Thread: Sako screw size

Hi all
Just acquired a Sako AV in 30-06 (lovely rifle!) and need to find some small screws to fill in the threaded holes that once held the open sights, both rear and fore. I'm not an engineer so I was hoping if a knowledgeable person here would know the thread size? I don't want the threaded holes filling up with gunk and corrosion being able to start. Many thanks in advance.
Ruger7mm

Originally Posted by Ruger7mm

Hi all
Just acquired a Sako AV in 30-06 (lovely rifle!) and need to find some small screws to fill in the threaded holes that once held the open sights, both rear and fore. I'm not an engineer so I was hoping if a knowledgeable person here would know the thread size? I don't want the threaded holes filling up with gunk and corrosion being able to start. Many thanks in advance.
Ruger7mm

I am sure someone will give you size but see if you can get either an allen headed plug or a slot head plug does make rifle look a lot neater

@gundoc ?

I can't tell you the size off the top of my head but I do know they have used some odd-sized metric screws in the past (3.5mm from memory but don't remember the pitch). If you wanted to permanently plug the holes there are a couple of options (retapping to another size, or forcing a close size screw in by deforming the thread) and then cutting, peening, and dressing down before matching the finish. A less permanent alternative is to mix an appropriately coloured epoxy and slightly overfilling the holes using a toothpick. When set it can be carefully trimmed flush with a razor blade. It can be removed at any time with a heat gun and a paperclip.

Hi Gundoc
I found a schematic drawing which says the screws are M4, so will see if I can get some appropriately looking ones from local engineering store. Otherwise will use epoxy solution.
Cheers
Ruger7mm

I almost guarantee they won’t be m4, if thee were they would likely be a a fine not standard course pitch thread

Last holes I filled were m3.5 same thread as the sako rings use for the top caps
Both sako and anshultz seem to be a fan of that size

Originally Posted by NCGNSMITH

Last holes I filled were m3.5 same thread as the sako rings use for the top caps
Both sako and anshultz seem to be a fan of that size

look I could be wrong but don't the plugs that new sako Tikka come with to fill the scope mount screw hole -don't they fit to plug the holes if you remove the sights

Hi all
From the drawing it says, " Mounting screw M4 x 0.5 x 4" I am guessing the length will need to be less to keep it flush with the barrel?