Tightening stock on Model 70

[Weezer]

My model 70 got soaked while deer hunting and surface rust started forming within hours, so I removed the stock (wood) and cleaned and oiled the rifle. How tight should the screws be when I replace the stock? I just hand tightened them as tight as I could get them. I didnt go overboard where I heard the wood cracking or the tang bending. Is this adequete?

I should probably take the rifle to the range to make sure my zero didn't move, correct?

Thanks

[JWP]

most 70s and 700 remingtons use 65 inch lbs of torque for the action screws

this is on lubricated threads

[Weezer]

I finally called Winchester the other day. They said they use 15 inch pounds.

[rick458]

yeah you dont want the stock torqeing on the action
use a little loctite just to keep them from backing offBlue

[firefuzz]

If you hear wood cracking when tightening the action screws the stock is not fitted right to the action.

Either do it yourself or have a riflesmith glass bed the action.

BTW only aluminum piller block or stocks with a full aluminum bedding block use 65 inch pounds of torque. On a stock without this support you will cause damage to the stock or action.

Rob