Action screw torque range?

[.22LRGUY]

Hey guys-I've never owned a rifle that I thought might be sensitive to action screw torque variations, but in taking the barrelled action in/out of my T1x a few times (trigger pull adjustments) I think I might have my first. Different POI after each reassembly, so I'm ready to take the plunge. A gunsmith I used for a recent issue suggested these, but in looking at the specs...I need to narrow-down which model might fit my needs most. I shoot this Tikka allot, but also a couple of 452s, a couple of Anschutz, etc.

https://www.wihatools.com/torquevario-adjustable-handles

From my shopping around, it should seldom/ever be lower than 12ft./lbs., but it looks like Anschutz recommends as high as 44. (??????) The consensus/range seems to be 12-25ft./lbs., but I want to do this right the first time.

Naturally, if anyone has/uses a different make that is less expensive...I'm all ears...but I've become a "buy once/cry once" type in recent years too.

Appreciate any/all input. Paging Grauhenen.

 

[adamg]

I tested by t1x 22lr in MDT ACC chassis with torque set from 25 inlb to 45inlb in steps of 5. They were all 2" 10shot 100m groups, with the 35inbl at 1.5". So basically zero difference, but I went with 35 as my standard. Beyond about 35 I felt like the screw wasn't turning any more as I added torque so that's why I stopped trying more torque.

BTW why don't you just get the $70 Fat wrench? It works pretty well.

 

[mildot]

In my experience, if it's a non aluminium chassis/stock then 45in/pds or with aluminium pillars 65in/pds

 

[grauhanen]

Different manufacturers often recommend different torque ranges for their products. With the various sporter rifles I've had with original stocks, the usual torque range I've used has been from a low of about 20 to a high of 30-35 inch pounds. Manufacturers generally recommend the same torque level for both front and rear action screws. I've never felt it necessary to tighten one any more than the other.

The recommended torque for an Anschutz rifle, for example, will depend on whether the model is a sporter or a single shot Match 54. Anschutz didn't make specific torque recommendations until the 18xx series rifles came out in about 1980, and then only with a specially-shaped allen key. Depending on the model, the weight of the rifle was used to tighten to the appropriate amount based on where the allen key was held. I think I've had one new Anschutz rifle come to me with that allen key. See below.



When consumer torque devices became more widely available and affordable, Anschutz provided more specific figures. The torque level for Match 54's is 5 Newton meters (about 44 inch pounds) for wood stocks. Aluminum stocks have a 6 Nm (53 inch pound) recommendation.

The Anschutz manuals don't have torque level recommendations for 54 action sporters, but they do for the 64 action. Anschutz North America uses the same figures for Anschutz sporters in general. The range is 2.5 Nm (22 inch pounds) to 4.0 Nm (35.4 inch pounds) maximum.

Since there is a wide range of torque levels used in Anschutz rifles, I've used a few different torque screwdrivers.

The CDI 401 SM screwdriver has a 5 - 40 inch pound range. It's a quality product made by Snap On Tools. It's currently available at Amazon.ca and elsewhere.



The higher torque levels required by the 54 Match rifles led me to get another CDI Torque driver with a range of 2 NM to 8 Nm. It's very reliable and I keep it in my vehicle at all times along with my cleaning equipment so I can use it anytime I go to the range. It's also available at Amazon.



I also have an AHG torque tool (AHG is an Anschutz sister company). It's adjustment range is 4 - 12 Nm. I keep it at home in case I need it. It's available from Nordic Marksman.