Cooey model 39 advice

[nmorris]

Hey everyone, hoping someone can shed some light on a few issues I'm having with an old cooey model 39 (pre-Winchester I believe). Figured it would be a good first time rifle to start re-bluing and refinishing the stock on. Sorry I don't have any pictures attached this is my 2nd ever post and haven't figured that part out yet.

First, I am having trouble removing the stock screw (the only screw that attaches the barell to the stock) from the stock. I have the barell off but can not get the screw out of the stock. Just wondering if there's some sort of trick to this that I'm not noticing? It's the style screw that has the knurled nut on the bottom end.

Second, the damn screw that's holding the rear sight in place does not want to come out. I've read other places that some lads have had trouble with this and given up but I want it out. The trouble is its not budging and the metal is extremely soft, so the head of the screws getting pretty chewed up. Also it was stripped long before I got my hands on it. Tried lubricants and heating. Going to resort to an extractor set I think, so does anyone know if these screws are available anywhere or if they're some kind of odd thread hat wound be hard to find ?

Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

 

[Tom E Gun]

I can't offer much practical advice, but I can offer moral support.

I refinished my Cooey 39 many years ago when I was 16. The stock had a chunk missing at the front along with all kinds of nicks and gouges, and even had a few different former owners' initials carved into it. It had a "sling" made from clothesline and attached with 2 small eyebolts. The metal parts had no blueing left and some light surface rust.

I cut the damaged portion off at the front of the stock, sanded aggressively and then refinished with several coats of Krylon satin clear finish. The stock finish has withstood abuse very well over the years and still looks good. The metal was cleaned and cold blued, most of the cold blue finish has worn off over the years, but remains rust free.

 

[tiriaq]

Sounds as if the bushing which holds the barrel in place, into which the take down screw is threaded, unscrewed from the receiver.
You could try reassembling the rifle, with Loctite in the receiver/bushing. Once set, maybe the screw with unscrew from the bushing.

If you have to, file off the head of the screw, or drill it out & remove the sight, then tap out the dovetail block from the barrel. Remove the screw stump from the block, and replace it. It is a standard thread.

 

[Magellann]

Usually the screw in the stock can be removed by pulling on it, while unscrewing it from the wood, perhaps you have a rusted or damaged thread that won't allow it to catch and start coming out.
The screws on the rear sight can be very tight, I tried removing one recently and it wouldn't budge, so I left it alone before I chewed it up. On another rifle that same screw came out easily. Using an impact driver, the type you hit with a hammer should work unless the head of the screw is badly deformed.

 

[kamlooky]

I just did this reno on a Ranger here.
If you have the stock removed from the barrel/action, tap the end of the thread with
something softer than the thread.
Like a brass punch.
There is a collar that is pushed into the stock from the outside in.
The bolt has a crimp which holds it on the action screw.
Some are threaded and others use this goofie stamped washer stamped into a bowl shape.
Go gently and watch the good side of the wood to prevent wood splinters from around the hole.

 

[nmorris]

Thanks for all the quick replies and suggestions! Going to take what you guys said and get back at it today.

Tom E Gun that looks great, if mine turns out that good ill be pretty happy with myself. I'll settle for better than it was before. I'll keep updating and I imagine I will need more advice sometime soon!