It shouldn't be any big deal, if you use a one piece scope base. You can retap that hole to 8-40 threads or I would just mount the base with the remaining three holes. It's not like the "recoil" of the .22 round will cause the scope base to come loose being mounted with three screws. If the looks of a missing screw from the base bothers you, you can just glue a screw in that hole and no one will ever know it.

 

Thanks. I'm going to try this base with bigger screws (http://www.rimfiretechnologies.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=TPSR-005)

 

Brownells sells the 8-40 screws and taps for problems like you had.
World's Largest Supplier of Firearm Accessories, Gun Parts and Gunsmithing Tools - BROWNELLS

Best Regards, John K

 

If you're going to retap for 8-40, you'll want a bottom tap so that you can cut threads the whole way to the bottom. Then you may also have to open up that hole in the mount a bit to compensate for the larger screw. Not really all that hard to do, just take your time.

 

I alway wondered, what should I do when I strip the takedown screw hole (not that I have, but a "What If/When")?

 

If I was to strip out the take-down screw hole, I think I would install a Helicoil in it.

 

Too small of a hole, don't try it. Great for larger holes. You are thinking which is good.

John K

 

Just get the The screw and taps frrom Brownells if you want to do it right. It's not cheap, but does not require drilling.
The screw is a .146" .48 X 1/2, so it would have to be shortened. It, part # 080719112AC, costs $7.95. The two taps are the .146" taper tap @ 31.68 part number 080598146ac, THE BOTTOMING TAP IS .146" @ 35.95, part number 080598148ac.
If you are very careful ,you might just get away with the botoming tap.
It is expensive, but is the correct way to fix the hole.
You can try other methods, but if you mess it up, you are done.
The taps are expensive because they are a special tap that you will not be able to find anywhere else, made just to go this job..

Best Regards, John K

 

Thank you, I'll check it out

 

just in case you really want to fix it, i can tell you that once i asked ruger about that issue and they told me they will not fix them, but they will replace the receiver for a pretty low fee, it was like 30 bucks. of course, then you have to factor in the cost of shipping, and you might not want to do it with an older receiver because you will get a new one with the new finish. i ship everything through my dealer, and they never ask for any money. don't know if you could do the same. good luck

 

dksac2, Helicoils are made as small as #1-64. That is .074" So you could surely get a size to fix a take down screw hole, even if you needed to use a different screw. I have personally installed many helicoils of size 4mm on machines where I work. Doing it is a piece of cake and you will NOT strip it out again.

 

Brain *art, I thought we were still talking about scope screws, not the take down screw, sorry.

John K

 

If you don't want to spend the money for the tools and the chance of not getting it just right.

Call Ruger 10/22 parts at 603 865-2442, tell them you stripped out your scope mount screws.

They will ask you the send them just the receiver for replacement.

They will replace the receiver for you in this type of case.

I have had a couple of customers that did the same thing and both got replaced.

Now you have a choice...Doug

Happy 4th everyone

 

Great suggestion.
I didn't think Ruger would just replace the receiver.
Do they charge for the exchange?
The one big advantage is that if it's an old gun that was shot a lot, you will have a new tighter receiver and won't have to make the repair, the disadvantage is that you will have the ugly paint job, not the nice smooth one that they used to come with.

John K