Picatinny rail on a 10/22 receiver

Exile_D

Exile_D

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I managed to strip the threads out of the holes for mounting sights on the top of a stock 10/22 receiver.
Something about steel screws in a 36+ year old aluminum receiver with a Weaver torque wrench that apparently malfunctioned (I guess) and now there are no more threads.

The aftermath: https://i.imgur.com/08v3xjx.jpg

So I can no longer mount my tech sights nor the Leupold scope base I wanted to switch to when I stripped it. At least not without altering either of them. Neither of which appear to be easily modified and keep the integrity of their accuracy/consistency.

No matter what I do, I obviously have to retap the holes in the receiver. That raises the question of will I have to alter any and all bases/mounts I may want to use going forward?

If I have this right in my head, since the new holes in the receiver will be larger, I won't be able to use any of the screws sent with a base or mount I might normally purchase. If I can't use their intended screws, I will then have to alter the base or mount to use the new sized screws. This seems like a PITA and something I could easily screw up further.

I was thinking I would need something like this: EGW Undrilled Picatinny and sort of just start over.

Is this something a good gunsmith could remedy? Before I FUBAR it completely. :D
If so, any recommendations in the Charlotte area?
 
@Exile_D I've had one screw strip out but not more than that. I just don't use that screw hole.

I am curious to see if you can find a repair method that is cost effective. The base rifle is so inexpensive I can't imagine spending much time/effort on having it repaired.
 
Are the holes all the way through the receiver or are they blind holes?

I have used my laser to remove screws, then use the tap to push out the old threads.
 
The holes go all the way through the top of the receiver. It shouldn't be hard to retap the holes.

If this wasn't my first 10/22, I would probably just get another receiver. I'd like to keep it all together (original stock, receiver, barrel, etc.) though, but if it ends up being very expensive, than I will just start over with another one.
 
D, don't rule out giving Ruger a call. Odds are they may laugh and say tough luck or they might hook you up, stranger things have happened with them.. The call is free,,
 
Have a gunsmith drill and tap it to a larger size. I recently did the same with a 22/45 that had a fubar'd mounting hole. Took it to Joel Pendergraft and had him tap it out to 8-40.
 
Keep the original hole spacing in the receiver, drill and tap to the next larger size screw. Alter the desired base to handle the new screw size. This would require number bits and a bottoming bit as well..... Quit screwing with the Weaver torque thingy...
Buy a Snap-on...
 
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