American Gunsmith

Repairing Damaged Screw Heads on Used Firearms

by Wendell Deaner

When contemplating a used firearm purchase the first thing I look for is rust. The next thing is “boogered-up” or damaged screw heads. Nothing screams amateur and abuse like a messed-up screw. By using ill-fitting screwdrivers countless side-plate and stock screws have been damaged beyond repair. Or have they? Negotiating a price is on the buyer’s side when confronted by a gun that has obviously been damaged by poor gunsmithing practices. Damaged screws cannot be hidden any easier than the hostility of a disgruntled mother-in-law who thinks her daughter should have married an old beau who made more money than her honey.