1866 Winchester Buggered Screw

[Grenadier]

So, I decided to remove the plastic coating that Uberti uses on their stocks on my 1866 carbine. Mind you that I have dismantled scores of firearms in my course of collecting (hoarding) them over the past 20 years. I am rather familiar with using proper screwdrivers and such on firearm screws.

While trying to remove the screw from the front barrel band, one side of the screw sheared off with barely any pressure. (are these things made of lead or tin) I have my suspicions that the screw was already cracked from installation. I have "easy-outs" but I have nothing small enough for this screw.

Any suggestions on how I might remove this without buggering up the band? 

[Coffinmaker]

It's been my experience in the past, once the front band screw was buggered, your screwed.  The threads are in the far side of the band so your stuck drilling out the far side and wrighting off the band.  If the gun is being used for CAS, I'd suggest picking up Pioneer Gunworks big beade front barrel band and it won't seem such a waste.

Coffinmaker

[Mike]

I have asked the importer here (NZ) about Uberti's screw, I find they are too soft.
His reply was Uberti get's thier screw from the same factory that surplies the whole of the Itialan gun trade.

Well they need to sort it. I have had a few problem with screw in the past, my Russian had to have new screw because I could not get them out to work the action to a shootable state. The worst one to get out are the screws for the lever and cartridge carrier.

[Nakota]

Vti Gun Parts (http://www.vtigunparts.com/) sells hardened Screws (http://www.vtigunparts.com/store/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=39&cat=Uberti+1866+Carbine). Uberti are using Loctite for their Srews.

[Pettifogger]

Vti Gun Parts (http://www.vtigunparts.com/) sells hardened Screws (http://www.vtigunparts.com/store/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=39&cat=Uberti+1866+Carbine). Uberti are using Loctite for their Srews.

Where did you get this information?  I have removed a LOT of Uberti screws and none have ever had loctite on them.

[Cliff Fendley]

The front barrel band screws are a real problem on the uberti 66. I've had trouble and can't count the number of others that have had problems getting them out. They are soft as all get out and the threads are rough/dirty or something when they are put together in the factory.

Pretty much count on a 50/50 chance of getting them out without drilling.

[Mike]

I have also seen the Loctite us on uberti guns.

[Coffinmaker]

I'm sorry, but I've been working on Uberty guns for 15+ years and have never found any evidence of LocTite or any other adhesive on Uberti fasteners.  Over torqued??  Absolutely.  Glue??  Nada.

Cliff, the possibility of the front band screw coming out cleanly is a lot less than 50/50.  One in 7, maybe.  For real fun, try the lever side springs or the magazine tube cap.

Once the screws have been removed for the first time, their just fine.  It helps to invest in an impact driver.  Having the right tools can ake things sooooooo much easier.  Although for the front band screw, your gonna need a drill.

Coffinmaker

[Abilene]

... It helps to invest in an impact driver.  Having the right tools can ake things sooooooo much easier...

I've always had good luck fitting the proper screwdriver into the slot, then giving it a couple of good whacks with a mallet, then really leaning into it as I turn it.  (I'm not talking about barrel band screws, though!  Mostly various screws in the receiver).  Nevertheless, I have found this impact driver from Harbor Freight to work well and it is very inexpensive: http://www.harborfreight.com/7-piece-reversible-impact-driver-set-93481.html

[Pettifogger]

I've always had good luck fitting the proper screwdriver into the slot, then giving it a couple of good whacks with a mallet, then really leaning into it as I turn it.  (I'm not talking about barrel band screws, though!  Mostly various screws in the receiver).  Nevertheless, I have found this impact driver from Harbor Freight to work well and it is very inexpensive: http://www.harborfreight.com/7-piece-reversible-impact-driver-set-93481.html

Yep, the little Harbor Freight impact driver accepts standard 1/4" drive screwdriver tips.  Throw away the ones that come with it, use good tips like those from Brownell's and use it on all the screws in a new Uberti right off the bat and you will have the best chance of breaking them loose without damaging the screws.  As Coffinmaker noted, once they are broken free they will come out and go back in with no trouble.

[Cliff Fendley]

Cliff, the possibility of the front band screw coming out cleanly is a lot less than 50/50.  One in 7, maybe.  For real fun, try the lever side springs or the magazine tube cap.

Coffinmaker

I suppose I was thinking a little too optimistic, figuring it was just my bad luck.

I just got a new 66 last year and it all came apart except for the front cap screws but the gun was put together filthy, just grit and mill shavings everywhere.

The receiver was full of corroded brass mill shavings like it came right off of the mill and was never cleaned.

[Grenadier]

Thanks for all of the replies, gentlemen.

I spoke to a friend of mine who is a machinist, he seems to think we can mill off the top of the screw and then drill it out on his lathe. Time to begin an adventure 

[Coffinmaker]

Cliff,

Some time back, there use to be lots of '66 and Henry questions on the "other" board.  I always told folks when they got a new '66 pr Henry, to take them apart and flush the casting sand and machine swarf out of the gun before they even cycled the action or fired them.  Not as bad now, but still necessary.  Normally, the magazine tube comes from the factory with rust at no additional charge.  Clean the tube and lube it first thing as well.  I like Boeshield T-9 for the tube and spring as well.  But, while it's apart, might just as well replace the spring and follower with stainless.

Coffinmaker

[Nakota]

Maybe Uberti are using Loctite for their Srews.

[GunClick Rick]

Boy i have gottin all my stuff from EMF Hartford and all were clean,slick,right out of the box.My 92 lever was a little tough at first,but i put a large loop on it and it slicked right up for some reason.