight.com/

or
Gun Screws Blued Slotted Fillister Head 8 36 x 1" 2 | eBay

Agree a gun smith should call before re tapping to another size.

GGaskill · May 8, 2016

... a "gun smith" should call before re tapping to another size.

6-40 screws are the standard clamping screw for Weaver rings to this day. Absolutely no reason to use a 6-32 screw except ignorance/incompetence. If the 6-32 screw was just forced in, it reformed the 6-40 threads. You might be able to reverse the process by forcing in a 6-40 screw. The most promising way would be to TIG the bunged hole, and drill and tap for 6-40. More complicated if you have to have someone else do the welding but it would give the best results and cause little damage.

michiganbuck · May 8, 2016

GGaskill said:
... a "gun smith" should call before re tapping to another size.

6-40 screws are the standard clamping screw for Weaver rings to this day. Absolutely no reason to use a 6-32 screw except ignorance/incompetence. If the 6-32 screw was just forced in, it reformed the 6-40 threads. You might be able to reverse the process by forcing in a 6-40 screw. The most promising way would be to TIG the bunged hole, and drill and tap for 6-40. More complicated if you have to have someone else do the welding but it would give the best results and cause little damage.

I agree but not being able to find the original screws and needing to make them..So re tapping to the next size and making screws would be easier. Yes before the bungle only one screw would have been needed.

abarnsley · May 8, 2016

You know that ebay usually has several mounts for cheap..

Here is one don't know if it is 3/4, 7/8, or 1 in. Lot 25 Weaver 22 Tip FF Scope Mount | eBay

Sometimes shopping for a replacement mount, is easiest AND cheapest

wesg · May 8, 2016

Close enough?

FILLISTER HEAD SCREW KIT | Brownells

Could always square the head off and recut the slot.

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