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Installing Weaver Base - #6-48 vs, #6-32

gknaka2
Hi gang,
Question. I am installing a pair of weaver bases on my receiver that I have to drill and tap (I have done many receivers myself so will be supplying all the tools and sweat). The screws that came with it are #6-48 screws, but I would rather use #6-32 screws due to a) the availability of the tap at my local hardware store and b)I prefer the coarser 32 tpi vs 48 tpi.

Does anyone see a problem with this? I know the standard for scope mounts is #6-48 screws.

Would appreciate some experienced, knowledgeable gunsmiths chiming in.
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Comments

11 comments

Date Votes
  • rufe-snow
    Because of the limited thread depth due to the the wall thickness of the receiver, fine thread screws are provided. It's your call/your rifle though, if you feel that the course thread screws will work, go to it.
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  • 41 nut
    6X48 will give you more threads holding the base in place. If the gun is a caliber with heavy recoil I would stay with them. There's a reason all the gun and scope companies settled on 6x48 as standard. Brownell's sell 6x48 screws for Weaver bases.
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  • cussedemgun
    gknaka2,

    6-32 travels (makeup) 1/3 greater distance, as does 6-48, per revolution. That means a greater lever advantage in term of clamping pressure at any given torque for the 6-48 screw.

    In layman's terms, they will stay put better & be less likely to shear screws.

    I would advise staying with the standard 6-48 especially for larger or heavier scopes.

    Jim
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  • babun
    Think about this: when the model 1911 colt was put thru the the army trials for candidate for issue, the major change the army asked for was that the grip screws remained the same diameter BUT the pitch of the thread to be increased. There is a reason for using 48tpi. Bob
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  • tsr1965
    As has been said before, they are pretty much standard throughout the industry. If not 6-48, then 8-40. Brownells, and Midway, both sell drills, taps, and screws/bolts for both. Anything other would be buzzardizing it for someone else, and possibly doing all the work for nothing, when the screws of 6-32 pull out.

    Best
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  • wpage
    Think of it like griping with two hands rather than 1 big hand. 2 is best since your grip area is too small.
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  • dandak1
    Absolutely go with 6-48, you only have ONE chance to do this, do it right.
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  • bama55
    As everybody else, go with 6-48.
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  • gknaka2
    Boy, great responses, thank you.

    I just bought a #6-48 tap and #31 bit and will do it right. Besides, the 6-32 heads are too big anyway.
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  • bpost
    If you have blind holes, not going all the way through, make sure you use a bottom tap to get threads all the way down. Fit and file as necessary every screw to reach as many threads as possible.

    Over on GB General Discussion is a picture of my ugly mug with one hell of a big gash in my forehead after a scope, rings and base included sheared off of a 375 H&H mag barrel, smacking me right between the running lights.
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  • gknaka2
    Thanks Bruce. That's exactly why I hate tapered and plug taps. The threads start so far up the darn thing.
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